The Deaconess 10 Tower Surgical Unit is a high-traffic, high-stress place. We see dozens of patients come in and out on a weekly basis, and through the pains of the staffing shortages things have only become more difficult. Despite this overwork, burnout, and stress, when you are on 10 Tower you see a team that is supporting each other through thick and thin, people who enjoy work, who believe in the team and in themselves and in what we are doing. You see a team that is dedicated to excellence, teamwork, collaboration, and kindness.

If you ask anyone here, they will tell you that this is in large part due to the incredible servant-leadership modeled by our incredible manager, Crystal. Crystal is never afraid to get on the floor and work shoulder to shoulder with the team; she will change bed linen, walk patients, pass meds, and do whatever needs to be done. That is why even though things can be bleak and overwhelming, we have a team that keeps on keeping on, we know that our leader has our backs. Even though, as a nurse manager, she is only really obligated to be here Monday through Friday 8-4, she consistently flexes her schedule so that she is here when she is needed; she is here on nights and on weekends. When she is here she doesn't make empty promises of assistance or give us empty platitudes about how things will get better; she is real and authentic and follows through. I can't think of anyone who better models what it means to be a Multicare leader; she is a role model for what it means to be a nurse and a leader.

Her positive energy has created an atmosphere and culture of trust with a focus on patient-centered care and safety. She is a catalyst for her team to be the best version of themselves and draws out the talent that is there. Every day she gives it her all, even when everyone is feeling tired and ready to give up, and because of that, we are all encouraged to keep giving it our all.