From the beginning of her journey as a nurse resident to her current role as Assistant Nurse Manager, Jocelyn Ponce has exemplified unwavering dedication, compassion, and excellence in patient care. Her remarkable ability to connect with patients and families, while also inspiring her team, sets her apart as a true leader. She consistently fosters a positive, collaborative environment through mentorship, advocacy, and innovation.

As a preceptor and charge nurse, and now as a leader, she has guided countless new nurses, especially residents, sharing her knowledge and instilling confidence and professionalism. She meets regularly with her team to provide feedback and invite suggestions, significantly contributing to high staff retention. Her commitment to professional development is evident in her efforts to support clinical ladder advancement and certification, which has led to a doubling of participation among bedside RNs.

One of her most impactful initiatives addressed transplant patient readmissions associated with insulin management. When we identified a trend in readmissions linked to insulin-related issues, she took the lead in forming a multidisciplinary task force. Under her leadership, the team developed an education and follow-up plan that led to a 60% decrease in readmissions in one year and decreased to 25% the following year. This success was so impactful that other transplant units adopted the initiative. She leads with purpose and always brings ideas that improve care delivery, safety, and outcomes. Her passion for nursing and her proactive leadership style have made a measurable difference in patients' lives and in our culture of quality. Jocelyn is, without a doubt, a shining example of the DAISY Nurse Leader spirit.