I first met Barbara Croak when Skokie Hospital became part of NorthShore. It was not long before I knew I was witnessing a living example of the definition of a transformational nurse leader. Transformational leaders see a vision for nursing excellence and bring that vision to action while helping others reach their highest potential.  One could see that Barb's clinical background was notable, as her knowledge and expertise regarding nursing care raised the bar for nursing excellence. As important as clinical excellence is in the care of our patients, Barb never forgot the one of the most important aspect of a nurse's job... being present in the moment when you are with your patient. 

Barb is noted for making rounds, going into patient rooms with the nursing staff, and providing "in-the-moment patient care" with the nurses.  Barb never misses a mentoring moment and never hesitates to assist in the essential work of a nurse: caring for others. Whether at the bedside assisting with direct patient care or at a conference table with interdisciplinary colleagues, Barb actively advocates for clinical nurses. No matter the topic under discussion; staffing, policies and/or clinical nursing practice issues, Barb is not afraid to assertively advocate for clinical decisions to support the most essential aspect of nursing, the nurse ability to provide competent/ compassionate care. 

Barb has led the nursing leadership team in achieving outstanding quality outcomes for Highland Park Hospital, particularly the nurse-sensitive indicators for NDNQI. Barb has also led her nursing team to meet the targets for patient experience outcomes. Barb provides mentoring opportunities for the Clinical Nurse Managers, allowing CNMs to take lead positions in projects/initiatives designed to enhance their professional development. This all creates a healthy work environment where clinical nurses can thrive and achieve nursing excellence.  

Most notable is Barb’s commitment to be “in the moment” with her nursing staff.  This was clearly evident recently during the crisis of the shooting that took place at the Highland Park holiday parade.  Barb, without hesitation, was in the Emergency Department, side by side with the nurses, assisting in whatever she could do to provide care for the high number of patients overwhelming the Emergency Department.  During this time, Barb never forgot the most important aspect of a nurse’s job… "being present in the moment when you are with your patient.”  There was a child fighting for his life; while the mother, in anguish, needed treatment for her own injuries.  Barb helped her through an ordeal no mom should ever have to experience.  It was not Barb’s clinical expertise that was most needed in that moment, it was Barb’s ability to connect with this mom and provide what the mom needed most; information and prayer. Barb guided the nursing team to assist in providing the mom regular updates regarding her son while she assisted in helping the physician attend to the mom’s injuries.  Then, in the quiet moments, Barb remained with the mom and began to pray; praying for a miracle that her son would survive. 

In the weeks and months ahead, Barb continued to ensure the staff was being provided with the support they needed to work through their experiences of this tragic day, never wavering on providing the staff what they needed to process this tragic event. Barb remained “in the moment” assuring everything that could be implemented for the staff’s wellbeing was available for the team. 

The DAISY Award is intended to recognize nursing excellence. That is what Patrick Barnes experienced with the nurses caring for him while he was hospitalized.   I am certain Patrick had a wonderful experience with nurses because of the transformational nursing leaders creating an environment for his nurses to provide exceptional nursing care.   How fortunate we are to have Barb Croak, an inspirational transformational leader, who saw a vision for nursing excellence at Highland Park Hospital and made her vision become a reality.