As a CNS and a nurse for over 30 years, I have witnessed and worked with several nurse managers in varying departments, with diverse leadership styles. I am cognizant of the necessary skill sets to excel in a leadership role. Having worked with Dustin Glass these past three years, I am inspired and impressed by his ability to guide, influence, and motivate his team in the ED.
For Dustin, being a leader is not a formal management position; rather, it is a role he embraces to elicit positive changes in the emergency department. Dustin possesses a deep understanding of both the clinical practice requirements as well as organizational dynamics. He strives to create a supportive work environment that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect among team members. He maintains an open-door policy with his staff, he is diligent with communication, he strives for positive patient outcomes, and he recognizes his staff for their exemplary performances.
Dustin meets with me weekly to discuss quality improvement initiatives, analyze data and metrics, and implement strategies that promote continuous improvement. He believes collaboration is a critical component of his leadership role. During his tenure, we have seen numerous improvements with triage times, atypical discharges, blood culture contamination rates, allocation of space, hiring of experienced staff, and opening a newly remodeled department. He fosters a culture of professional development and continuous learning to ensure his staff is abreast of advancements in technology and practice. He is diligent to ensure his staff is competent and confident in delivering high-quality care. He looks to me to provide evidence-based practices and guide him in allocating resources efficiently. He values my opinions and ideas and fully supports the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist. He prioritizes patient safety, and he advocates for access to healthcare, which is a staple in the ED, but more importantly, ensuring the safety of his staff in a potentially volatile environment. We frequently have conversations on how to mitigate risks in the department.
Dustin judiciously manages interpersonal relationships by demonstrating empathy and understanding. He is reasonable and fair and creates a supportive work environment. Dustin maintains open dialogue and mutual respect among all team members. I hear the staff frequently say how thankful they are for the leadership team. That is a testament to Dustin’s leadership style and emotional intelligence.
Dustin and I have been able to foster a trusting working relationship and collaborate on numerous projects, in an effort to provide the highest level of patient-centered care and empower and create a resilient team.