Jodie M. Cole
May 2025
Jodie M.
Cole
,
MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC
NPD
Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital
Wyandotte
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

Her hands-on leadership style and accessibility to her staff have been pivotal in creating a work environment where all employees feel supported and valued.
I am pleased to nominate Jodie for the DAISY Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to nursing excellence. Since her promotion to Nurse Manager of Professional Development and Magnet in 2023, Jodie has demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving patient care, advancing nursing practice, and creating a supportive environment for her team.

Jodie has consistently motivated her staff with a shared vision of achieving better outcomes for both nurses and patients. She set clear goals for herself, including taking on the role of NDNQI coordinator. Through her collaboration with Quality Department leads, she identified nurse-sensitive indicators (NSIs) crucial for the Magnet application. Her efforts resulted in the creation of a dashboard by Q2 FY2024 to track progress. As a result, the indicators included in the upcoming Magnet application are outperforming the national benchmark in five out of eight quarters. This is a direct reflection of Jodie’s ability to inspire others to strive for excellence and meet complex healthcare standards.

In addition to her role in quality improvement, Jodie has been an integral force in promoting a culture of trust, mutual respect, and ethical behavior within the organization. She has built strong relationships with both her team and other departments, fostering an environment where open communication and problem-solving are encouraged. Her hands-on leadership style and accessibility to her staff have been pivotal in creating a work environment where all employees feel supported and valued.

Jodie has also worked tirelessly to enhance the image of nursing within the organization and the community. She has played a key role in advancing the "Growing Your Own" program, aimed at supporting recruitment and retention. As part of this initiative, Jodie launched the Nurse Assistant Apprenticeship Program. This program provides paid training and a 12-month apprenticeship for individuals with a high school diploma or GED, allowing them to develop the skills needed to succeed in healthcare roles. While the first cohort was small, Jodie’s willingness to listen to feedback and make improvements demonstrates her commitment to continuous growth and innovation.

Through her leadership, Jodie exemplifies the very attributes of the DAISY Award: trust, compassion, professional development, and the nurturing of a strong nursing workforce. Her creative approach to problem-solving, her dedication to quality improvement, and her ongoing efforts to support both her team and the community ensure that nursing practice continues to evolve and thrive. Jodie is an exceptional leader who truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.