Maria Luisa Tomas, RN, is affectionately known as Malou, started her nursing career at Coler/Goldwater in 1983. Malou’s interest in nursing began at an early age. She was born into a large family which taught her the importance of caring for those around her. Building on the responsibility that she held day-in and day-out, she acquired an inherent fondness for interacting with and helping people, in any way necessary. When Malou decided to pursue a career, her natural choice was NURSING!

Following the completion of her educational pursuits in the Philappines, Malou came to the United States to join the nursing staff at Coler Memorial Hospital. She started as a Staff Nurse in ICU. She maintained a pleasant, friendly, and compassionate atmosphere for patients, visitors, and co-workers, in addition to her exceptional clinical skills. When the Specialty Children’s Unit needed a charge nurse on the night shift, Malou was offered the position. Although her experience was in critical care, Malou was more than eager to use her skills and compassion with a different population.

Her new role would have her caring for the pediatric long-term population. Although this was a totally different patient population than she was accustomed to (this new population consisted of young adolescents with chronic physical and neurological deficits), Malou stepped up to the challenge.

Throughout the “learning curve” of her career, she has remained dedicated, motivated, and compassionate. She cares for “her children” just as she cares for her biological children at home. Malou feels so strongly about her patients, she has readily given up her personal time, including days off! Malou exceeds the criteria in patient care delivery. She plays an instrumental role in maintaining the quality of life of our special pediatric population in a calm and coordinated manner. She readily solves daily patient concerns while getting them off to school and meeting their medical requirements. Her ingenuity and creativity in patient care sets an excellent example to other employees, especially those interested in making a career change. She has proven over and over again the joy in dealing with a more complex patient population at our facility.

We were proud to recognize her unique abilities and presented her with The Outstanding Professional Nurse Award in 2004. We at Coler/Goldwater, are honored to nominate Ms. Maria Luisa Tomas again for the HHC Nurse Distinction Award for 2005.