ROCKPORT — "Vicki truly defines what patient- and family-centered care is all about. She shows dignity and respect in all areas of her job. She is a calm presence and a good listener, providing such care for families and patients."

That was one of many praises by Vicki Siegel's colleagues in the Special Care Unit at Pen Bay Medical Center in support of her nomination as employee of the month for August.

Siegel has been on the nursing staff at Pen Bay since 1984. "Siegel is completely focused on her patients and the tasks at hand the moment she walks in the door. She is extremely cool, calm and professional in the middle of any crisis. On many occasions, she has stayed beyond her shift to ensure that the oncoming nurse caring for a critical patient has the support they need to provide optimal care."

Another of her SCU coworkers said, "Siegel is one of the best nurses I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is always willing to do any task or help a colleague out. In particular, I noticed that if she had time, she would strip the sheets, clear the bedding and any extra items from the room where a patient was discharged or transferred. I really liked that idea and have incorporated that task in my own practice. It is such a simple way to help out your peers, while at the same time check the room for any items that may need to be returned to the patient."

What was Siegel's response? "I am so pleased to be selected as employee of the month,” she said. “I've worked at Pen Bay for 28 years with 25 of them in Special Care and I still enjoy coming to work each day. I love the interaction with the patients and families, plus I have great coworkers!"

Siegel is a National and Southern Maine Chapter member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the Special Care Unit Practice Council and in the Clinical Ladders Level 4 program at Pen Bay. In addition to being a Special Care Unit nurse, she works in cardiac rehabilitation and cardiac testing. With more than 20 years experience in her field, Siegel has also trained countless numbers of new nurses as part of the intern training program.

Siegel met her husband, Keith, at Pen Bay in 1987, when both were nursing staff. They live in Union and have two children, both born at Pen Bay.

Pen Bay celebrated Siegel's selection as employee of the month with a surprise party and a cake, and numerous colleagues dropped in to congratulate her.

Courier Publications news staff can be reached by phone at 207-594-4401 or by email at news@courierpublicationsllc.com.