Dixon Recipient of 2010 MGH Friend of Nursing

One of the highlights of the annual celebration of National Hospital Week at Marion Health is the nomination, voting and selection of the Marion Health Friend of Nursing award winner. Each nominee must exemplify characteristics of and support each of the Magnet® components; Transformational Leadership, Structural Empowerment, New Knowledge, Innovation and Improvement and Exemplary Professional Practice.

This year, fourteen Friend of Nursing nominees were presented and the winner was Paula Dixon, Telemetry. Paula has performed her EKG/Monitor Technician duties for more than a decade and she exemplifies characteristics of each of the four Magnet components in many ways.

Transformational Leadership: Paula is committed to providing excellence in healthcare services. She is also dedicated to the mission and vision of Marion Health. She conveys a strong sense of advocacy and her support of her patients and staff far exceeds the requirements of her job. As an example, when the CCD nursing staff called and requested her assistance with an agitated patient, Paula did not hesitate. Even though it was well outside the scope of her required duties, she was more than willing to assist nursing. With her kind, gentle, friendly and compassionate attitude, Paula was able to calm the anxious CCD patient.

Structural Empowerment: Paula’s positive image is obvious on a daily basis as she greets everyone with a smile and always treats patients and staff with the utmost respect. She is a valuable team member and her expertise in rhythm recognition and communication skill provides the optimal environment for nurse autonomy. Paula provides the nurses with the important information and keeps them updated with what they need to know in order to always make the best decisions for their patients. She provides a meaningful contribution for improved clinical outcomes as she can always be counted on for rapid identification and notification of heart rhythm changes.

New Knowledge, Innovation and Improvement: Over the years, Paula has developed innovative ideas to improve practice in the monitor room, which ultimately leads to improved nursing practice. She has developed and implemented a numbering system for continuous inventory control of the patient battery packs. Paula also implemented a system of Velcro strips for identification of various patient issues such as: patients receiving special IV medication drips; patients off the monitor and away from their room for testing; patients requiring special EKG measurements, etc. She takes the initiative to assist nursing and participate in educational opportunities by always saving unusual or rare rhythm strips. These strips are then shared and used on the monthly EKG competency to educate staff members.

Exemplary Professional Practice: Paula’s commitment to promoting excellent relations is evident as she assesses and responds to need. She makes Telemetry and the Monitor Room a more inviting work place by always sprucing it up with seasonal decorations. She adds a personal touch by providing a display of team members who are celebrating a birthday during a particular month. Last year, when a pipe burst on the 4th floor and smelly, black water came cascading through the ceiling directly above the monitors, Paula was instrumental in protecting the monitoring equipment. Without complaint, Paula instinctively stood holding a garbage can under the waterfall, all while she was being splashed and the fluid was dripping down her elbows. Paula’s actions that day saved the equipment.

Paula makes a difference at Marion Health everyday. She is the epitome of “great attitude”. She inspires others to join with her in exceeding expectations and is a true Friend of Nursing. Congratulations Paula! Thank you for being you and taking great care of our patients and staff.