Christy Clayton, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC

Christy Ckayton has had a profound impact on our team’s ability to provide compassionate, high-quality care at the bedside through her unwavering empathy and commitment to leading by example. From the moment she joined our department, she stepped in with humility and purpose- never asking anything of the staff that she is not willing to do herself. Whether it’s supporting complex patient situations or simply picking up trash in the hallway, she demonstrates that every detail matters when it comes to patient care and team culture. Her leadership has directly elevated the standard of care within our unit. She has inspired and supported staff in pursuing professional certifications, growing our number of certified nurses from just four to ten. She has also obtained two certifications herself during her time at UNC, reinforcing her belief in continuous growth and excellence.

What truly sets Christy apart is her deep compassion, not only for patients but for their families. I have witnessed her spend significant time on the phone with the spouse of a former patient who died by suicide, offering support and genuinely listening. That experience even led her to consider redesigning aspects of the unit to make it feel more welcoming and less overwhelming for families- demonstrating how seriously she takes feedback and emotional experiences.

On a personal level, Christy has changed the trajectory of my own career. After more than eight years in this department, I had never considered formally stepping into leadership. She challenged me by asking, “Why are you doing the work and not getting compensated? You might as well complete your portfolio.” Because of her encouragement, I pursued advancement on the clinical ladder- something that has benefited both the patients we serve and me.

Additionally, during a recent autoimmune diagnosis, Christy has been one of my strongest supporters. She has encouraged me to prioritize my health so that I can continue doing what I love- caring for patients and supporting the team while still being strong for my family. That level of advocacy and care for her staff speaks volumes about the kind of leader she is. Christy creates an environment where people want to do better, not because they are told to, but because they feel supported, valued, and inspired. Her leadership has strengthened our team and directly improved our ability to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care every day.