I would like to nominate my nurse manager Randi Sandlin, for The DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Randi is the current nurse manager of the ICU and has been my direct supervisor for the past three years. I have been an employee of the RJDVA for 5 years. I started my career in the Oncology department and after working there for a couple of years, I really wanted to grow as a nurse and was given the opportunity to work in the ICU. I did not have ICU experience but was willing to do what it took to become a critical care nurse. I transitioned to the ICU on March 1, 2020. Approximately a month later we were in a global pandemic.

Randi was my assistant nurse manager at the time, she worked alongside Amanda Blackburn as she was the Nurse Manager. A short time after the pandemic started Amanda was detailed to Quality Management leaving Randi to be the interim nurse manager and assistant nurse manager in the middle of the pandemic. How Randi handled this situation was incredibly inspiring. She showed up every day and did her very best to manage a group of nurses that were not only scared but getting sick as well. On more than one occasion Randi added to her manager roles and worked alongside us on the unit as an RN. It goes without saying the Covid pandemic took a tremendous toll on us as critical care nurses, but never did we not feel the constant support of Randi. She always had us prioritize our health and our family’s health first. She went above and beyond for our unit in whatever fashion was necessary. She eventually went on to except the nurse manager position and our unit was ecstatic!

Randi is a tremendous leader; she is a team player, and she always puts the Veteran's needs first. Personally, while working under Randi, I have found myself in countless situations that left me feeling completely inadequate as a nurse. Transitioning into critical care is a challenge and having a support system you feel safe and comfortable with is a must. I have never felt anything but encouragement when I have gone to Randi for help. She is extremely intelligent, having multiple certifications in critical care nursing that are not required for her position. I have never had a question that she did not have the answer to. I appreciate that I know whatever answer I need is going to be based on evidence-based practice with the Veteran's needs at the forefront. One of my favorite quotes from Randi is… “If you just put the Veteran’s needs first you are not going to go wrong”. Being able to admit your faults and failures to your superior and know you will be met with encouragement makes for a work environment that fosters tremendous growth. Some days are tough, but I know Randi will not ask anything for any of us that she would not do herself.

Randi is the biggest cheerleader for all her staff. If you want to grow, she will give you opportunities to grow, even if that means leaving the ICU. While working under Randi I have celebrated achieving my BSN as well as my Vascular Access Certification. I feel valued in my role as an ICU nurse after being given the past 3 years to learn and grow. I have future goals that I know will be met with excitement and any resources I need. Unfortunately, I have had a few health issues over the past few years. Including 3 separate surgeries. It would have the easiest for Randi to have me take a different position that would not be as physically demanding elsewhere in the facility. Instead, Randi asked me what I needed and how she could help. It was my goal to return to the ICU even though at times it was unclear whether I would be able to do so. During these times Randi offered to help me acquire some light-duty work within the facility so that I would not have to use all my leave or go without pay. This was not something she had to do, she did it because she wanted me to be successful even if I was not directly contributing to the staff in the ICU. I know my absence has put my coworkers in a bind at times and every time I expressed guilt Randi was there with an encouraging word. She always made me feel like my health and wellness were priority number one and the rest would figure itself out.

During my time on light duty, I have had the opportunity to work in several different departments in the facility. While I have greatly appreciated this experience it left me feeling even more grateful for Randi and the leadership she provides in the ICU. I know if an issue is brought up it will be addressed and handled. If there is a problem, there will be a timely resolution. I could go on and on about my gratitude for Randi. It would be my greatest gift to be able to present her with The DAISY Leadership award on behalf of our unit because she is incredibly deserving.