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Gary, the Director of Nursing at Seton Medical Center in Round Rock, TX, turned a Nurse of the Year celebration into an annual surprise Mariachi tradition. For the past two years, he's booked Mariachi Amor and shared this real event story with us!
"Each year Seton Family of Hospitals in Austin accepts nominations for Nurse of the Year. It’s really a big deal! Out of several hundred nominees one person is selected by her/his peers. Last year we at Seton Medical Center Williamson decided to celebrate this achievement by throwing a party for the entire hospital to come and congratulate the winner. The winner last year was rather shy and she didn’t want a lot of fuss but we still wanted to let her know how proud we were of her. We told her we were going to have cake but we didn’t tell her or anyone about the entertainment. We hid the Mariachis in our chapel which is right next to the lobby area we had set up for the party. I said a few words and presented her with her award and then we motioned for Alex and his band. They came out playing and surprised everyone! The nurse was absolutely surprised and thrilled and everyone had a great time. It’s not every day you see Mariachis in a hospital!
This year we actually had two finalists for Nurse of the Year. Everyone loved the Mariachis so much that they wanted them back again this year. Alex knew the routine and again hid in the chapel. At the signal they came out playing and surprised everyone! We had a smaller crowd this year because the hospital was full and we were very busy, but everyone still had a great time. Our Chief Medical Officer commented he was sitting in a very serious meeting but happened to be looking out the window when he saw the Mariachis coming into the hospital. He laughed and said “that’s not something you ever expect to see coming into a hospital!”
"Caring for patients is very serious business and can be very stressful on those providing that care. Mariachi Amor gave everyone a very needed boost and a few minutes to laugh and clap and celebrate our outstanding nurses! All of the members of the band are friendly, professional and fantastic singers and musicians! They know how to make a party special."
Thanks Gary, for sharing your story with us! If you'd like to book a Mariachi Band for your next event, click here.