Three receive Medical Center Credo Awards
Three recipients of the Vanderbilt Medical Center Credo Award were announced May 20 at a VMC leadership assembly at Langford Auditorium.
Awards went to:
• Robin DaSilva, R.N., a staff nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit;
• Amber Thomas, R.N., a staff nurse in the Pediatric Emergency Room; and
• Willola “Huntsie” Walden, an environmental tech at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.
The awards were presented by each employee's supervisor.
The three recipients each received $500, a crystal bowl and a standing ovation from the crowd of some 700 VMC leaders.
DaSilva's nomination excerpted a letter from a Vanderbilt employee turned MICU patient.
Robin DaSilva, R.N. (photo by Joe Howell)
DaSilva has shown “a passion and energy for her job that was palpable, she knew exactly what to do and what to say to make my ICU stay less stressful. She exemplifies the Credo behaviors of our organization and is an outstanding nurse.”
Thomas is “consistently recognized by patients and families for her compassionate care in all situations,” her nomination stated.
Amber Thomas, R.N. (photo by Joe Howell)
“She transitions easily between the sickest of the children placed in her care to those who need urgent care. It takes a special and compassionate caregiver to explain to a parent that their child is critically ill, and then transition to explain to another parent how to administer Tylenol and how to control fever.
“She addresses each of these educational needs with such understanding that each patient and family feels that they are her only focus.”
Walden's nomination noted her dedication to serving patients and her “delightful sense of humor that always brings us a 'sunny' day.
Willola "Huntsie" Walden (photo by Joe Howell)
“She never complains but works tirelessly to be an effective team member. It doesn't hurt that she also knows where there is a secret stash of chocolate and drops a Hershey's Kiss in our pocket at just the right time.” The nomination also stated, “I have been an R.N. since 1970 and have never seen a more professional and caring co-worker.”
The Credo Committee selects up to three recipients of the Credo Award each quarter.
Nomination forms and a list of award criteria are available on the elevate Web site (www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/elevate), from the elevate brochure stand in the Vanderbilt University Hospital service elevator lobby and from the Vanderbilt Valet desk in Medical Center North. Repeat nominations are welcome.