Seven Methodist Healthcare nurses have been named South Texas Nurse Imagemakers. The Delta Alpha Chapter-a-Large of Sigma theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society selected them because they model a professional image and positive caring attitude; leadership qualities; a commitment to continuous learning; and significant contributions to the organization and community. Congratulations!
Candace Cole, RN
* Director, Perioperative Services, Methodist Stone Oak Hospital
~ Candace has excellent critical thinking skills which she has demonstrated in the clinical arena by implementing process improvements in surgical case turn-over time reduction, implementation of the Surgery Passport, and creation of a monitoring tool to ensure compliance with National Patient Safety Goals. Most noteworthy is her recent creation of a product, “Time Out,” which will be produced by Sandel Medical Company and distributed to health care organizations nationwide. This product will increase compliance with the “Time Out” safety initiative for all procedures.
Esther Garcia, BSN, RN
* Permanent Charge Nurse, Post Surgical Floor, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital
~ Physicians who place their patients on the fifth floor ask for Esther by name, knowing that she is always well informed on the patient’s conditions and able and willing to assist as necessary. Employees of the fifth floor and surgery frequently send emails to the Nursing Director praising her leadership, especially in stressful situations. Patients send cards and letters with testimonials about Esther’s dedication to her nursing profession. The unit always runs smoothly when Esther is in charge.
Eileen Huss, BS, MHA, RN, CEN
* Vice President of Patient Care Services, Methodist Boerne Emergency Center
~ Eileen was responsible for the successful opening of the first free-standing Emergency Department in the
San Antonio area. Her dedication and commitment to success is evident in the staff whom she continues to coach toward clinical and professional excellence. Eileen’s support of continuing education is evident in the way she facilitates the staff’s awareness of new and upcoming innovations for the health care field. She continues to develop resources designed to improve processes such as the Triage Training Tool, an Emergency Department Nursing Documentation Tool, and an Intrafacility Electronic Handoff Nursing Report.
Michele G. Patterson, MSN, RN, CCRN, CCNS
* Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Methodist Hospital
~ Michele has tremendous insight into the needs of the direct care staff and articulates these ideas in a thoughtful manner. Her leadership contributed to the success of initiatives regarding practice issues such as restraint reduction, blood administration and handoff communication. Her peers appreciate her open leadership style and willingness to listen to ideas and suggestions for improvement, and patients compliment her for thoroughness of the teaching that she provides. Michele is responsible for developing an orientation packet for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.
Timothy E. Walker, RN
* Charge Nurse, Medical Monitored Unit, Northeast Methodist Hospital
~ Tim’s leadership sets the tone for the unit. His approach is quiet and humble with an infectious laugh. He encourages, educates and mentors his colleagues. He participates in hospital-wide patient-throughput processes to improve patient flow, seeking out opportunities to increase his knowledge of evidence-based nursing practice. Tim initiated a plan to improve the delivery of STAT medications to the patient in the hospital. Tim says, “Nursing is more than a job or career. Nursing means giving of myself above and beyond, because there are others more important than me.”
Rachel Warner, RN
* Nurse Director, Medical Unit, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital
~ Rachel has been employed by MSTH for the past 27 years. Rachel has served as LVN, charge nurse, assistant nurse manager, nurse director and educator. As an educator, Rachel chaired the Medical-Surgical Service-Line Committee, where she expertly facilitated a three-day course for graduate nurses. During each step of her varied career, Rachel has always led by example. She is kind, compassionate, direct and funny. These attributes have served her well as she deals with her most challenging role to date, Nurse Director.
Sandra Williams, RNC, NIC
* Newborn Outreach Educator, Pediatric Outreach, Methodist Children’s Hospital
~ Sandy was one of the first instructors in South Texas to present STABLE, a course that teaches those caring for newborns to better regulate and support newborns. In addition, she has created and presented courses on at least 15 various neonatal topics from Brownsville to Abilene. She expanded her role as educator when working as a transport nurse. Sandy’s contributions to education include her implementation of PCEP, Perinatal Continuing Nursing Education, an intense and complex self study program which is now one of Methodist Children’s Hospital’s most effective teaching tools.
