Nurse Practitioner Erin Macbeth Named Employee of the Year
Erin Macbeth, a nurse practitioner with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program in Anesthesiology, was named Albany Med’s 2021 Employee of the Year Monday. Erin was selected for the honor out of nearly 200 nominations submitted by Albany Med staff members.
Erin came to Albany Med in 2018—not long after the ERAS program started—and according to one nomination is considered “essential to the program’s success.” ERAS is a multi-disciplinary approach to surgical care that uses evidence-based best practices to help patients experience improved recoveries, shorter hospital stays, and better pain management with less need for opioids for pain. Among her nominations for Employee of the Year, one colleague said Erin “is a shining example of not only what ERAS stands for, but also what every clinician should aspire to be.”
Albany Med President and CEO Dennis P. McKenna, MD, said, “Erin keeps Albany Med—and our patients—close to her heart. It is seen every day in all her interactions. No task is too small, because, true to our core values, Erin respects the dignity of each person.”
Erin is known to develop a rapport with patients, putting them physically and emotionally at ease for major surgeries. She understands the value of time—and gives it freely to her patients and their families. Her colleagues also noted her dedication, problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
According to one nomination, “Her presence and knowledge allow for continuity of care over days and weeks as our faculty and residents circulate on and off the service. She is always willing to put in the extra time to make sure patients get the care that they need, answer questions, and support nurses in the POCU, PACU and on the floors. “
Erin is also a mentor to first-year anesthesia students. One found their time working with Erin “empowering.” Her colleagues said they have learned so much from Erin, one saying that she was invaluable to their growth as an ERAS navigator.
“I don’t even have words,” Erin said after the surprise announcement. “I’m blessed. I work with a wonderful team. I’m lucky to be here, and I’m happy to be a part of this and part of the institution. I’m very honored.”
Staff nominate colleagues for Employee of the Year based on the characteristics of the Albany Med CARES program, which emphasizes Albany Med’s culture of compassion, accountability, respect and engagement in their interactions with patients, visitors and coworkers.