Morris Hospital nurse honored as Fire Starter for being true patient advocate

MORRIS – Donna Carey, a registered nurse at the Channahon Healthcare Center of Morris Hospital, is the type of person everyone wants to be around.

In the words of her co-workers, she is happy, personable, helpful, genuine and inspiring. For these reasons, Carey, of Minooka was selected Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers’ August Fire Starter of the Month.

“Donna is an absolute ray of sunshine to everyone she encounters, whether it’s patients, employees … really, to everyone around,” said Erin Kotowski, site supervisor of the Channahon Healthcare Center. “She has insight to know who needs help without them even asking, and she is willing to help with anything. She is one of the most genuine, happiest people I’ve ever encountered.”

When Carey joined the team at the Channahon Healthcare Center in March 2013, she was no stranger to Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, having worked in various physician offices in previous years. She found her niche in her current role with endocrinologist Nuzhat Chalisa, M.D., where she enjoys establishing long-term relationships with patients.

“Nursing has so many different facets,” said Carey, who became a nurse because she enjoys working with people. “I love my current role because it’s all about patient education and helping people with lifestyle changes. Many of our patients are often nervous about their diagnosis and their new medications, and we go through step by step education to introduce them to their disease. Interacting with the patients and providing them with education is the most rewarding part of my job.”

Co-worker Laura Hernandez has witnessed Carey’s interactions with patients firsthand and calls her a true patient advocate.

“Working in health care, our top priority is patient care and satisfaction,” Hernandez wrote in nominating Carey as Fire Starter of the Month. “I believe this is something that Donna strives for. Patients are comfortable confiding in her and look to her for guidance and support. They all know her by name and have developed strong bonds and relationships with her.”

For Carey, having a positive attitude and helping to create a positive environment is something that has been an inherent part of who she is ever since she was a child.

“That was one of my mother’s philosophies,” added Carey. “Make the most of any situation and be positive. I’m also living up to the example set by my dad (retired Morris Hospital courier Don Dix), who was also a Morris Hospital Fire Starter.”

In early civilizations, fire starters were the individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. As Fire Starter of the Month, Carey received a Grundy County Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, a Morris Hospital clothing item of her choice, a special “Fire Starter” lapel pin and a designated parking spot for the month.