I first met Donna Epley at my interview at CPSC. Donna was very positive, professional, with thought-provoking questions. Donna had great answers to my questions and could perceive that high-quality patient care was of top priority to her and this facility. I could understand her desire to provide the best possible care for patients and build a team to carry that out. The partnership that I experienced in the interview team with me made me want to be an employee there! I have been a nurse myself for over 40 years and knew I needed a team like this to work with, and Donna was leading the way. Well, I was fortunate to get the job at CPSC, and guess what, Donna was the staff member who oriented me. Her position at that time was CNC (Clinical Nurse Manager). But I experienced that she was involved with daily needs and jumped at the opportunity to make sure patient care was the number one priority. In the orientation, I sat at my computer and was giving so much information about HCA resources. Not only did Donna help me log on to all the resources I would need, but she bookmarked all the references I would need for my new Job duties as a Pre-Anesthesia Nurse. This made me feel cared for and connected to this team. As I went through the orientation process, I experienced much of her knowledge and passion she had about her desire for quality care. The orientation folder that she created was full of valuable information. I felt prepared to take on the job after Donna finished my orientation.

The facility had experienced some major changes in less than a year that I have observed: Summit GI joining the group, pain clinic start-up, JACO survey, and OMP start-up with changes in Work-flow. As a CNC, Donna was involved in implementing many of the changes with the NM (Nurse Manager) and ADM (Administrator). The Culture of Collaborative and Inclusive teamwork was a remarkable experience. Donna worked closely with the NM and the Adm. They have High standards for patient care and strive to deliver high-quality care to our population. She also cared well for her staff.

The Current NM retired, and Donna stepped up to the call and took the NM office job. She continued to manage the work environment. Donna continued to lead from alongside hand in hand. She is authentic, empathetic, and works very hard in her new position. She listened and encouraged all to share their thoughts, fears, and constructive criticism. She empowers you for the constant change required in healthcare. Her commitment and passion have made the vision of all the changes come into a working environment. But her calling to be more involved with patient care continued to tug at her heart. She decided to return to the CNC position to be closer to patient care and her staff. When she returned to CNC she staffed in on the floor frequently d/t needs of staffing. I saw that patient care was something that she was a natural at and enjoyed providing care. Her smiles with patient care were great to see. Many times, you would hear her laughter and her patient’s laughter. She demonstrated a caring and compassionate attitude towards her patients and could tell she enjoyed every minute. It wasn’t a burden to her. Her clinical skills and experience are very deep and broad. She is looked to by many of the staff for support and help with patient care needs. When I came to be a part of this team, I was welcomed, supported, and given the tools I needed by Donna. Donna has been empathetic to me when I have had personal trials and when I have anxiety and fear about constant changes in the healthcare arena. Her caring attitude has been a lifeline and one of the reasons I enjoy working here in this Christ-centered medical facility. I want to recognize Donna and say Thank-You to her for her Extraordinary talents and gifts she shares.