Marissa Long
May 2026
Marissa
Long
,
MSN, RN, PCCN
Progressive Care and Urology
Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital
Greensboro
,
NC
United States
The strength, cohesion, and success of our team are direct reflections of her leadership. What she does never goes unnoticed, even if she rarely seeks recognition.
Marissa exemplifies what it truly means to be a transformational leader—one who not only drives exceptional outcomes but also cultivates an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
Under Marissa’s leadership, our busy Progressive Care Department has achieved remarkable and sustained excellence. The unit has remained CAUTI-free for three years and CLABSI-free for three years—an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects her unwavering commitment to patient safety and quality care. In addition, our department consistently achieves top-tier engagement scores, a testament to the culture she has intentionally built.
However, what sets Marissa apart is her understanding that metrics alone do not define success. She recognizes that the true measure of a department lies in how patients feel and how team members experience their work. She has created a trusting, flourishing environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered. Teams are not miraculously built—they are cultivated, supported, and encouraged to grow—and Marissa embodies this philosophy every single day.
She has an exceptional ability to identify potential and nurture it. Marissa actively supports the interests and ideas of team members, guiding them from concept to reality. She has championed staff-driven initiatives that have led to meaningful process improvements, including supporting projects through poster presentations and successful rollouts across the entire system. Her leadership ensures that innovation is not only welcomed but celebrated.
Marissa leads by example, never hesitating to step in and support the team whenever needed. She brings humor and wit into even the most challenging conversations, creating a sense of ease and approachability that the team deeply appreciates. Her presence fosters connection, resilience, and collaboration.
On a personal level, I can confidently say that I could not do my job without her. Marissa is my constant support—she balances me, uplifts me, and challenges me in the best ways. She consistently works to lighten my load, serves as my biggest cheerleader, and provides honest, thoughtful feedback when I need it most. She encourages me to let go when necessary, to prioritize self-care, and to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She is, truly, the yin to my yang.
Because of Marissa, our department—serving over 100 team members—not only functions, but thrives. The strength, cohesion, and success of our team are direct reflections of her leadership. What she does never goes unnoticed, even if she rarely seeks recognition.
Marissa Long is the kind of leader who transforms not just outcomes, but people. For all of these reasons and more, she is profoundly deserving of the DAISY Leader Award."
Under Marissa’s leadership, our busy Progressive Care Department has achieved remarkable and sustained excellence. The unit has remained CAUTI-free for three years and CLABSI-free for three years—an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects her unwavering commitment to patient safety and quality care. In addition, our department consistently achieves top-tier engagement scores, a testament to the culture she has intentionally built.
However, what sets Marissa apart is her understanding that metrics alone do not define success. She recognizes that the true measure of a department lies in how patients feel and how team members experience their work. She has created a trusting, flourishing environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered. Teams are not miraculously built—they are cultivated, supported, and encouraged to grow—and Marissa embodies this philosophy every single day.
She has an exceptional ability to identify potential and nurture it. Marissa actively supports the interests and ideas of team members, guiding them from concept to reality. She has championed staff-driven initiatives that have led to meaningful process improvements, including supporting projects through poster presentations and successful rollouts across the entire system. Her leadership ensures that innovation is not only welcomed but celebrated.
Marissa leads by example, never hesitating to step in and support the team whenever needed. She brings humor and wit into even the most challenging conversations, creating a sense of ease and approachability that the team deeply appreciates. Her presence fosters connection, resilience, and collaboration.
On a personal level, I can confidently say that I could not do my job without her. Marissa is my constant support—she balances me, uplifts me, and challenges me in the best ways. She consistently works to lighten my load, serves as my biggest cheerleader, and provides honest, thoughtful feedback when I need it most. She encourages me to let go when necessary, to prioritize self-care, and to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She is, truly, the yin to my yang.
Because of Marissa, our department—serving over 100 team members—not only functions, but thrives. The strength, cohesion, and success of our team are direct reflections of her leadership. What she does never goes unnoticed, even if she rarely seeks recognition.
Marissa Long is the kind of leader who transforms not just outcomes, but people. For all of these reasons and more, she is profoundly deserving of the DAISY Leader Award."