Patients and Coworkers Sing Praises of Service Hero Honoree

Congratulations are in order for Mallory Burgess, RN, on the stepdown team at Hot Springs for being named a CHI St. Vincent Service Hero! Mallory receives this honor after three nominations from patients and team members came in. Here’s what they all had to say about her:

Patient – “Compassionate, cooperative and caring with our end-of-life patient. You should be proud of this kind and compassionate caregiver. For her “can do” attitude and willingness to anticipate my sister’s needs!”

Coworker – “Mallory had been taking care of a patient for a few days, who had had a stroke, and was well aware of her baselines since being hospitalized. Mallory noticed a very small change in the patient’s mental status and had promptly reported this to the physician. After strongly advocating for her patient, a head CT was ordered and it showed a 12 mm shift with herniation. Neurosurgery was consulted STAT for this patient. Mallory is very meticulous in her assessments and her care for her patients. She shows compassion and excellence in everything she does for her patients. She is always on top of changes and catches things early because of this. I was very proud of her for noting this change especially being a new graduate nurse.”

Coworker – “During her time caring for a cardiology patient on the Stepdown Unit from April 23–26, 2026, Mallory demonstrated extraordinary compassion, advocacy, and dedication to preserving a patient’s hope during one of the most difficult moments of their life. The patient, only 57 years old, had recently undergone a cardiac catheterization and was devastated to learn that their ejection fraction was just 10%. The physician recommended hospice, but the patient tearfully expressed that they were not ready to give up on living a full life. Mallory recognized the emotional weight of this news and refused to let the patient feel alone or without options.

Instead of accepting that hospice was the only path forward, Mallory took it upon herself to research additional resources. She identified a physician at UAMS who specializes in advanced heart failure and could potentially offer treatments or interventions beyond what had been discussed. Mallory then collaborated with the patient’s care team, ensuring they were comfortable with her sharing this information. With their support, a consult was ordered so the patient could follow up with the specialist after discharge.

Even after the patient left the hospital, Mallory’s commitment did not end. A family member—who knew Mallory through their children’s school—reached out to her, worried because no follow‑up appointment had been scheduled. Mallory immediately provided the necessary information to the patient’s daughter so they could move forward with securing care.

A few days later, the daughter contacted Mallory again, this time with uplifting news: they had secured the appointment, and the specialist had given them renewed hope. The family shared that they were now optimistic about a plan of care that could extend the patient’s life expectancy by several years.

Mallory’s actions went far beyond routine nursing care. She listened deeply, advocated fiercely, and helped restore hope at a moment when the patient felt it slipping away. Her compassion changed the trajectory of this patient’s life and brought comfort and optimism to an entire family.”

Mallory, you have clearly made a huge impact in your short time here. We’re glad to have you and thank you for fighting so hard for your patients!

Don’t forget, if you know of a team member who deserves recognition for their outstanding work, you can nominate them to be a CHI St. Vincent Service Hero! Just click this link and fill out the form to tell us all about them.