WEST POINT, Mississippi—Debbi McKee, a registered nurse on the medical-surgical unit at North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point, has been selected by her peers as the most recent Employee of the Quarter.

“Debbi is a natural leader and mentor and possesses the nursing knowledge and skill to truly make a difference,” a co-worker wrote in her nomination. “She treats everyone with respect and never hesitates to help others. She is always willing to work wherever and whenever needed. She excels in supporting new nurses by teaching and demonstrating high quality nursing skills and care.”

McKee is often recognized by her patients on hospital surveys for providing excellent care or going above and beyond. “She offers compassionate, empathetic nursing care with every patient encounter,” a coworker wrote. “Debbi has the ability to think quickly and critically while exercising professional and clinical judgment. She makes sure patients and their families are prepared for their transition home when they leave our facility.”

McKee joined the hospital staff in October 2016 after earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. She is a graduate of New Hope High School and is certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

“I treat my patients and patients’ families like I would want my family treated,” McKee says. “I take time to explain and educate my patients and their families about procedures they are going to have or medications they are going to receive.”

One of her favorite aspects of her job is teamwork. “We all try to help each other with tasks that need to be done,” McKee adds.

She and her husband, Adrian, have three children—Baran (Kala), Zack and Emily McKee—and a grandson, Braxton.