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