Lauren Westerdale
May 2025
Lauren
Westerdale
,
MSN, RNC-NIC
Neonatal ICU
CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy
Omaha
,
NE
United States
Her ability to lead by example during this challenging time lifted the spirits of our entire team and helped us provide the best care possible under difficult circumstances.
One example of how Lauren creates an environment where attributes of trust, care, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development, and ethical behavior are modeled and supported that truly stands out to me is when our department faced an unexpected surge in patient volume, and our team was feeling overwhelmed. Despite the pressure, our director maintained a calm, supportive demeanor and provided clear, thoughtful communication. Not only did she ensure the team had the resources and support necessary to deliver exceptional care, but she also took the time to listen to each nurse's concerns, offering individualized support and guidance.
Her approach was not only empathetic, but also showed a remarkable level of resilience. She modeled how to handle high-stress situations with grace, while maintaining a focus on patient safety and staff well-being. Her ability to lead by example during this challenging time lifted the spirits of our entire team and helped us provide the best care possible under difficult circumstances.
Our director always ensures that communication within the department is transparent and honest, creating an atmosphere where trust is at the forefront. For example, during team meetings, she encourages open discussions about challenges and concerns, actively listening to all team members, regardless of their role. This approach promotes mutual respect among staff and ensures everyone feels heard, valued, and respected.
Our director is exceptional at communicating a clear and inspiring vision for patient care, making sure every team member understands the profound impact we have on the lives of the families we serve. She regularly reminds us that each day we’re part of something bigger than just our department—helping new parents bring their babies into the world with the best possible care. Her passion and enthusiasm for our work are contagious, fueling our own commitment to go above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Through her leadership, our director fosters a culture where the contributions of all healthcare workers are respected. She particularly emphasizes the importance of nursing in the success of patient care. She frequently collaborates with physicians, social workers, and other departments to ensure that nursing’s role is both recognized and valued, thereby strengthening the profession's image both within and outside the organization.
Her approach was not only empathetic, but also showed a remarkable level of resilience. She modeled how to handle high-stress situations with grace, while maintaining a focus on patient safety and staff well-being. Her ability to lead by example during this challenging time lifted the spirits of our entire team and helped us provide the best care possible under difficult circumstances.
Our director always ensures that communication within the department is transparent and honest, creating an atmosphere where trust is at the forefront. For example, during team meetings, she encourages open discussions about challenges and concerns, actively listening to all team members, regardless of their role. This approach promotes mutual respect among staff and ensures everyone feels heard, valued, and respected.
Our director is exceptional at communicating a clear and inspiring vision for patient care, making sure every team member understands the profound impact we have on the lives of the families we serve. She regularly reminds us that each day we’re part of something bigger than just our department—helping new parents bring their babies into the world with the best possible care. Her passion and enthusiasm for our work are contagious, fueling our own commitment to go above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Through her leadership, our director fosters a culture where the contributions of all healthcare workers are respected. She particularly emphasizes the importance of nursing in the success of patient care. She frequently collaborates with physicians, social workers, and other departments to ensure that nursing’s role is both recognized and valued, thereby strengthening the profession's image both within and outside the organization.