May 2024
Colleen
Modzelewski
,
RN
Pediatrics
UPMC Hamot
Erie
,
PA
United States
Simply put, Colleen created an atmosphere like none other by leading by example.
When I was asked if I would like to write a letter explaining why I felt Colleen Modzelewski should be honored with the Lifetime DAISY Award, I answered with a resounding yes! I met Colleen 22 years ago when I began my career at Hamot. But I didn't really have the opportunity to know her until 2 years ago when she took a risk and accepted my application to become part of the Women's Hospital 5th floor team.
When I became Colleen's clinician, I had very little pediatric experience and no formal leadership experience. But when you work with an amazing bedside and leadership mentor like Colleen, you cannot help but learn and grow professionally. Her knowledge of pediatrics never ceases to amaze me. If you can think of a pediatric illness or syndrome, Colleen knows about it and has most likely cared for a patient with the diagnosis. She is clearly in her element when interacting with families. Colleen never fails to calm a worried parent or dry the tears of a scared child. In the next moment, she is helping to reassure an orthopedic patient that each day they will gain strength back. You see, she insists upon knowing what is going on with each patient on the floor and learning all there is to know about each type of patient we care for on our unit.
Colleen has a genuine love for all the different types of patients we care for on the WH 5th floor. But her passion is pediatrics. She shared her commitment to the pediatric patients of our community and nearby communities during my interview. Colleen said, "Come join us while we expand the pediatric unit and care for all of the local pediatric patients so that they can stay in Erie." She even promised to come out of retirement and help when her dream of a PICU comes to fruition at UPMC Hamot. I plan to hold her to her word!
All of this makes Colleen more than worthy of a Lifetime Achievement DAISY Award, but what seals the deal is her leadership! All you must do is visit the WH 5th floor or talk to any nurse who has been pulled to our unit to help. She has created something beyond special in that unit that I have never seen, let alone been a part of before. It is a true team. The entire team helps one another. There is no "These are my patients, and those are yours" mindset! New employees and those pulled to the unit to help are always welcomed and encouraged to ask for help from any staff member. You might be asking how she did this. Let me tell you how. Colleen is a transformational leader. She does not ask of her team what she will not do herself. She willingly and eagerly takes assignments when needed.
Colleen insists upon doing equal call with her clinicians. She helps with baths and ambulating patients when needed. Simply put, Colleen created an atmosphere like none other by leading by example. She has difficult conversations and holds employees accountable while always making sure that the individual's dignity is protected and treats all with respect.
In conclusion, Colleen is a true nursing unicorn! I say this because she can not only phenomenally lead, but still provides excellent bedside care. I cannot thank you enough for the tremendous difference you have made in my life and so many others Colleen. Thank you for setting an extraordinary example for the rest of us.
When I became Colleen's clinician, I had very little pediatric experience and no formal leadership experience. But when you work with an amazing bedside and leadership mentor like Colleen, you cannot help but learn and grow professionally. Her knowledge of pediatrics never ceases to amaze me. If you can think of a pediatric illness or syndrome, Colleen knows about it and has most likely cared for a patient with the diagnosis. She is clearly in her element when interacting with families. Colleen never fails to calm a worried parent or dry the tears of a scared child. In the next moment, she is helping to reassure an orthopedic patient that each day they will gain strength back. You see, she insists upon knowing what is going on with each patient on the floor and learning all there is to know about each type of patient we care for on our unit.
Colleen has a genuine love for all the different types of patients we care for on the WH 5th floor. But her passion is pediatrics. She shared her commitment to the pediatric patients of our community and nearby communities during my interview. Colleen said, "Come join us while we expand the pediatric unit and care for all of the local pediatric patients so that they can stay in Erie." She even promised to come out of retirement and help when her dream of a PICU comes to fruition at UPMC Hamot. I plan to hold her to her word!
All of this makes Colleen more than worthy of a Lifetime Achievement DAISY Award, but what seals the deal is her leadership! All you must do is visit the WH 5th floor or talk to any nurse who has been pulled to our unit to help. She has created something beyond special in that unit that I have never seen, let alone been a part of before. It is a true team. The entire team helps one another. There is no "These are my patients, and those are yours" mindset! New employees and those pulled to the unit to help are always welcomed and encouraged to ask for help from any staff member. You might be asking how she did this. Let me tell you how. Colleen is a transformational leader. She does not ask of her team what she will not do herself. She willingly and eagerly takes assignments when needed.
Colleen insists upon doing equal call with her clinicians. She helps with baths and ambulating patients when needed. Simply put, Colleen created an atmosphere like none other by leading by example. She has difficult conversations and holds employees accountable while always making sure that the individual's dignity is protected and treats all with respect.
In conclusion, Colleen is a true nursing unicorn! I say this because she can not only phenomenally lead, but still provides excellent bedside care. I cannot thank you enough for the tremendous difference you have made in my life and so many others Colleen. Thank you for setting an extraordinary example for the rest of us.