Jo Sokolowski
February 2026
Jo
Sokolowski
,
RN
Nursing Administration
Western State Hospital
Lakewood
,
WA
United States
In recognition of Jo’s exceptional leadership and innovative contributions, Jo Sokolowski is being recognized with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
Jo prioritizes the facility needs and the needs of those who work with her while ensuring that critical issues are dealt with immediately. She also takes time to ensure that those around her can continue to support the hospital’s mission, vision, and values. She cares, and it shows in her enthusiasm for holidays and special dates for her employees, such as work anniversaries, birthdays, and personal and professional achievements. She not only recognizes these individuals but also ensures others lift them up.
She continues to share her unwavering vision for the Civil Center of Excellence, strategic guidance, and ability to inspire others to achieve excellence. Her leadership has not only shaped successes but has also empowered those around her to reach their fullest potential, encouraging them to step up, step out of their comfort zone, and to think outside the box.
Jo responds to any urgent or emergent situation with a level head and continues to be the voice of reason. She thinks of the whole picture, putting patients and staff safety above all else, and voices that vision to those around her and those meeting to address these urgent or emergent situations, therefore ensuring that any resolution puts the safety of patients and staff first.
In 2025, Jo was the acting Chief Nursing Officer for a prolonged period and performed in an exceptional fashion. In 2026, she has been working to provide support and clarity as we transition to Shift Wizard. She has provided support and education on this program even when that was not her role. She has also devoted off-duty time to this project. Jo always has a way of looking at things and bringing order and clarity to issues. She is an outstanding nurse and leader.
Jo prioritizes the facility needs and the needs of those who work with her while ensuring that critical issues are dealt with immediately. She also takes time to ensure that those around her can continue to support the hospital’s mission, vision, and values. She cares, and it shows in her enthusiasm for holidays and special dates for her employees, such as work anniversaries, birthdays, and personal and professional achievements. She not only recognizes these individuals but also ensures others lift them up.
She continues to share her unwavering vision for the Civil Center of Excellence, strategic guidance, and ability to inspire others to achieve excellence. Her leadership has not only shaped successes but has also empowered those around her to reach their fullest potential, encouraging them to step up, step out of their comfort zone, and to think outside the box.
Jo responds to any urgent or emergent situation with a level head and continues to be the voice of reason. She thinks of the whole picture, putting patients and staff safety above all else, and voices that vision to those around her and those meeting to address these urgent or emergent situations, therefore ensuring that any resolution puts the safety of patients and staff first.
In 2025, Jo was the acting Chief Nursing Officer for a prolonged period and performed in an exceptional fashion. In 2026, she has been working to provide support and clarity as we transition to Shift Wizard. She has provided support and education on this program even when that was not her role. She has also devoted off-duty time to this project. Jo always has a way of looking at things and bringing order and clarity to issues. She is an outstanding nurse and leader.