Medline Names Nurse of 30 Years its First “Works of Heart” Honoree for Treating Patients Like Family

While they’re increasingly short supply, nurses today are doing more now than ever before, and many feel the pressure. Nearly 40 percent of nurses experience symptoms of burnout, and a high workload is among the most common reasons people leave the profession. However one nurse has found a way to thrive amid these pressures – and go above and beyond for her patients.

Her name is Connie Crowley and she’s a nurse at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. This month, Medline is celebrating her dedication to serving patients by honoring her through Works of Heart, a program that celebrates healthcare workers going above and beyond each day.

“I’m extremely honored,” said Crowley, “We do this job as nurses not looking for any recognition. It just brings us satisfaction [because] it’s what we want to do. But after being a nurse for so many years, it’s really touching to get a little bit of acknowledgement and recognition.”

Crowley has been a nurse for over 30 years. She was nominated for Works of Heart by her daughter Fallon, who through her years growing up, continually saw her mom going out of her way to care for people and make them feel like family.

“One time she came home after working a long shift and started cooking Greek food for an older patient who didn’t have any family or visitors in the area. She hoped this home cooked meal would be familiar and help him feel more at home during his time in the hospital,” Fallon said. “This is just one example of many where my mom has gone above and beyond to make her patients feel cared for and comfortable.”

Crowley’s peers say patients simply love her and she sets a great example for the colleagues who work alongside her.

“Connie is pretty hard to beat as a nurse,” said Sara Diaz, a patient care assistant who works with Crowley at UMass Memorial. “She’s a team player. She’s a leader and, I think, the best model for a nurse.”

Works of Heart will honor healthcare workers like Crowley each month throughout the year. An overall winner will be named in January 2021 and become the inspiration behind one of its 2021 collectible dolls.

Find out how you can nominate a deserving healthcare worker today.