I have had the unique privilege of working both for and alongside Julian, as our careers have progressed over the years. While not only the department we work in, but also healthcare itself, has changed over the years, one thing has remained constant – Julian’s dedication to the profession of nursing and his innate ability to positively affect change within our department and community. With Julian, it is easy to highlight the big, provision of care changes he has made because the list feels endless. From leading our Emergency Department in achieving its Level II Trauma designation to his exceptional work in exceeding national benchmarks related to stroke, sepsis, and chest pain, his dedication to our department is undoubtedly felt in the lives of every patient that we touch. While these achievements are paramount in setting Julian apart from the rest, it is his love for our team that I feel earns him the honor of being a DAISY Nurse Leader. As I read the prompt for this nomination, “describe a specific situation or story that clearly demonstrates how this nurse made a meaningful difference”, I am lucky to have so many to choose from related to Julian.

What I admire the most about Julian is that he truly believes that supporting the team is the most important aspect of a leadership role. He is the very definition of servant leadership, and through this leadership, he has built an absolutely remarkable team of nurses, CNAs, and paramedics. Since accepting his role as manager two years ago, Julian has recruited and retained a record number of nurses, and I have no doubt that he achieved this through his unparalleled commitment to the well-being and support of his staff. As a full-time Emergency Department Nurse Manager and mother, I am incredibly blessed, but often torn between the two worlds. This past year, I transitioned into what I consider my “dream job”, but with that transition came immense pressure to fulfill my duties to both my family and to my team. Secondary to that pressure, I was also nervous to accept a position working alongside who I consider to be THE MOST impressive manager and leader that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. As I mentioned earlier, Julian has repeatedly exceeded expectations and national benchmarks related to life-threatening conditions such as stroke, chest pain, and trauma. He is both adored and respected by every member of our team, so as you can imagine, the bar was set high for the individual selected to work alongside him. Internally, I feared that my most important role as a mother would make him feel as though he had an inadequate partner, but looking back on these feelings, I could not have been more wrong. As a partner, Julian is not only supportive and collaborative, but also never misses an opportunity to make me feel like Super Woman. He is protective of my work-life balance and has helped create a dynamic where we tackle challenges as a unified team. On countless occasions, Julian has done things like take call for me to ensure that my role as a mother never suffers. While I appreciate this in itself, what I appreciate even more is how Julian does not see this as an inconvenience or a hardship, but instead an act of dedication and partnership. Julian has made a meaningful difference in my life by supporting me, encouraging me, and reminding me that I truly can “have it all”.

Though I feel my experience and observations of Julian alone earn him this distinguished award, I feel it is important to include some words from the team that he has built. When I sat down to write this award nomination, I felt I could not miss the opportunity to share the feelings that our Emergency Department team has shared with me.

“I can't think of another RN more deserving of this award than Julian. I never met an ED Nurse Manager who is so quick to jump into the trenches, who goes above and beyond for his team so consistently. He never asks you to do something he is unwilling to do himself; even in undesirable tasks, it is often he who leads. Julian is always approachable and genuinely caring, and makes you feel like you are the most important person talking to him at that moment, despite the whirlwind of activity all around. He inspires loyalty and commitment from his team, and he inspires and empowers us to be who he knows we are - the best at providing compassionate and professional care to our community. Thank you, Julian, for your exceptional leadership!”

“If I had to pick one nurse to emulate, it would be Julian Carranza. He is the true definition of a leader. He is encouraging, transparent, communicative, and accommodating. He is friendly and personable, but commands respect and gives it at the same time. He holds our entire team accountable and always empowers us to strive for excellence. Anytime I am not knowledgeable of a task, medication, policy, or procedure, I know he is always someone I can reach out to who has immediate answers. I would trust him to care for my children, which alone speaks volumes of my feelings towards him. He is an amazing asset and leader for our team, and I truly feel that we would be lost without him. I am proud to learn from every day.”

“Julian truly cares about his team members, as we are his people before we are his employees. During my pregnancy, he accommodated me to make sure I (and my family) felt comfortable with my job role and safety while being largely pregnant. During maternity leave, he assured me and provided relief with every struggle relating to returning to work ensuring that my main focus was on my newborn son. Upon returning to work post maternity leave, he has made every effort to accommodate my childcare needs and schedule so that I can be BOTH a mother and a nurse. We would not be PMC ED without Julian. He is the glue of this unit and family. I am honored to follow his leadership.”

“Julian always goes above and beyond to help out when it is needed. We just had a very high census on Friday and he was on the floor all day helping in traumas, moving patients, and just being extra hands for the unit. He is always available for questions and has his team members' backs. You also can't forget about his INSANE IV skills. He is a great asset to the ED and we are very lucky to have him as a leader.”

“I have only worked at Novant ED for 3 years and at my previous hospital for 20 years, and in that time, I have gone through many managers or leaders, if you will. Julian is truly a LEADER, he is always present and is always frontline leading the whole team in any critical and non-critical situation. Just when you need him the most, he magically appears or is on the phone calling to see what we need. He prioritizes the growth and well-being of the emergency room, empowers the team, and actively listens in a non-judgmental manner.”

“Julian is an exceptional person, and equally so a leader. His dedication to excellence is not for recognition, but for impact. I've always seen that as the crux of how he affects those around him. He is genuine - a truly authentic person committed to doing what is right. He has a character and work ethic that shines through in every interaction—whether he's guiding our team, running the department, ensuring patients are seen, or strengthening our community's trust in emergency care. Everyone in the department sees him as a true 'tip of the spear', diving in without hesitation and leading by example. He teaches and empowers those around him, creating a collaborative, high-performing team that sets a standard of excellence in emergency care.”

Julian’s meaningful difference is felt not just by me and our team. Julian’s meaningful difference can be felt by every patient within the community that our team serves, as every patient touched and every life saved can be attributed to the dedication, commitment, and deep-rooted love that Julian Carranza pours into the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Emergency Department team.

Note: This is Julian's 2nd DAISY Award!