Samantha Spencer, RN

I am pleased to nominate Samantha Spencer, Manager of the Emergency Department at Ascension Alexian Brothers, for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Sam exemplifies a strong, results-oriented leader who upholds Ascension's values by ensuring both operational effectiveness and clinical excellence. She continues to adapt year over year to changing patient experience needs and workforce demands. Sam's list of responsibilities above and beyond her department requirements is endless. She participates in CX initiatives, Cardiac Arrest Review, ESM and Trauma team management, Hospital and ED Peer Review, to name a few. Additionally, Sam has risen to the challenge to lead one of our 4 housewide councils this year to help drive our professional governance program. She has also shown strong engagement and involvement. I am especially proud of Sam's leadership through two recent experiences.

First, Sam has led her leadership team and staff to accomplish their FY Operational goal. At the start of the year, the ED was challenged to reduce the LOS for their patients. This goal would help meet financial metrics and meet consumer demands. YTD, they achieved the goal after March. This is a complex and difficult project that requires multidisciplinary engagement and extensive oversight and follow-through. She couldn't do this alone, but was able to keep people on track and track progress and success.

Additionally, the ED experienced a very sensitive safety event recently. Watching Sam remain calm, act as an expert in ED policy, manage her own emotions and the team's, guide processes, delegate, and truly own the situation was remarkable. Sam is a content expert and navigated a very complex situation with poise.

Through her focus on both financial integrity and clinical standards, Samantha Spencer provides the focused, driven leadership that supports and empowers her team to deliver their best every day. She truly deserves recognition for the compassionate, exemplary environment she provides for her staff.