Dr. Deborah Feehan, commonly known as Deb, has established a Magnet culture within the Mount Sinai Organization through the implementation of a shared governance system, advocacy for nursing staff, and integration of evidence-based practices. She chairs the Daisy Council, which involves clinical nurses in decision-making processes. Additionally, she founded the Magnet Leader Champion Council and provides educational programs to foster professional development, covering topics such as Writing an Abstract and Magnet Stories. Deb utilizes data-driven talking points to identify areas for improvement and to demonstrate organizational excellence. Furthermore, she cultivates relationships across the organization to advocate for clinical nurses, ensuring that the nursing workforce has the necessary resources and support to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.

Deb's contributions extend beyond the nursing department, as she holds a position on the Institutional Review Board (IRB). In this capacity, she mentors clinical nurses involved in evidence-based practice (EBP) initiatives and supports managers and directors in their pursuit of higher education. She encourages clinical nurses to realize their full potential by supporting their engagement with professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Commission on Magnet.

Dr. Feehan demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the alignment between the organization's processes and the standards necessary to showcase excellence. She facilitated brainstorming sessions across various departments to identify the most compelling data and stories for submission to the Magnet Program Office. She effectively communicated the standards' requirements to nursing staff and interdisciplinary teams. Deb initiated and led educational sessions for both clinical nurses and leaders, and she regularly educates incoming nurses about the Magnet program and its importance within the organization, conducted monthly at the headquarters on 42nd Street.

Through thorough analysis of several years of nurse-sensitive indicators and related data, she identified areas of excellence and positioned nurses as key influencers in improving patient experience and outcomes. She presented compelling evidence, including at least two years of significant data, illustrating nurses commitment to continuous learning and bedside autonomy. Her dedication and expertise in Magnet Standards enabled her to devise alternative methods to demonstrate patient and staff satisfaction, thereby contributing to efforts to enhance the patient experience.

The Magnet journey can be challenging and emotionally demanding; however, Deb maintained exceptional composure and kindness throughout this process. Her approachable and personable leadership style fostered a positive and collaborative environment. Colleagues frequently seek her counsel, and she accommodates their requests readily. Her ability to prioritize and engage with others has had a significant impact on her team. Colleagues describe her as a fearless yet authentic transformational leader, exemplifying leadership qualities in all aspects. Her positive outlook and motivational approach inspire continuous improvement, even amid challenges. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing nursing excellence and embedding Magnet standards into everyday practice and organizational culture.

A testament to Debs's supportive leadership is her personal response when a nurse experienced an accident while assisting in a critical event. Deb remained at the nurse's side from the moment she was transported to the emergency department until the final stitches were placed, disregarding her schedule and even missing her lunch break, to demonstrate support and concern.

Deb consistently makes efforts to engage directly with nurses across various units. Through personal conversations and interactions, she empowers nurses to better understand their roles, recognize their contributions, and share their stories of excellence. Her capacity to inspire and empower makes nurses feel confident that they are providing high standards of care, as evidenced by positive outcomes.

Deb led the organization's engagement with the Magnet Program Office throughout the application process. She dedicates extensive time collaborating with various departments to highlight exemplary nursing practices. She works with nursing departments, quality committees, and other organizational units to identify and showcase areas where nurses are leading change, improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, exceeding benchmarks, and demonstrating positive empirical results. She established and led the Magnet Champion Council, where selected Magnet Champions serve as departmental leaders. Deb inspires and encourages these individuals to showcase their work publicly; during Town Hall meetings, they have the opportunity to share their accomplishments and inspire others. She actively seeks input and feedback from clinical nurses and Magnet Champions, fostering a collaborative environment.

Additionally, Deb leads the organization's DAISY Award Committee. Under her leadership, the committee functions effectively and meaningfully. She actively participates in nearly all nursing events, including Nurse Certification Day and Nurse Week celebrations. Outside the hospital, she dedicates personal time to participate in the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, where she currently serves as Secretary of their local chapter.

Submitted by: Melody Cubas, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, Clinical Nurse, Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC

Dr. Deborah Feehan has been instrumental in moving us towards and through our fifth Magnet designation - no easy feat. She is actively involved in many of the magnet committees, including the transcultural immersion day committee, falls committee, magnet champion committee, and safe patient handling committee. She wears many hats, teaching thousands of nurses how to apply, embrace, and thrive with the Magnet standards. Dr. Feehan represents Nurse Empowerment! She deserves the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.

Submitted by: Susan Brindisi, MS Ed, MA, CHES, CRRN, MSN, Nurse Manager, Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC

It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I nominate Deborah Feehan, DHSc, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, MEDSURG-BC, CPM, for the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary leadership as Magnet Program Director at Mount Sinai Hospital. Because of Deborah’s vision, dedication, and relentless commitment to nursing excellence, Mount Sinai Hospital achieved its fifth Magnet designation, an extraordinary accomplishment made even more remarkable with nine exemplars. This achievement reflects her strategic focus, scholarly rigor, and unwavering belief in the power of professional nursing practice.

Deborah is a leader who does far more than guide a program; she elevates nurses. She sees potential where others may not, and she ensures that nurses receive the recognition they deserve.

On my palliative care unit, I worked for two years to develop and implement a nurse-driven ketamine IV infusion administration program. I collaborated closely with a physician partner, wrote the policy, developed the protocol, and quietly built the foundation to make this initiative safe and successful for our patients. I did this work humbly and without seeking recognition.

When Deborah learned about this initiative, she immediately understood its significance not only for patient care but for nursing autonomy and innovation. She put me on the map. She made sure leadership knew this was a nurse-driven initiative. She elevated the work to the level it deserved. Because of her advocacy, my work was recognized across the organization, and the impact extended far beyond my unit.

That is who Deborah is.

She is caring, intentional, and deeply committed to nursing excellence. She leads with integrity and purpose. She loves Magnet not as a title or designation but as a framework that empowers nurses to practice at the highest level. She understands that Magnet is about nurses leading change, advancing evidence-based practice, and improving outcomes. And she makes that vision tangible.

Deborah creates a culture where nurses feel seen, valued, and capable of transformative work. Her leadership inspires innovation. Her advocacy builds confidence. Her belief in nurses changes careers.

Mount Sinai's fifth Magnet designation with nine exemplars is a testament to her brilliance as a leader. But the true measure of her impact is the way she uplifts individual nurses, ensuring their voices, ideas, and accomplishments are recognized.

For her visionary leadership, her unwavering support of nursing excellence, and her ability to empower nurses to lead meaningful change, I wholeheartedly nominate Deborah Feehan for the DAISY Award.

She embodies everything this award represents.

Submitted by: Carla Alves-Miraldo, MSN-Ed, MS, RN, CHPN, Senior Clinical Nurse, Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC