Sara Hanes, MSN, RN-BC

Sara models compassion and exemplary practice in how she supports families with questions and concerns and advocates for staff. She responds quickly and privately to performance concerns and focuses on future improvement. She holds staff accountable without making it feel punitive.

She models behavior that feels extraordinary by stepping up to help as needed, participating routinely in leadership rounding, and fostering a positive culture every day. When I first came to the unit, I worried people thought I wasn't doing well because I consistently received help without asking. I asked Sara about it, and she said, “It’s just how we do things here.” Being able to really work as a team without possessiveness over our patients or keeping score on who is helping the most is such a gift in the working environment, and Sara has fostered this.

Sara creates an environment of care and compassion by modeling it for her staff. She works with us as much as possible to meet our personal needs.

Sara models and supports trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development, and ethical behavior in how she communicates. Discipline is private. Praise is delivered in each person’s preferred way. She does the expected staff rounding in a personal, unhurried way. She is honest and direct without being harsh or judgmental. She asks about goals and how she can help her achieve them. She does the right thing, and it is part of the unit culture that we do the right thing. We follow policies. We work together on process changes. We rise to challenges.

Sara motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and their patients through innovative teamwork with our CRN, Mindy, who creates great visuals showing our progress toward unit goals. Every huddle, we can easily see our progress. Sara always talks about our progress towards our goals in staff meetings. We have an active practice committee and structured process change.

Sara mentors staff by enjoying her work, promoting a fun and collaborative environment, and demonstrating excellence in her own practice. We know when Sara will be here. She maintains a consistent routine that allows her to interact with both shifts. She asks for input on problem-solving. She helps those needing assistance with critical thinking skills. She has said, “It might not be the way I would have done it, but it doesn’t mean it’s the wrong way or that this way doesn’t work”.

Sara is an excellent nurse and an excellent leader. She actively promotes needed process change. She advocates for patients and staff. Whenever I talk to staff outside the unit about Sara’s excellent leadership, they always respond, “I’ve heard she’s a great manager.” I am grateful to be a part of Sara’s unit and this team. Sara deserves honor and recognition for the amazing team she has built and leads on this unit.

No task is ever beneath her. Whether it’s answering call lights, helping with patient care, cleaning a room, or jumping in wherever she’s needed, she does it without hesitation. Her actions remind us that good leaders come alongside their team.

She fosters a culture of teamwork by making everyone feel valued and supported. She is always approachable, encouraging, and always willing to listen. During busy shifts or unexpected challenges, she remains calm, positive, and focused on finding solutions rather than placing blame.

One of her greatest strengths is her flexibility. She understands that life happens and works hard to accommodate her staff whenever possible while ensuring our patients continue to receive excellent care. Her compassion extends not only to our patients but also to every member of our team.

Because of her dedication, selflessness, and commitment to creating a supportive work environment, she has earned the respect and admiration of everyone who has the privilege of working with her. She exemplifies excellence, compassion, teamwork, and servant leadership, making her truly deserving of this recognition.