Katie Tuttle
May 2025
Katie
Tuttle
,
BSN, RN, CNML
Systemwide Flexible Resources
Cone Health Moses Cone Hospital
Greensboro
,
NC
United States

 

 

 

Persistently Katie “refused to accept silence as an answer, tirelessly working until something changed… within a week the patient was re-evaluated, enrolled in [a more effective] therapy program, and most importantly, [the patient’s] hope was restored.”
Described as a helper and educator with exceptional attention to detail, commitment to the Cone Health team and its patients, being a willing and flexible collaborator and leader, and described as “trusted completely”. One staff member expressed gratitude to Katie for assisting with last minute questions.

In another instance, a staff member praised her for responding immediately and “helping [them] to regroup and be the best I can for my patients. This is why I stay committed and flexible to Cone Health, because Katie is committed to our team … it truly feels like a family here and for that I thank you.”

A former manager states, Katie developed a Med/Surg to PCU competency plan which enhanced opportunities for growth in nursing,” and handled supplying resource allocations with campus and system-wide travelers for over 20 years. Cone Health Executive Leadership praised Katie's financial stewardship of Cone Health for developing the system-wide premium flexible resources program from scratch. Katie “… leads with heart, with action, and with a fierce dedication to make things better for those who need it most. Katie doesn’t just inspire; Katie transforms.” Her leadership has prompted fellow leaders to praise the team for “doing a phenomenal job of adjusting … and meeting staff where they are.” Encouraging members of the Cone Health community to receive differentiated support that will elevate their ability to care for patients. This is also exhibited with her participation in the Nurse External program, the Nurse Excellence Committee, and annual skills fairs. Katie has championed diversity and inclusion in her efforts with patients, colleagues, and in the community It is known, as recently as January of 2025, Katie has provided safe transport to staff to and from the hospital to ensure the unit ratios were not affected by inclement weather. This ensures that those without the means were able to get to work, but also that patients would receive adequate care.

Katie “fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity … whether team member or a patient is valued and accommodated with care” as evidenced by their willingness to discuss hard topics. A former manager stated that she “promoted diversity with the team.” This has most recently been demonstrated by a continued effort to improve the UKG Extensions and Workforce Central systems to use staff preferred names instead of legal names. For those who are transgender, this seemingly simple act can affect whether a staff member feels welcomed on an unfamiliar unit. I have heard her state plainly, “If this one thing makes the staff member feel comfortable, it is worth the effort, because our goal is the best care.” Care is not determined by a name.

A patient was described as “slipping through the cracks of a flawed healthcare system … and losing hope.” When the patient’s nurse came to Katie, advice, guidance, and reassurance were expected. What happened was above and beyond. She took immediate action by reaching out to contacts within the organization, more than once. Persistently Katie “refused to accept silence as an answer, tirelessly working until something changed… within a week the patient was re-evaluated, enrolled in [a more effective] therapy program, and most importantly, [the patient’s] hope was restored.” Katie … uses energy and passion to achieve positive outcomes in the practice setting, positively promotes nursing in the work environment, in the community, and actively encourages/supports other nurses and health care providers.

Katie has been recognized for “making a difference” by Cone Health Executive Leadership more than once. Acknowledged for exceptional participation on committees, e.g., Cone Health Nursing Excellence, Nurse Extern Program, and Kronos Scheduling Committee. When given a task, she will “move mountains,” as demonstrated during the 2020 pandemic when Travel RNs were needed for patient care and when the DHSR requested survey information for the MEWS audit process. She has been described as being committed and dedicated to assisting anyone who comes into her sphere, one instance Katie took “time out of a busy day to help a colleague better understand Optilink.” Another staff member stated that she is “always willing to discuss any concern” then will advocate for others to “do the right thing.” Several CHeeRS recognitions have been submitted in gratitude for her work to aid with staffing challenges.

Another recognition states Katie is “an excellent resource if people have questions about anything.” She has been quoted, “If I do not know the answer, I will tell them that, then look for it with them.” Commitment to the promotion of nursing excellence by participation on the Cone Health Nursing Excellence committee annually, as well as offering their expertise to all who need assistance with completing a nomination form or want information about the process. Each year, Katie takes 2 weeks of her paid annual leave for mission trips to South Africa with their local church, among other activities that include donating food to Cone Health Internal Medicine, and being active with the FIA fitness group, a free, non-profit organization that promotes the strength of women physically and spiritually. She is described as someone who “makes Cone Health shine.” This nominee is a behind-the-scenes, unsung leader who regularly goes above and beyond to ensure that not only her staff, but all members of the Cone Health community are faithfully stewarded towards the best patient care possible.