Values in Action Spirit Award Recipient for July - Dixi Page-Harsh

An employee since 1985, Dixi was selected as the Western Maryland Health System's Values in Action Spirit Award for the month of July. Dixi is a registered nurse who works in Same Day Surgery at Braddock. She began her career as a nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital after earning her Bachelor's in Nursing from Radford University in her native state of Virginia. Dixi has worked on a variety of units, including 4 South, 3 North, On-call, Medical Oncology and the GI Unit, before finding her home in Same Day Surgery, where she has worked for the last 19 years.

Dixi is an outstanding employee with great clinical nursing skills and works very hard to help patients prepare and get through the surgical experience. A typical day in the fast-paced environment of her department includes pre and post-operative care as well as an important emphasis on patient education. Same Day Surgery also cares for cardiac cath and radiology patients.

Dixi says it is very exciting to see patients respond so well and to help them onto their road to recovery. "I truly enjoy caring for every patient as an individual," says Dixi, "I try to give them the attention, love and encouragement they need to face their medical situation." She takes the time to make her patients feel at ease with her gentle touch and caring manner. Dixi says that her patients actually give so much back to her during their short visits. "They are a joy and a blessing to work with and it's rewarding to see them get better."

Dixi was nominated for the award by a patient who commented on her ability to develop a very close relationship with her patients and work together as a group to create a comfortable setting for the anxiety of facing surgery. She is an extraordinary role model for new nurses and sets a genuine example of service excellence. Dixi is the ultimate team player in a very cohesive unit. Co-workers describe her as considerate, reliable, conscientious and very personable.

Dixi and her husband, Marty, have been married for 23 years and they are the parents of three sons. Martin is a sophomore at Virginia Tech; Adam is a senior at Allegany High School; and youngest son Ethan is headed into his sophomore at Allegany. Needless to say, with two high school students in the family, they spend a great deal of time together with their son's school and sports activities. Away from work, Dixi enjoys walking, exercise, and bible study.

Congratulations, Dixi!