May 2019
Heather
Shattuck
,
AACNP-BC
Naval Hospital Sigonella
FPO, AE
United States

 

 

 

CDR Heather Shattuck is the current Director of Medical Services here at Naval Hospital Sigonella. As such, she has leadership over the largest number of staff members at the hospital. She truly embodies and exceeds a strong nurse leader. Not only does she fill this enormous role as DMS, but she also is a nurse specialist and functions as one for the command. There are only a few nurse specialists in the entire Navy. So, this is a great achievement for her. In this role, she brings additional nurse specialty to the command. This specialty requires a doctoral degree in nursing. Not only is CDR Shattuck the DMS and Nurse Specialist, but she is also an ER Nurse Practitioner. She sees patients on a weekly basis in our Emergency Department. This is the true testament to her skill level. CDR Shattuck truly creates an environment which promotes compassion, mutual respect, and continued professional development and ethical behavior. She truly strives for the best in all the staff in her directorate. This Extraordinary Nurse often meets with her staff to inquire about their goals and how she can assist them in developing professionally. As an example, when I first arrived at the command, she sat with me and asked about my professional aspirations. I told them to her and since that time, she has actively engaged with me. This resulted in my attendance to the USAFP Conference where I was confirmed as Fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine. She also supported my selection for the female physician leadership course I recently completed and my selection for training for a new program for overseas screening. She has always encouraged her staff to see new leadership opportunities. CDR Shattuck has always been a great advocate for both the nurses and physicians to seek further training and enhance their skill sets. This officer has the vision to see our command succeed. She is passionate and dedicated to meeting and exceeding the HEDIS Metrics that our command is held to. As an ER nurse practitioner and specialist, she is extremely passionate about patient care and safety. She has been a strong advocate for ensuring that critical care patients are transferred in a timely manner to a higher level of care. This position of DMS, which is typically held by a physician, speaks volumes of the leadership capabilities of this extraordinary nurse specialist. Her current role enhances the image of nursing in our community. CDR Shattuck is a true DAISY Nurse Leader.