Each month, Fairfield Memorial Hospital honors an employee who has exemplified outstanding patient care and customer service internally and externally.
In November, Derek Rude, RN, who has been with Fairfield Memorial Hospital for 3 years, was named Employee of the Month. Derek works on the Med/Surg Unit, ICU, and in the Wound Clinic, and often works many extra shifts when he is needed to help his coworkers as much as possible. Recognition of the compassionate care Derek provides is often brought to light by the requests of patients asking if he is working because of the way he can brighten their day. His peers have seen him take time during his a very busy day to sit with and console a patient and their family members who have received some extremely sad news. On this particular occasion, he sat on the edge of this patient’s bed, held the patient’s hand, and provided a gentle hug. Derek’s peers recognized the gentle and caring ways he cares for his patients, as well as, his ability to make patients laugh and smile, which can make devastating news more bearable.
“If most of us nurses were asked why we became nurses, a common answer would probably include having the desire to care for people and help them feel better. However, Derek does this better than most. I can give Derek the highest compliment a nurse can receive from another nurse. I would, without a doubt, let Derek take care of my family or me, because he is one of the best,” stated Chris Winter, RN, ICU Nurse Leader.
“Derek has extreme compassion for his patients and takes extra time with patients to ensure they are well cared for, which is much appreciated by the patients and their family members. Derek has always been dependable and reliable, is respectful to his co-workers, and is always a team player. I am very glad to have him serving patients on my unit,” stated Angie Meadows, RN, Med/Surg and ICU Nurse Manager.
Pictured is Ann Ignas, RN, MSN, FMH Chief Nurse Executive, presenting Derek Rude, RN with the FMH’s Employee of the Month plaque.
