This nurse leader exemplifies the I CARE values, particularly Compassion and Collaboration, by consistently supporting her team of nurse educators. She fosters an environment where professional development is actively championed, characterized by trust and respect. She avoids micromanagement, offering clear, constructive feedback. A strong advocate for the nurse professional development specialty, she seeks resources to enhance the team's support of their units. Her impact extends beyond management. She creates a safe space for educators to voice concerns, offering unwavering support during challenging conversations. She readily acknowledges when expertise is needed, demonstrating humility and a commitment to solutions. This relatable leadership fosters open communication. Her dedication translates to improved patient care, as empowered educators better train and mentor nurses. She models compassion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to her team's growth, benefiting patients. Her leadership inspires a shared vision of excellence and motivates the team to achieve better outcomes.

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I am honored to nominate this nurse leader for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to professional growth. 

As I transitioned into a new manager role, she provided invaluable guidance, offering patience, wisdom, and encouragement. Her leadership, rooted in both knowledge and compassion, has shaped my development and strengthened our team. She is a true advocate for her staff, ensuring they receive the resources, support, and recognition they deserve. She fosters a culture of continuous learning, inspiring excellence and empowerment. 

Her team's admiration is evident in the collection of hot dog-themed gifts she has received, from hair clips to a Lego set. Her work ethic is unmatched- dependable, committed, and always following through. Whether leading initiatives, supporting staff, or tackling challenges, she approaches every task with integrity and dedication, making her an extraordinary leader. 

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I would like to nominate my manager for the DAISY Nurse Leader award because not only does she act with compassion and integrity for our patient population, but her direct reports as well. She is the type of manager who encourages personal growth and supports your endeavors and efforts without micromanaging. She leads her team with values of intradepartmental respect and collaboration. Her efforts make a direct impact on patients and bedside nursing staff by advocating for change and process improvement that is applicable, realistic, and impactful, instead of change for the sake of change or to “check a box.” 

One of this nominee’s best qualities is the fierce support she provides for her team during multi-departmental initiatives. She always has our backs. When faced with a difficult interaction and pressure to extend an already lengthy training to accommodate others' lack of accountability, my manager intervened professionally but firmly, highlighting the appropriate efforts that had already been made. She prevented me and my coworker from being taken advantage of, while giving us the ability to maintain the delicate relationship between departments that could have otherwise been strained. Because of these reasons, and so many more, I believe she truly embodies the qualities of a DAISY Nurse Leader.   

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This leader, as an extraordinary role model, has rightfully earned the respect of peers and organizational leadership while protecting the integrity of her staff and the healthcare consumer/partners they serve. She can express evidence-based practices while factoring in the personal considerations. She supports professional goals balanced with ethical considerations and continuously contributes to the success of a large dynamic urban safety net academically associated hospital. 

Her ability to empathize with not only those who report to her, but also everyone who needs the compassion she brings to every situation, makes her the ideal that all nurse leaders should strive for. Many consider this leader to be one of the most trusted among nursing managers. Before even discussing her professional accomplishments, her strengths in supporting staff through personal, private, and sensitive issues provides unquantifiable value that proves she is the sinew of this department. This leader has supported staff through departmental death and loss, role changes, and professional growth, frequently adjusting her schedule for just-in-time emotional support. She has provided debriefing for nurse residents after traumatic events and has supported her staff when interdepartmental/cross-service line issues need to be escalated for appropriate responses.

This leader serves the long-term vision and the many short-term missions of this organization more than probably anyone else up or down the chain of command. She has contributed to the development and rollout of every major process change within the organization. She was instrumental in the implementation of new equipment and supplies, including defibrillators house-wide, nasogastric tube conversion to Enfit connections, and many others, though recalls, supply chain shortages, and technology updates. She was a leading contributor in developing care practices from initial competencies, annual competencies, and practice changes such as pediatric CRRT. She and her team supported daily workflow changes, including care plan documentation to block charting for emergency titrations. Her influence in making changes the most meaningful for the healthcare consumer/partners, while coordinating and managing the team responsible for rolling out, teaching, and reinforcing these initiatives, cannot be understated.  

Every unit and service line leader understands they cannot promote and enhance the image of nursing by themselves. This leader, by influencing and guiding her team, has been accountable for a significant amount of the organizational efforts to promote our profession for many years. Through graduate education and multiple certifications, she has exemplified the highest ideals of our profession. Finally, in addition to all the meaningful interactions she has while working, she still has energy for her family and service to the community, which among other contributions, included organizing a group of leaders to volunteer at the Dallas Christmas parade as representatives of our organization. This nursing leader deserves so much more than thank you. Please consider her for the well-deserved recognition.

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The nominee represents the I Care values in many ways; however, I will focus on Integrity.  She is not my manager personally, but often is seen as an expert and a leader amongst our entire department.  She is always available to give feedback and help problem-solve issues by looking at a bigger picture. She makes time for big and little issues the employees have. I have seen her grow over the years, and she strives to make decisions that are best for the hospital and the patients we serve. I have received feedback from her that is well thought out and authentic, even if it is not a popular opinion.  This makes her feedback incredibly honest and trustworthy, which is a valuable asset to the overall goals to the hospital. 

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I am writing to eagerly nominate my manager for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. I have been a Parkland employee for 17 years and she is the most exceptional nurse leader I have had the privilege of working with.  She embodies the qualities of a true servant leader. Three key characteristics stand out that make her truly deserving of this recognition: active listening, unwavering support, and fierce advocacy.  First and foremost, she is an exceptional active listener. In today's fast-paced healthcare environment, it's easy for leaders to become distracted and miss crucial details. However, she consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to hearing and understanding my concerns, ideas, and perspectives. She has created a safe and trusting environment where I feel comfortable sharing challenges and contributing meaningfully to the team.  

Secondly, her support is unwavering.  She fosters a culture of encouragement and empowerment.  She is consistently providing me with the resources and guidance I need to succeed.  Finally, and perhaps most importantly, she is a fierce advocate for me and her entire team.  She consistently goes to bat for us, ensuring that our voices are heard and our needs are met.  

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As a leader, mentor, and advocate, this leader embodies the essence of nursing excellence through knowledge, fairness, and unwavering compassion.

She leads with integrity, holding the team accountable while fostering an environment of trust and respect. As a voice of reason, she navigates challenges with wisdom and composure, ensuring that both patients and staff feel heard and valued.

Colleagues look up to her not just as a leader but also as a friend—one who listens, supports, and uplifts those around her.

Through this leaders extensive experience, she has guided countless nurses and educators with patience and encouragement, always striving for the highest standards of care. This leader exemplifies what it means to be a compassionate nurse leader, demonstrating kindness in every interaction while upholding the core values of our profession.

For her unwavering dedication, professionalism, and the profound impact she has on patients, staff, and the organization, I wholeheartedly nominate this leader for this well-deserved DAISY Award.

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This nurse manager always makes time for her employees. I am fairly new to my job role and have felt her support consistently throughout the time I have worked with her. She has treated me with respect by recognizing the work I have done in my previous position and by showing kindness while I learn. When I am unsure of what to do in a situation, she is able to help me identify consistent priorities. She demonstrates integrity by communicating clearly and concisely, and never makes one feel like their questions are unnecessary or "wasting time." Whenever I have identified a concern, she models collaboration with others by "thinking out loud" about other stakeholders who could possibly offer information and/or assist with a solution. Her door is constantly open, and she will turn from what she is doing to give you her undivided attention. She maintains a sense of humor at all times, which can really help in a stressful situation! At the same time, she is honest and finds a way to give constructive feedback when it is necessary without "bringing down" the recipient. I am thankful to have this person as my manager!