(July 26, 2024) – The Kansas Hospital Association's Heart of Health Care Worker Award highlights hospital employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital. This week, KHA honors Mary Miller, Decatur Health, Oberlin, for her service and contributions to health care.
Nurse Mary Miller is committed to Decatur Health, and despite driving miles from her farm to the facility, she is a very loyal team member. As a nurse in surgery, the specialty clinic and the pharmacy, Miller's dedication to Decatur Health for 41 years can't be questioned.
Miller is smart, honest, responsible, professional, respectful, reliable and accountable. She is an amazing nurse who shows compassion to every patient in the unit or ER. She is a great educator and mentor and is frequently tasked with training new nurses on the floor. She's a leader and a team captain, always willing to share her knowledge or give guidance. Through her years at Decatur Health, she has mentored many young nurse aides to pursue education as an LPN or an RN. Being a team lead in adopting the medication dispensing system is another project Mary has committed to. As one of two pharmacy nurses, she co-led the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.
Staff and administration never have to question Miller's commitment to be at work, meetings or if an assignment is completed by the deadline. They know she will be prepared, and her work will be detailed and complete. Her patient care and documentation are always timely and accurate. She offers knowledge, respect, compassion and kindness to each patient.
Staff and patients are forever thankful for Miller's presence and skills. She has helped diagnose heart attacks by performing detailed patient intakes. One patient credited her with "saving his life." As a seasoned nurse, she is at the helm, helping navigate difficult shifts when multiple high-stress situations occur.
Miller, and other Heart of Health Care Worker Award nominees, will be recognized during the KHA Awards Luncheon at the 2024 KHA Annual Convention on Sept. 5, 2024, at Sheraton Overland Park/Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park.
--Shelby Stacy