Annmarie McDonagh, MBA, DNP, RN

Some leaders maintain the status quo—she refuses to. The DAISY Foundation created the Nurse Leader Award to recognize those who build cultures where compassionate, exceptional care can thrive, and this Director of Nursing embodies that purpose in a way that is both unmistakable and deeply personal.

Affectionately known by many as a “tornado,” she brings undeniable force wherever she goes. Momentum follows her. Expectations rise. She moves fast, sometimes at rocket speed, and she does not shy away from hard conversations or high standards. But what those on the outside may not immediately see is that beneath that intensity is an enormous heart and a fierce sense of responsibility. Everything she pushes for, every expectation she holds, is rooted in an unwavering desire to do what is right for patients and for nurses.

I have had the pleasure (and yes, at times the challenge) of working in close collaboration with her. We do not always agree. We have had moments of tension, moments of debate, moments where we have pushed back on one another. But I say this with complete sincerity: every disagreement has come from a shared place of caring deeply about Saint Francis, about patients, and about doing things the right way. And it is precisely because she holds strong convictions, and because she cares so much, that she demands excellence from those around her.

Working alongside her, I have witnessed her extraordinary diligence and attention to detail. She insists that Saint Francis Hospital nursing practice be grounded in the most current, evidence-based literature, ensuring that every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. On the surface, it might look like she is a control freak. But this is never about control or perfectionism to her; that is not in her DNA...it is about safety, precision, and accountability. She understands the weight nurses carry and respects the responsibility that comes with the profession. She knows that every decision has consequences, and she never forgets who those decisions ultimately affect: our patients.

She leads with a rare blend of determination and heart. Everything she does is centered on a simple but powerful belief: every patient deserves the absolute best care, every single time. She often reminds us that one day, any one of us, or someone we love, could and eventually will be the patient in that hospital bed. That belief is not theoretical for her - it is personal.

She is vulnerable enough to share the most painful memories that she has had in her life, when she was either the patient herself, or when she was the caregiver, to educate our healthcare associates, and especially you nurses, because she knows that “good enough” is not going to be enough to be the light in someone’s darkest moments. She is the kind of leader who feels deeply and leads honestly because of it.

Her advocacy is strong because her compassion is real. She stands up for her nurses, even when it is difficult. She ensures their voices are heard, and their work is recognized. In moments of chaos, she becomes grounded (often joking that her Emergency Department roots come out in chaos while Rosey’s or Joanne’s bring a different reaction). And when self-doubt creeps in for any of us, she is often the first to remind us of our capability and worth. And she does that for not only her colleagues, but also for her staff, and even patients when they are at their lowest levels.

Her strength and tenacity are undeniable. She is forward-thinking, courageous, and unafraid to challenge the norm. At times, her pace stretches those around her, including me, but it is never without purpose. She sees potential where others see obstacles and possibility where others see limits. Because of that vision, real, lasting transformation occurs.

Her leadership was a major driving force behind our achieving Magnet with Distinction, which we all know Magnet, in and of itself, is one of the highest honors, let alone Magnet with Distinction. While this incredible achievement belongs to the frontline nurses who deliver exceptional care every day, she played a pivotal role in keeping all of us focused, disciplined, and believing in what was possible when the odds felt overwhelming.

When others thought this designation could not be achieved at the beginning of this journey, she refused to let that become the narrative. Instead, she worked overtime to change processes, set up structures, establish protocols and policies, and most importantly, transform.

What sets her apart, truly, is that underneath the “tornado” is someone who cares, deeply and personally. She celebrates her team’s successes as her own. She shows up, even when it is hard. She listens, even when she is exhausted. And she never forgets that behind every title, every metric, and every patient interaction, there is a human being who matters.

I have the deepest respect and admiration for her, not because she is easy, but because she is authentic. Because she stands firm in her values. Because she cares enough to push, to challenge, and sometimes to disagree. And because her heart for nursing, for patients, and for her people is undeniable.

She demands excellence because she cares deeply. She leads boldly because she believes in what nursing can be. And she advocates relentlessly because she understands what is at stake.

For the culture she has built, the standards she upholds, and the impact she has made on countless nurses and patients, she is profoundly deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.

And to you, Annmarie, know this is said with love and respect. Even when we challenge one another, I have never questioned your heart, your integrity, or your devotion to nursing. Working with you has made me better, and I am grateful for that.