Summer 2005

Heidi Latham, RN, graduated from the Associate Degree Nusing program at Lee College in 1997. After graduation, she worked in large Houston area hospitals for 2 years. She then moved to Elgin to get away from the city and settled on 10 beautiful acres where she and her husband care for a menagerie of animals.

Heidi started working at Smithville Regional Hospital, a small rural hosptial in Central Texas, where she adjusted quickly to the unique challenges of a rural hospital. Initially, she was a relief charge nurse on the night shift. Her duties encompassed helping all nursing departments from med-surg to OB to ER. Almost two years later, Heidi transferred to the day shift where she functions in many capacities depending on the unit needs.

Heidi is a great mentor. She expects the nurses she works with to uphold the same high standards of patient care that she requires of herself. She is willing to help new employees reach those expectations. She is a wonderful helper and is ready to rescue a "drowning" nurse at anytime! She is an exemplary charge nurse who remains calm and focused in every situation. Heidi is a true asset to her profession. A colleague who is new to "floor" nursing recently announced that her main goal is to "be as good a nurse as Heidi is. She can take care of anything!"

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.