Nursing at EMMC begins and ends with very good care for our patients and their families.

Each of us is different. Each of us defines very good care in a different, highly personal way. So at the beginning of every shift our nurses ask their patients to define what very good care means to them at that time. We write that on each patient's white board, along with the names and roles of each member of that patient's care team for that shift.

At EMMC, every decision we make is based on improving patient care. Because of our focus on patient care, our nurses, who are our patients' primary care givers, have the resources they need. Evidence-based practice. Great teamwork with physicians, respiratory therapists and the rest of the patient care team. Educators on every unit. Tuition reimbursement. A commitment to life-long learning. Completely computerized records – even physician order entry. A Rapid Response Team that brings all the necessary resources in crisis situations. The support of hospitalists and intensivists. The ability to teach students and precept RNs.

Best of all, we treat our patients, and each other with the warmth and caring you would expect at a community hospital. Not surprisingly, our patients and our employees are very satisfied.

What does very good care mean to you?

2010 EMMC Nursing Excellence Award-Winner

Easter Maine Medical Center Nursing at EMMC

Becky Caron, RN

As Becky Caron, RN, staff nurse on Grant 6 Oncology, enters a patient’s room, she effortlessly puts them at ease, making them smile and brightening their day. "Each one of my patients is special. If I can make someone else’s day better, it's a good day for me, too."

"Becky consistently goes above and beyond to meet and exceed patient expectations," Patty Miles, RN, described in her nomination. "She repeatedly comes in to visit patients on her days off, to sing a song, share a moment, bring a movie, or do whatever she can to brighten a patient's day."

"Loving to come to work every day makes a huge difference. I don't know how you can be caring and compassionate if you're not truly happy with your job," Becky says. "Patients can see this and recognize it."

Becky has found a home at EMMC. "This is where my heart is. Everyday, with every patient I feel pride and joy when introducing myself as their nurse," she says. "And sometimes, kindness and caring are more important at the end of the day than the medications they're getting."

The Nursing Excellence Award is given annually to a staff nurse who demonstrates clinical excellence, leadership, continued professional development, and a commitment to the standards of caring behavior that put the patient first. As this year’s Nursing Excellence Award recipient, Becky receives a pin and certificate of commendation and is invited to represent EMMC at the Nurses’ Day Tea in Augusta, Maine.