The true definition of a compassionate and engaged nurse leader. She consistently creates an environment rooted in trust, mutual respect, and growth... I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering support, advocacy, and commitment to both professional development and high-quality patient care. Jennifer maintains a true open-door policy, regularly checking in on all of her team members. She is accessible, approachable, and highly responsive to our needs, making each of us feel valued and supported. Her leadership style is grounded in compassion and intentional development of others... A key example of her dedication to our growth is her success in inspiring 15-20 float pool team members to commit to certification, which not only enhances clinical practice but also instills confidence and pride in their work. She has empowered 12 staff members to participate in shared governance, ensuring that our voices contribute meaningfully to the direction of nursing within our hospital. Jennifer also encourages our involvement beyond our core roles..[to] contribute to patient outcomes and professional engagement. She is instrumental in implementing and supporting the new Buddy Program, welcoming new hires and fostering a culture of inclusion and mentorship. Her ability to build up her staff—through opportunity, encouragement, and recognition— leads to high engagement, improved retention, and job satisfaction across the float pool. ​

Jennifer’s consistent compassion, accessibility, and advocacy make her not only a remarkable leader but also a role model for what nurse leadership should be. Jennifer Hartlage is an exceptional nursing leader who demonstrates unwavering dedication to her team and patients. She is highly engaged, ensuring that communication flows seamlessly to all staff through multiple modes. Jennifer goes above and beyond to identify her employees' professional goals and actively eliminates barriers...She is also introducing a QR code system to enhance peer recognition and allow staff to request follow-ups on process concerns from their shifts. Jennifer fosters a culture of appreciation, ensuring her staff receive personalized affirmation letters from team members, patients, and families. Her leadership creates an environment where nurses feel valued, supported, and empowered to excel.

For these reasons and many more, Jennifer Hartlage is truly deserving of the DAISY Award. Jennifer Hartlage is the definition of servant leadership. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her team feels supported, valued, and empowered to provide the highest level of care to our patients. She leads with compassion, professionalism, and a tireless work ethic, always putting the well-being of both her staff and patients first. Whether stepping in during challenging times to work side by side with her staff, advocating for standardization to improve employee engagement and patient care, or assisting other managers to ensure that all patients are rounded. Jennifer is a collaborator and outside-of-the-box thinker who is consistently producing new and fun ways to engage her staff. She is an invaluable asset to our leadership team, and her dedication to supporting those around her is truly inspiring.