Ana truly defines an exceptional leader. Every day, I learn something from her. I often sit back to reflect on how she manages to do it all.

From being (former) chair of the Manager Council to being involved in the care companion and the Hospital at Home committee to assisting patients at the bedside. There’s rarely a time when a nurse asks her for help that she does not make the time for.

She always focuses on putting the patient and their safety first and always jumps in to help. She is always motivating staff to pursue educational growth and is always a team player on the unit.

There are plenty of times that patients state that 9E has great nursing staff and also acknowledge that the unit is exemplified by great leadership.

She demonstrates dedication with the long hours she works to ensure everything gets done. She makes time to teach me how to improve my skills as a leader, and she stands true to her word.

She is available. Whenever you call her, she never sounds or acts as though you are bothering her, and she always thanks you for calling. Her reassurance is more than words can describe.

Her leadership style is generous, kind, compassionate, understanding, and fair. She balances all those great qualities while she also holds staff accountable.

In my 15 years as a nurse, I couldn’t have asked for a better leader and manager. She is a one-of-a-kind leader I will never forget.

As part of the leadership team, she is an outstanding mentor who motivates me to grow as a leader.