of the Year

“When Maki was on the floor, I
knew I would have a great day.
When I worked with her, we
discussed the care of patients and
plan for the day in the morning. In
addition, throughout the day she
was great about following up with
tasks she had completed and how
the patient has tolerated the task.
In one particular instance, for
several weeks the unit was caring
for a teenage boy with very
complex psychological and social
needs. I had been caring for the
patient for approximately two
weeks and due to his psychological
needs, he required a PSA. Maki
was the PSA and she went above
and beyond her PSA duties. She
was able to connect with this
patient in a way no one else could.
He went on a hunger strike and she
convinced him to start eating.
When he went on a personal
hygiene strike, she was able to help
him into the shower. She was able
to engage him in conversation and
get him to participate in his daily
care.”
Angie Casillas, RN
former co-worker on 13A
“Although I have always been fascinated with medicine and human
physiology, my story is not that of someone who always wanted to be a
nurse. My Initial training was in exercise and sports science and I worked
as the fitness director of a physical therapy clinic and found the work fun
and rewarding. I enjoyed working with clients and being part of their
recovery, and it was very gratifying to see them getting to return to the
activities they once enjoyed. When I lost my job at the beginning of the
recession in 2009, it gave me an opportunity to reflect on the things I
wanted to do in my life. I knew I wanted to continue to help people with
the challenging process of recovery from illness and injury and to be a part
of their rehabilitation process, but, at the same time, I wanted some
change in my life. That’s when I decided to obtain a CNA certification to
see if nursing is something I would enjoy as much as physical therapy.
Being a CNA may not be the most glamorous job in the eyes of the world
or health care community, and it sure is not on many days, but I could not
ask for a more rewarding job. When the patients say that I made their day
or I helped them to feel human again, it gives me a feeling that my work is
meaningful and important. Working as a CNA on 13A (Trauma and
Emergency General Surgery) taught me a great deal about teamwork and
achieving a common goal: the compassionate care for each individual. I
am extremely honored to receive this award, however, I couldn’t have
achieved this without the support of all the other members of the patient
care team. I think that’s another reason I enjoy my job - nursing is a team
sport. One person cannot effectively care for people in need, but with
everyone working together, I have witnessed incredible care and
subsequently amazing recovery in very ill patients.
I recently joined the TICU team on 7A. The TICU team is made up of
incredible nurses who truly care for their patients. They are my role
models for how I want to be once I obtain my RN license. I appreciate the
co-workers and friends who have nominated me for this award and been
supportive during my time at OHSU. All my co-workers’ daily commitment
and passion for patient care inspires me and allows me to learn more
about how to care better for people in need every day.”
Maki Kato