| Posted February 5, 2015 | By Melonee Hurt | Categorized under WMC Happenings |

Each year, Williamson Medical Center names an Employee of the Year as a way to recognize outstanding employees who exemplify the medical center's standards of performance. For 2014, Daren Marshall, a medical social worker at WMC since 2012, was awarded for always exceeding his regular job duties and continually demonstrating his passion for helping others and in the words of one co-worker, occasionally working miracles.

"Daren is a great employee and asset to WMC," said Ellen Taylor, R.N., case management director. "He cares about his co-workers and patients. He appreciates his job and has a great positive attitude toward all that he does regardless of how hectic the day is. He is always willing to change his schedule to meet the needs of the department and the hospital and recently came in during his approved time off during the holidays because of others being sick."

Marshall was nominated along with Joint and Spine Center Nurse Tech Derrick Brady and Fifth Floor nurse Melisa Davis, R.N., and Marshall was named the winner at a ceremony held in the cafeteria at WMC.

Marshall, who regularly works with WMC's Emergency Department, OB and sections of the 6^th floor, doesn't hesitate to help others or take a different assignment.

 "I enjoy working at Williamson, primarily because of the people I work with," Marshall said. "From the sixth floor, the ER, OB, even the floors I don't cover, the staff and the doctors are great to work with. We make jokes and laugh, even when we are stressed. That, and helping the families are what I love about what I do. The families really appreciate coming back here because of what Williamson does for them."

Taylor said Marshall regularly develops a rapport with patients and their families in the Emergency Department and is known to keep that patient in his assignment regardless of the floor the patient is admitted to so that he can ensure continuity of care and prevent anxiety from the patients and families by dealing with multiple staff members.

"Daren has received multiple compliments for his effective communication, teamwork and attitude by patients, families, staff and physicians," Taylor said. "He has assisted with transfer of patients to other facilities along with making sure the patient's animals were safe."