Rush Foundation Hospital EVS Team Member Debbie Harrison Comes to Nurse’s Aide on Mother’s Day
June 30th, 2010
Rush Foundation Hospital EVS Team Member Debbie Harrison was recognized this month by Lessia Smith, the Nurse Manager of 5N & 6N, for going above and beyond her daily job to help a fellow Rush Foundation staff member in need on Mother's Day.
Smith wrote in a letter to various hospital managers:
"I would like to respectfully ask for about 5 minutes at the beginning of the next operations meeting to recognize an Environmental Services Employee. On 5 North we have a Housekeeper who went above and beyond her job description on Sunday, May 9. The housekeeper's name is Debbie. I have already spoken to [EVS Director Charles Perdices] about this wonderful lady and her dedication to her job on several occasions, but again she has raised the bar!
On this date, I had 2 nurses on the floor due to low census, my charge nurse was feeling ill and was returning to nurses' station from the restroom and collapsed to the floor. The second nurse was in a room with a dying patient and their family, and Debbie happened to be walking by as my nurse collapsed. [Debbie] immediately took action; she helped get the nurse into a chair and immediately went and found the other nurse in the patient's room. The second nurse came to station to find his coworker very ill, at which time he called and RRT. Debbie stayed with my nurse and assisted as much as possible until the RRT Team arrived. Debbie is the TRUE epitome of the Rush Creed of being her brother's keeper."
EVS Director Charles Perdices says, "Through the years we have had various issues with the floor that Debra works on. Since hiring her [in February], we have found the perfect fit, as she is well liked and respected by all staff members."
"Debra truly exhibits a positive and refreshing attitude every day when she comes to work."
When asked to comment, Debbie simply said, "I did what anyone else would have done. She needed help, I was there, and I did everything I could until further help arrived. I am just glad I was right there to give her immediate assistance."
