PORT ANGELES — Olympic Medical Center’s board of commissioners and leadership team honored four nurses, one certified nurse assistant and one unit secretary at the board of commissioners meeting Feb. 3.
Kristy Makula, RN; Debbie Casey, CNA; Sandy Caswell, CNA; Lori Gray, RN; Kathe Sims, RN; and Robin Burse, BSN, RN, were recognized for high levels of commitment to patient care.
“Kristy has received recognition from our Leadership Rounding Team and from patients who identified her as going above and beyond with her compassionate care,” said Tanya Rutherford, outgoing director of the medical/surgical unit.
As the nursing unit secretary, “Casey is a great first impression for our patients’ family members and visitors, is very helpful to the physicians and always maintains a positive attitude,” Rutherford said.
Caswell is the senior CNA on the unit and is the “go-to” person for all CNA staff and nurses on the night shift. According to Rutherford, “Sandy provides outstanding, compassionate care and maintains high standards and expectations because she feels that the patients deserve only the best.”
Gray received accolades for providing great care to patients, acting as a patient advocate and striving to be a positive part of the experience for patients and their families.
“Nursing is the eyes and ears for the physicians, and Lori does not hesitate to call the physician for patient care needs. Safety is very important to her,” Rutherford said.
Sims, who started working at OMC in 1987, is a senior nurse on day shift.
“Kathe provides outstanding care to our patients and really tries to connect with their families on a personal level to help ease anxiety. She also strives to ensure that they understand what to do after being discharged,” Rutherford said.
OMC recently named Burse the interim director of the medical/surgical unit.
“Robin is all about the patient and the patient experience. She has very high standards and expectations about the level of care provided to our patients, and the support and leadership that she provides to our staff,” Rutherford said.
Burse is also currently studying for her master’s degree in nursing.
