Today, our lead provider called our nurse manager to do something to protect the stray cats from the cold and rain. Our manager asked, "What do you want me to do?" So, she put her thinking cap on and came up with these crates and covered them with those wet floor absorbent clothes, while the ops manager and the administrative assistant taped the cardboard boxes together. This is evidence that our manager will go above and beyond to deliver compassion to just about anyone in need. Everyone was looking at her, asking, "What are you doing?" She said Dr. D charged me to do something to protect the stray cats from the cold and the rain. So, she got to work.

I am the UBC chairperson, and our manager suggested collecting and distributing blankets to the homeless. We collected over fifty blankets, and she was with us on a dark, cold, and rainy evening, delivering to our community. She has a personal mission and feeds the homeless once a month out of the kindness of her heart. Yesterday, we knew there was another freeze coming, so she went out and purchased plastic ponchos, and we had twenty-two more blankets to distribute. 

She encourages staff to go back to school to increase their education, and sends the information on education at work to those who express the desire to go back to school. She is a stickler for meeting failed metrics and holds us accountable to do just that. Our hypertension and breast cancer metrics have increased because of her action plans. She sends weekly reminders to show us progress, which helps us strive harder. We have a one-of-a-kind manager who extends her compassion beyond measure.

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Our nurse Manager exemplifies all the ICARE Values. She serves as a role model for the staff. She encourages all staff to continue their education. She has sent out reminders for all eligible nurses to sign up for PENCAP. She sets an environment in a fostering care to patients. Two weeks ago, she was called to assist a patient who was crying uncontrollably. The patient expressed having a bad experience with a provider, and this was her first time at our clinic. Instead of my manager going to the lead physician, she sat with the patient, listened, and made sure her needs were met before leaving the clinic. The patient needed an appointment to get some papers filled out to prevent eviction. My manager brought the patient to the new provider's nurse to see what could be done. I called the provider, and we were able to over-book the next day. The patient left happy and satisfied, and thanked me and my manager. The patient was seen the next day, papers were completed, and the patient was happy.

She is not a micromanager, but ensures the staff are meeting metrics, encourages staff members to present in-services during staff meetings, and attend classes via pathways. She makes sure she reminds us that there is no "I" in the word TEAM. She steps in and helps whenever there is a need. If overstaffed, she floats our staff to other clinics, whether in person or via video visits.

She is available even during PTO days. She will say, " I have coverage, but call me if you need me", or she will chime in on our daily chat. Every morning, she sends a daily prayer to our nursing team. She makes sure to inform you that it is not mandatory to receive those prayers, and someone may be excluded if they choose.

As far as helping the community, she recommended blanket collection for the homeless. She helped the UBC committee collect and distribute blankets to the homeless after work in the rain and cold. She's always thinking about the needs of others. The word compassion serves as a true definition of our manager.