Nursing leadership is not easy, nor should it be. Challenges present themselves in unusual manners, demanding resilience and adaptability. Nursing leaders have a choice: to rise above the obstacles or fade into the existing culture. The true essence of leadership in nursing involves inspiring others during challenging times and cultivating an environment of leadership by modeling the way. Dana Jenkins exemplifies the qualities of a nursing leader who models the way and inspires others to be better for themselves and the population they serve. She encourages from the heart, fostering a sense of unity and motivation within her team.

Dana enables input into key decisions from all levels of the department, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and valued. Dana inspires through a shared vision of what the department can become, not only in terms of providing safe, quality care to patients but also in terms of what the staff members can achieve as caregivers. She challenges the normal processes, prompting the partnership to examine their objectives and goals, and to question if they can do better. This approach not only improves patient care but also enhances the professional growth of the staff. Dana Jenkins took the first step to create space for new nurses, recognizing the importance of nurturing fresh talent and integrating them into the team. She delivers her leadership with fairness and equity, ensuring that all nurses could succeed and contribute meaningfully to the department.

Ms. Jenkins has led the nursing team in the Emergency Department to improved patient Flow. She developed the Bed Ahead process, which empowers the charge nurses to pre-assign patients waiting in the lobby to the next available bed. With this proces,s the nursing team is aware of the next planned patient for their assignment. She maintained the sustainment of the Admit Delay metric for three consecutive quarters, which is a nurse-driven metric. Her empowerment is amazing.

In conclusion, nursing leadership is a dynamic and challenging role that requires a deep commitment to inspiring and empowering others. Leaders like Dana Jenkins demonstrate that through heartfelt encouragement, inclusive decision-making, a shared vision, and continuous improvement, nursing leaders can create a thriving environment for both patients and staff.