Above all, Heidi is a true patient advocate with an empathetic heart. Her actions truly define "total patient care."

Besides providing competent care, Heidi makes time for the special touches like calming a confused, agitated patient by massaging her hands and painting her fingernails. She is able to anticipate patient and family needs and goes to great lengths to meet those needs.

Although she is called on to help manage and lead the nursing unit and helps with other administrative duties, she is happiest providing direct care. Heidi and feels that her greatest contribution to the profession of nursing is to stay at the bedside where she can make a difference in each patient's life.

Her coworkers respect Heidi's skill as a nurse and are proud to say, "If she thinks her patient is crashing she will keep after the physician until he or she thoroughly reviews the situation and takes appropriate action. She is a great role-model. Smithville hospital and the patients are lucky to have her on their side.