Sister Mary Evelyn Zimbauer, SDS, RN

Since 1992, Sister Mary Evelyn Zimbauer, SDS, has brought her competent and caring ways to patients and colleagues at Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Today the nurse serves in the Home Today and Recovery Room areas. She and her nursing colleagues, doctors and staff respond to people experiencing challenging medical situations. 

“I love the work and the patients and we accomplish all that we do because our staff is a  team. We work together. My heart and soul are in this profession as we try to meet the needs of those we are caring for,” she explained. One colleague said that Sister Mary Evelyn is gentle and kind and that the way she relates helps the patients to feel more at ease. 

Sister Mary Evelyn feels the same way about her peers. “There is a wonderful team spirit which makes for an exceptional and pleasant work environment. There are many well-seasoned nurses and we look to one another for our expertise. We are supportive of each other and share a deep trust level,” she added. 

The Home Today Unit includes 15 beds for patients admitted for surgery or a procedure.  “We focus on the patients but also include their families. Some of the things we do to prepare the patients include: take their history, consents, labs, vitals, X-rays, doing an assessment, their paper work and start their IVs and antibiotics. We have three different shifts and so being flexible is key to working in this department,” she said.

When Sister was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, her compassion coupled with empathy for her patients. She knew firsthand what the words, the surgery and the treatment meant. “I understand the initial feelings of shock and try to just be there for them, to listen, to cry with and to encourage. They don’t need to hear my story but it helps me try to walk with each one where they are at. At times, some need to hear, ‘You can do it!’” 

Sister Mary Evelyn has tried to live holistically. She maintains balance in her life through family and friends and various volunteer activities. She volunteers for American Red Cross First Aid Team at a variety of events some of which are the lakefront summer festivals, Holy Hill craft fair and at the Dickens Craft Fair in Waukesha. She also enjoys rubber stamping and making cards and attending and helping at the conventions, the last one being at State Fair Park. She likes to plan parties for retired Salvatorian Sisters and spending time with the Sisters. Reading and gardening bring her a sense of renewal and refreshment. “Flowers always make me smile,” she added.

Through her church, Sister Mary Evelyn became friends with an older couple who moved north of Milwaukee. As their needs increased, she offered to help as they faced the challenges of aging without immediate family support. She assisted the couple during the wife’s decline and today she regularly travels on her days off to help the widower to remain independent and in his own home.

 “Nursing is just part of who I am. The profession is part of my being along with being a Salvatorian Sister. The desire to help people is engrained and advocating for what is best for others is a priority,” she emphasized. “It is my faith life that helps to keep everything in perspective and fives me strength and energy.”