Bowen Wiest
November 2025
Bowen
Wiest
,
BSN
Medical-Surgical Unit
Kaiser Permanente - Antioch Medical Center
Antioch
,
CA
United States
He is not just a manager, he is a listener, a supporter, a motivator, and, most importantly, a person who truly cares.
Since taking on the role of manager for the 3 Medical-Surgical unit, Bowen’s impact has been evident in a remarkably short time. His drive for excellence and commitment to high standards of patient care are truly inspiring, motivating everyone around him to perform at their best despite challenges.
Bowen exemplifies professionalism, compassion, and leadership. Even before becoming manager, during his time as ANM, he was known for being hands-on and highly visible on the unit—not someone who stayed behind a desk. He consistently made himself available to staff, offering guidance and assistance whenever needed. It’s common to see him interacting with patients and families, helping them feel welcome and comfortable, and even stepping in to assist with care—whether helping a patient into a chair or escorting them to the bathroom.
As a manager, Bowen continues to demonstrate these same qualities on an even greater scale. He maintains a composed, approachable demeanor, listens to staff concerns, provides the necessary resources, and celebrates the team’s successes. When constructive feedback is needed, he delivers it with professionalism and respect, always fostering growth rather than discouragement.
What stands out most is Bowen’s commitment to developing and empowering his team. He consistently encourages nurses to believe in themselves, pursue professional development, and advance in their careers. His leadership style creates an environment of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
I have no doubt that, with Bowen’s guidance and the continued support of the staff, our units will reach the highest level of excellence in patient care and teamwork. It is a privilege to work under such an inspiring leader.
***
Bowen, my manager, demonstrates extraordinary compassion, humility, and a genuine way of leading our team. He is not just a manager, he is a listener, a supporter, a motivator, and, most importantly, a person who truly cares.
He is the kind of leader who always keeps his door open, both literally and figuratively. Whenever I need to express frustration, share ideas, or simply talk, he is there. What is remarkable is that even if you ask him for just five minutes and get caught up in the day's chaos, he will not let you leave without checking in. He will find you before your shift ends and say, “Hey, we didn’t get that five minutes yet, let’s talk.” That small act shows how much he values his staff’s voices and emotional well-being.
One day, something happened that truly showed his character. I was helping a patient stand when the patient suddenly lost control of his bowels. It turned into what we call a full code brown, not just on the floor but all over me. I was covered. At that exact moment, he happened to walk by. Without hesitation or concern for his uniform or title, he immediately put on a gown, stepped in, and told me to go take a shower. He made sure the UA got me a clean set of scrubs, then rolled up his sleeves and cleaned the patient and the room himself. He did not think twice; he simply acted with kindness, humility, and leadership. That is not something you forget. Moments like that stay with you forever.
When he became our manager, the atmosphere in our unit changed completely. He brought energy, structure, and hope. He does not walk past any employee without asking, “Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do for you?” It might seem like a simple question, but when it comes from him, it means so much. He listens, he acts, and he truly wants to make things better for both patients and staff.
Before he took this role, I used to come up with ideas and projects to help the team and improve the floor. But over time, those ideas ended up tucked away in drawers or maybe shredded. It became discouraging. I lost motivation and felt my voice no longer mattered. But under his leadership, everything changed. He created an environment where ideas are heard, efforts are recognized, and everyone feels included.
Our unit became like a busy beehive, full of collaboration, movement, and purpose. You can feel the difference in the air. People smile more, teamwork is stronger, and morale is higher. Personally, I felt like a tree that had gone dry over time, and his leadership watered it back to life. He helped me rediscover my passion, my creativity, and my pride in what I do.
He leads not from behind a desk but by example. He never hesitates to get his hands dirty, to help, to teach, and to listen. His actions speak louder than words, and through them, he reminds us what nursing leadership is truly about: compassion, service, and heart.
Bowen Wiest embodies the spirit of nursing leadership, someone who inspires others not by position but by the way he cares. He makes us feel valued, supported, and proud to be part of his team.
***
This is Bowen's 2nd DAISY Nurse Leader Award!
Bowen exemplifies professionalism, compassion, and leadership. Even before becoming manager, during his time as ANM, he was known for being hands-on and highly visible on the unit—not someone who stayed behind a desk. He consistently made himself available to staff, offering guidance and assistance whenever needed. It’s common to see him interacting with patients and families, helping them feel welcome and comfortable, and even stepping in to assist with care—whether helping a patient into a chair or escorting them to the bathroom.
As a manager, Bowen continues to demonstrate these same qualities on an even greater scale. He maintains a composed, approachable demeanor, listens to staff concerns, provides the necessary resources, and celebrates the team’s successes. When constructive feedback is needed, he delivers it with professionalism and respect, always fostering growth rather than discouragement.
What stands out most is Bowen’s commitment to developing and empowering his team. He consistently encourages nurses to believe in themselves, pursue professional development, and advance in their careers. His leadership style creates an environment of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
I have no doubt that, with Bowen’s guidance and the continued support of the staff, our units will reach the highest level of excellence in patient care and teamwork. It is a privilege to work under such an inspiring leader.
***
Bowen, my manager, demonstrates extraordinary compassion, humility, and a genuine way of leading our team. He is not just a manager, he is a listener, a supporter, a motivator, and, most importantly, a person who truly cares.
He is the kind of leader who always keeps his door open, both literally and figuratively. Whenever I need to express frustration, share ideas, or simply talk, he is there. What is remarkable is that even if you ask him for just five minutes and get caught up in the day's chaos, he will not let you leave without checking in. He will find you before your shift ends and say, “Hey, we didn’t get that five minutes yet, let’s talk.” That small act shows how much he values his staff’s voices and emotional well-being.
One day, something happened that truly showed his character. I was helping a patient stand when the patient suddenly lost control of his bowels. It turned into what we call a full code brown, not just on the floor but all over me. I was covered. At that exact moment, he happened to walk by. Without hesitation or concern for his uniform or title, he immediately put on a gown, stepped in, and told me to go take a shower. He made sure the UA got me a clean set of scrubs, then rolled up his sleeves and cleaned the patient and the room himself. He did not think twice; he simply acted with kindness, humility, and leadership. That is not something you forget. Moments like that stay with you forever.
When he became our manager, the atmosphere in our unit changed completely. He brought energy, structure, and hope. He does not walk past any employee without asking, “Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do for you?” It might seem like a simple question, but when it comes from him, it means so much. He listens, he acts, and he truly wants to make things better for both patients and staff.
Before he took this role, I used to come up with ideas and projects to help the team and improve the floor. But over time, those ideas ended up tucked away in drawers or maybe shredded. It became discouraging. I lost motivation and felt my voice no longer mattered. But under his leadership, everything changed. He created an environment where ideas are heard, efforts are recognized, and everyone feels included.
Our unit became like a busy beehive, full of collaboration, movement, and purpose. You can feel the difference in the air. People smile more, teamwork is stronger, and morale is higher. Personally, I felt like a tree that had gone dry over time, and his leadership watered it back to life. He helped me rediscover my passion, my creativity, and my pride in what I do.
He leads not from behind a desk but by example. He never hesitates to get his hands dirty, to help, to teach, and to listen. His actions speak louder than words, and through them, he reminds us what nursing leadership is truly about: compassion, service, and heart.
Bowen Wiest embodies the spirit of nursing leadership, someone who inspires others not by position but by the way he cares. He makes us feel valued, supported, and proud to be part of his team.
***
This is Bowen's 2nd DAISY Nurse Leader Award!