Leslie Castillo, BSN, RN

I would like to commend our ANM for the compassion, dedication, and support she continuously shows our night shift team. Working night shift comes with its own unique challenges, and Leslie Castillo consistently goes above and beyond to make sure we feel supported and appreciated. She is a leader who is willing to step in when we need help, answer questions, listen to our concerns, and make sure we have what we need to provide the best possible care to our patients. She doesn’t simply lead from a distance; she makes herself available and shows us through her actions that she is part of our team.​ ​

What stands out to me most are the little things she does that she may not even realize have such a big impact. She will bring snacks and treats in for the unit, making sure that night shift is thought of and included. On a busy 12-hour shift, something as simple as walking into the break room and seeing that someone thought about us can completely change the mood of the night. It reminds us that our hard work is seen and appreciated.​ ​

Nursing can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and having a leader who genuinely cares about the well-being of her staff makes a difference. Leslie's support helps create an environment where nurses feel comfortable asking for help, working together, and supporting one another. That positive environment carries over into the care we provide our patients.​ ​ She may not always receive recognition for everything she does behind the scenes, but the night shift sees it. We see the time, effort, compassion, and dedication she puts into our unit and our team. She makes us feel valued, and I am incredibly grateful to have an ANM who cares not only about our patients, but about the nurses caring for them.​ ​ She is a wonderful example of the kind of compassionate and supportive nursing leadership that deserves to be recognized.