Cindy represents the best of both a bedside nurse and a nurse leader. She comes to work every day with a smile and an easy-to-work-with demeanor. Cindy works throughout the hospital, helping nurses and patients at every stage of their journey. For the nurse, it could be learning basic skills or concepts through advanced thinking about complex patients. For the patients, she constantly meets them where they are at and helps them through the issue at hand.

When I know Cindy is working, there is a calm in my mind that the shift will be ok, no matter what challenge is thrown our way. She finds a way to be a teacher, mentor, and guide while helping to solve problems, complete tasks, or talk through minor or complex issues. There is no doubt in my mind that Cindy is the most influential individual in our leadership team and ultimately has the greatest impact on the entire nursing department and the care and outcomes of our patients and their families. Her years of experience, amazing attitude, and expansive knowledge spread through our leadership team and ultimately flow into each and every nurse and touch every patient. Cindy is truly a role model for many nurses and me, and I often ask myself, “WWCD” (What Would Cindy Do?), when I get in a tough spot. I hope someday my nursing practice will be able to reflect even a portion of what she shows us on a daily basis.