Patients and Nurses: "We LOVE Nurse Tammi Morrison"
We are highlighting the special relationships that nurses have with patients. Nurses make a difference!
By Kaley Johnson
In her five years as a Diabetes Coordinator at Cook Children’s, Tammi Morrison, RN, has developed close relationships with many patients and their families. In 2022, Tammi started working with Addyson Ray, a 15-year-old who had just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. For two days, Tammi taught Addyson and her family everything they needed to know about diabetes and how to manage it; perhaps just as importantly, she made sure Addyson knew that diabetes was not something that needed to hold the teenager back.
Tammi’s compassion and care inspired Addyson to write a school essay about her. Addyson wrote that Tammi made her feel like “anything was possible” with her energy and confidence.
“She also helped me realize that I was strong in my weakest moment. Having diabetes was not a setback, but something that made me unique, managing it was an accomplishment.
Tammi has not only helped educate Addyson’s family about managing diabetes, but over two years, she has provided a continuation of care and emotional support. The diabetes program at Cook Children's is one of the best, Tammi said, and the providers work diligently to continuously give the family the knowledge and support.
“I feel like it's always an honor when I go to meet with a new family,” Tammi said. “And I want them to leave with confidence that they can take care of their child when they go home.”
In her essay, Addyson mentioned Tammi’s dedication even after their initial visits. She wrote that Tammi gave them her phone number and the family was able to call Tammi several times when they needed a second opinion or advice.
Tammi also shared her personal experience with diabetes with Addyson. Tammi’s son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was seven years old. When she was in her 40s, Tammi decided to change careers entirely and go to nursing school in order to bring understanding, empathy and hope to other parents. The joy she feels every day when she comes to work is proof that she chose the right path, especially when she sees a patient like Addyson flourishing.
“You pray that you're making a difference and then when you educate that family and then you see them flourishing, you just, it just brings inner joy,” she said. “That's why I love my job. I absolutely adore my job.”
As for Addyson, who is now a patient ambassador at Cook Children’s, Tammi’s genuine care made a huge impact on her health and her life.
“She was a pivotal part of my diabetes journey and helped get me set off on the right foot. Everything we needed to manage through a critical/stressful period became that much easier with a loving nurse!” Addyson wrote in her essay. “We LOVE nurse Tammi and hope all patients have a nurse as kind and understanding as her!”