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Back to Profiles Mary

Title: RN

Department / Facility: Emergency Services

Tenure: 30 years

I stand for COMPASSIONATE CARE, EMPOWERMENT and MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Compassionate care is the type of care I hope all staff would provide a family member if they came to Stanford for care. I would like to be able to give all of the patients I care for and their family the same level of care I would expect my family members to receive. This is the kind of care I want a family member to receive. I'm committed to see that the patients I care for receive it as well. I feel that Stanford is making every effort to allow me to practice this form of Nursing.

Empowerment is important - not only for the care-givers, but also for patients and their families. By empowering them to take an active part in their health care, through providing information and education, we give them the tools to take the responsibility for getting well or at least dealing with their illness with humanity and grace. Empowerment for nurses equals empowerment for patients and their families. Stanford allows nurses to think out of the box; to troubleshoot and problem solve on many different levels. In doing so, a nurse can provide patients and their family with knowledge and tools.

Making a difference is very important to me. It's one of the major reasons I chose a career in Nursing. Over the last 35 years at Stanford I've seen some major changes in the practice of medicine and caring for patients. Being able to help people through a difficult or life-threatening illness is very rewarding. Stanford has allowed me to be the best Nurse I can be, so I could make that difference!

What brought you to Stanford?

I trained in LA and followed a friend to work at Stanford. I wanted to try something new. I came in as a new graduate. I knew SHC was a teaching and cutting-edge hospital.

What do you enjoy most about working at Stanford?

I enjoy my colleagues. I love the learning atmosphere. It has been consistent for 35 years. They are very supportive of learning new skills. It is on the cutting-edge of new technology. There is a diversity of patients from all over the world. I learn about different cultures and treatment plans. I train other hospital staff on emergency medicine and patient care. It’s fun to teach and adapt to patients level of understanding. SHC nurses take the time to teach and translate medicine/biology to patients in plain language. I love to educate patient’s families about conditions/treatments and answer questions. I have compassion for patients, colleagues, families, and friends. I also get the opportunity to teach in the continuing education center.

What would you tell someone considering employment at Stanford?

It’s a great place to work if you are looking for a challenge. They provide opportunities to learn and grow. You get to work with the best medical staff out there. There is a great variety of patients which you won’t find at a regular community hospital. There is more complex care here. I enjoy the Bay Area. It provides a wide opportunity of things to do. This job is also flexible and the managers and nurses are very supportive.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy or what is it about you personally that makes you a valuable member of the Stanford team?

I like to cook, ski, and go to the theater. I enjoy local sports and traveling. I enjoy a challenge. I have a loyal personality. I don’t hesitate to speak up and I am a trouble shooter.