COL Plummer led his 436 member nursing team through unprecedented, stressful, and challenging times during the COVID-19 Pandemic. He dealt with a rapidly and ever-changing healthcare environment always keeping patient-centered care at the forefront while guiding with compassionate leadership to all who served with him.
COL Plummer is a staunch nurse advocate who empowers and inspires his nurses even when more is being asked of them. He works closely at the side of his staff, maintaining a calm demeanor, and leading with flawless execution during the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. He serves as subject matter expert to the Defense Health Agency (DHA), representing inpatient clinical support services and ensuring the advancement of clinical performance. He provides critical leadership during a time of rapid change and transition while maintaining a remarkable standard of nursing practice to ensure a ready medical force. He ensures compliance with external and internal regulatory and governing bodies for infection control protocols and procedures on the dedicated COVID-19 isolation unit and initiates and formulates hospital surge capacity efforts. COL Plummer increased overall bed capacity by 45%, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed capacity by 60%, directing nurse cross-coverage and training while fostering workforce resilience. He expedited the implementation of tele-critical care, expanding ICU capability and capacity to meet market demand. He led the DHA Nursing Policy and Practice Workgroup defining the Chief Nursing Officer's role at the DHA, Market, and Military Treatment Facility levels. Furthermore, he developed a comprehensive strategy for leadership and staff by directing nurse training while delivering clear messaging to over 400 staff members.
COL Plummer is a true DAISY Nurse Leader.