Mike Cather is my assistant nurse manager. In my 26 years of working in the nursing profession, I have never had a manager give so much to their team. There is no problem he won't tackle and will help us solve or point us in the direction we need. We can be our true selves and confide in him no matter the situation.

He never places blame, and we never feel scolded if we make a mistake. He will always help guide us to learn from it and move forward in a positive direction. Our unit feels supported when he is there and even when he is not. He is always available by text and responds late at night and on weekends. Mike comes in at 0630 each day and makes himself available to the night shift staff to discuss any concerns or just check in on everything.

Mike supports our education and professional development, letting us know about opportunities at the VA and in the community for our staff to attend. Mike is also very involved in the cohesiveness of our unit; he participates in potlucks and celebration events, and he is present in times of uncertainty. During a heavy snowstorm that dropped 10 inches overnight, Mike arrived at work at his usual 6 am, boots on and a shovel he brought from home, to help night-shift nurses unbury their cars.

I have never had a leader get outside and help me like that after an exhausting overnight. He is truly outstanding.