Gooch was selected from a field of registered nurses nominated by patients, families, co-workers, physicians and volunteers at the hospital. She received a certificate commending her for being an “extraordinary nurse.”
She also received a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. Cinnabons also were given to all the nurses in her department thanking them for everything they do for their patients and families.
“Rebecca wasn’t a nurse who just gave medications,” says her nomination for the DAISY. “She answered every question my mom and each of us six children had, even when we were asking the same thing. She never seemed annoyed and always took the time to answer, even though she had to be busy. When she came into the room, and that was often, not only did she ask my mom what she could do for her, she asked what she could do for every person in the room, and you could tell she meant it. Rebecca was a star!”
A recent nursing school graduate, Gooch was surprised to be selected for the DAISY Award. “You don’t expect something like this to happen as a new graduate,” Gooch says. “My faith plays a large part in how I treat my patients. As a Christian, my duty is to serve others as Jesus served others. My patients are sick, stressed, and facing sometimes scary situations. When I am sick, stressed or facing life situations I consider scary, I know Jesus is patient with me. He listens intently. He reassures me and encourages me. I try to do the same with my patients.”
Gooch adds that she enjoys working on the CVC Unit at Providence because she likes caring for critically ill patients, and being a member of the team of nurses on the unit. “Everyone on the unit is very knowledgeable,” Gooch says. “I’m part of a terrific team with some great nurses. Working at Providence has been a very positive experience for me and receiving this award has only strengthened my resolve to continue delivering compassionate care to my patients.”
Gooch joined the Providence nursing staff in June 2012. She received her associate’s degree in nursing from Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Gooch lives in Gardner, Kan. with her husband and two children. She is active in her church, Westside Family Church, Lenexa, Kan., and enjoys spending time with her family.
Future nominations
Providence will continue to honor extraordinary nurses quarterly. The hospital encourages patients, visitors, nurses, physicians, employees and volunteers to nominate a registered nurse for the award. Nomination forms are available on nursing units, in physician lounges, main waiting areas and online at www.providence-health.org/pmc/daisyaward.
