Phyllis Justus
May 2025
Phyllis
Justus
,
DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Administration
Advocate Health
Charlotte
,
NC
United States
An extraordinary nurse, a transformative leader, a mentor, a friend, and a woman whose unwavering dedication to the nursing profession has touched more lives than can ever be counted.
It is with the greatest honor and affection that we recognize Dr. Phyllis Justus for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, in honor of her transformational impact on the nursing profession. In a career that has spanned oncology, critical care, academic, leadership, and nursing professional development specialties, she has been a tireless advocate and a catalyst for nursing excellence every step of the way. Phyllis’s influence has touched thousands of past, current, and future nurses. It is an absolute honor and a deeply moving privilege to stand before you today as we recognize and celebrate an extraordinary nurse, a transformative leader, a mentor, a friend, and a woman whose unwavering dedication to the nursing profession has touched more lives than can ever be counted—Dr. Phyllis Justus.
Today, we present her with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award—not only as a symbol of her profound impact, but as a heartfelt thank you for the legacy she leaves behind. DAISY Lifetime Achievement Awards are reserved for nurses who have devoted their life's work to the compassionate care of others. Recipients of this award are nominated for their dedication to nursing through active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for their patients, and promoting the positive image of nursing. They serve as a beacon of inspiration to those at all stages of their career and in the various and important roles of nursing. We would like to share some reflections from nurses who have been inspired by Phyllis’s influence.
***
I truly hope that every nurse is lucky enough to have a mentor in their corner like Phyllis. She has been a constant in my NPD career since 2016, and in the last nine years has taken the time to learn my kids’ names as well as my preferred lunch schedule. She has supported me through the best and the hardest times, both personal and professional, always believing in the best of me. It is with pride and a lot of tears that I get to share these words with you.
***
Dr. Justus, or “Phyllis,” as she prefers to be called, empowers others through her humility, both professionally and personally. As a nurse leader, shows that strength lies in listening, learning, and uplifting others. Phyllis fosters an environment where every voice is valued, encouraging team members to grow and lead with purpose. Her ability to inspire confidence and courage in her peers has led to groundbreaking initiatives that redefine patient care practices, many of which have been recognized at the national level.
Phyllis never seeks the spotlight, yet her influence is deeply felt—through her mentorship, her willingness to admit when she’s still learning, and her genuine celebration of others’ successes. Her humility is not only inspiring but transformative, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence in nursing practice. Phyllis has a passion for elevating the voices of our clinical nurses, and she has personally impacted so many through her clinical advancement and professional development work.
Over the course of more than 40 years, Dr. Justus has exemplified the very soul of nursing. Her journey began at the bedside in the Oncology setting at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, where her clinical excellence was matched only by her boundless compassion. But her story didn’t stop there—it expanded with every patient she advocated for, every nurse she mentored, every program she envisioned and built.
As a nursing executive and Enterprise NEPD leader, Phyllis led with courage and conviction through seven system integrations. She saw not only the complexity, but also the possibility. And in doing so, she brought people together—aligning teams, cultures, and values with integrity and grace. It was never about the title. It was always about the people.
Among her many proudest accomplishments, two stand tall: leading the organization to its first PTAP Accreditation with Distinction and designing the framework for the Nurse Credentialing Pathway Program—efforts that elevated nursing excellence across an entire health system and will continue to shape the careers of countless nurses for generations to come.
But beyond the awards and the titles, what sets Dr. Justus apart is her heart. She listens deeply. She inspires quietly. She believes in people, often before they believe in themselves. So many of us in this room—and across the country—have felt the warmth of her encouragement, the clarity of her wisdom, and the strength of her support. She reminds us that nursing is not just a career. It is a profession. A way of being. And a force that, when led with authenticity and love, can change the world. Phyllis, you have been that force.
Today, we honor not just what you’ve done—but who you are. A beacon of excellence. A champion of nurses. A guardian of the values that make our profession sacred. On behalf of all those you’ve healed, mentored, and inspired—congratulations on this well-deserved DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Your legacy lives in every nurse you’ve lifted, every patient you’ve touched, and every heart you’ve guided toward greatness.
***
You left a lasting impression on me as a student, and it's been such a full-circle moment to have the privilege of working alongside you.
***
She has an extraordinary talent for making everyone feel seen and heard.
***
She seeks to listen intently to people’s thoughts and allows them to express themselves, fully realizing their power to bring positive change.
***
She brings so much care and compassion that when you work with Phyllis, you want to be the best version of yourself.
***
She advocates for the frontline nurses like no one I have ever seen before. It resonates in her words and actions how much she believes that the nurses at the forefront can shape the profession.
Today, we present her with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award—not only as a symbol of her profound impact, but as a heartfelt thank you for the legacy she leaves behind. DAISY Lifetime Achievement Awards are reserved for nurses who have devoted their life's work to the compassionate care of others. Recipients of this award are nominated for their dedication to nursing through active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for their patients, and promoting the positive image of nursing. They serve as a beacon of inspiration to those at all stages of their career and in the various and important roles of nursing. We would like to share some reflections from nurses who have been inspired by Phyllis’s influence.
***
I truly hope that every nurse is lucky enough to have a mentor in their corner like Phyllis. She has been a constant in my NPD career since 2016, and in the last nine years has taken the time to learn my kids’ names as well as my preferred lunch schedule. She has supported me through the best and the hardest times, both personal and professional, always believing in the best of me. It is with pride and a lot of tears that I get to share these words with you.
***
Dr. Justus, or “Phyllis,” as she prefers to be called, empowers others through her humility, both professionally and personally. As a nurse leader, shows that strength lies in listening, learning, and uplifting others. Phyllis fosters an environment where every voice is valued, encouraging team members to grow and lead with purpose. Her ability to inspire confidence and courage in her peers has led to groundbreaking initiatives that redefine patient care practices, many of which have been recognized at the national level.
Phyllis never seeks the spotlight, yet her influence is deeply felt—through her mentorship, her willingness to admit when she’s still learning, and her genuine celebration of others’ successes. Her humility is not only inspiring but transformative, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence in nursing practice. Phyllis has a passion for elevating the voices of our clinical nurses, and she has personally impacted so many through her clinical advancement and professional development work.
Over the course of more than 40 years, Dr. Justus has exemplified the very soul of nursing. Her journey began at the bedside in the Oncology setting at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, where her clinical excellence was matched only by her boundless compassion. But her story didn’t stop there—it expanded with every patient she advocated for, every nurse she mentored, every program she envisioned and built.
As a nursing executive and Enterprise NEPD leader, Phyllis led with courage and conviction through seven system integrations. She saw not only the complexity, but also the possibility. And in doing so, she brought people together—aligning teams, cultures, and values with integrity and grace. It was never about the title. It was always about the people.
Among her many proudest accomplishments, two stand tall: leading the organization to its first PTAP Accreditation with Distinction and designing the framework for the Nurse Credentialing Pathway Program—efforts that elevated nursing excellence across an entire health system and will continue to shape the careers of countless nurses for generations to come.
But beyond the awards and the titles, what sets Dr. Justus apart is her heart. She listens deeply. She inspires quietly. She believes in people, often before they believe in themselves. So many of us in this room—and across the country—have felt the warmth of her encouragement, the clarity of her wisdom, and the strength of her support. She reminds us that nursing is not just a career. It is a profession. A way of being. And a force that, when led with authenticity and love, can change the world. Phyllis, you have been that force.
Today, we honor not just what you’ve done—but who you are. A beacon of excellence. A champion of nurses. A guardian of the values that make our profession sacred. On behalf of all those you’ve healed, mentored, and inspired—congratulations on this well-deserved DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Your legacy lives in every nurse you’ve lifted, every patient you’ve touched, and every heart you’ve guided toward greatness.
***
You left a lasting impression on me as a student, and it's been such a full-circle moment to have the privilege of working alongside you.
***
She has an extraordinary talent for making everyone feel seen and heard.
***
She seeks to listen intently to people’s thoughts and allows them to express themselves, fully realizing their power to bring positive change.
***
She brings so much care and compassion that when you work with Phyllis, you want to be the best version of yourself.
***
She advocates for the frontline nurses like no one I have ever seen before. It resonates in her words and actions how much she believes that the nurses at the forefront can shape the profession.