Donna Ledingham
January 2023
Donna
Ledingham
,
RN
Renal Dialysis
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack
,
NJ
United States

 

 

 

Donna is always professional, patient-focused, empathetic, and kind. She is highly organized, supports her team, and ensures that all patients receive the highest quality of care, for which HMH is recognized.
Donna goes above and beyond for not only her fellow team members but her patients and families as well. She displays compassion and empathy in all of her interactions and makes her team feel comfortable in every aspect. Donna is a respected leader and one of the most deserving people for this award. We reached out to the team to share their thoughts and feelings about Donna and her leadership. Please read below to learn why we feel Donna is a DAISY Nurse Leader.

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Donna is a dynamic leader, and is admired by staff, and managers who work with her. I have had the pleasure of working with Donna for the last seventeen years of my career here in the hemodialysis department. She is a fantastic nurse manager who is a huge asset to our department, and fully deserves this award and recognition.

First and foremost, she is dedicated and hardworking. She is extremely organized and committed to constantly improving, learning, and developing best practices for managing routine activities in an efficient manner. She is compassionate and empathetic to her patients, and to her fellow team members. Her compassionate nature, strong attention to detail, and excellent patient care skills are just a few things to mention.

She brings a positive attitude to work every single day, and is compassionate with all of our personal problems. I must highlight that over the past couple of years during Covid she has gone above and beyond for all of us. About a year ago, we almost lost one of our dear colleagues and friends. He was fighting for his life for three months in the intensive care unit. Donna remained positive and by his side every single day during those trying times. She went above and beyond to give his family comfort. Donna prayed for his recovery, and remained supportive. She has shown extraordinary strength.

Donna is also an exceptional role model. She motivates and encourages us to go back to school, and supports us with her words of encouragement and wisdom. Donna is so deserving of this award. Her dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed.

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Donna has been a Registered Nurse at  Hackensack University Medical Center for her entire career, starting in 1985 as a new grad on 5 main, then moving to the hemodialysis department where she advanced to Nurse Manager. I have had the pleasure of working with Donna for 33 years in hemodialysis and believe she epitomizes exceptional nursing practice, both as a clinician and a leader. Donna works tirelessly every day to ensure that our patient population receives exemplary care while always supporting our staff at all times. She wears many hats as our leader, and is not only responsible for the day to day functioning of the dialysis unit, but also the creation and integration of policies across the network. She has gained the respect of many for her work ethic and positive attitude and she is always focused on giving her all in everything she does, many nights staying late to ensure that the job is done correctly.

The past few years have been challenging for all of us in the healthcare field. During this unprecedented time, having a leader like Donna, who is willing to work with us side by side, helped us persevere during extremely trying times. I feel Donna deserves our recognition for all she does to make us better every day, always focusing on the provision of safe, compassionate care.  

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Donna is one of the best managers I’ve had throughout my career here at the hospital. She is our greatest asset in the hemodialysis department and to this hospital as a whole. She has dedicated her life to medicine and shows compassion from all angles. She delivers excellent patient care and is an intelligent human being with a master's degree in science. She has made this unit thrive and has made us the passionate unit we are today.

The success of our unit is a result of her hard work and dedication. Donna is the type of person that is loving, caring, and understanding. She truly deserves this award because she has the biggest heart. She is there for you when you need someone to talk to, and if you're having problems, she will listen to you. Donna is our greatest asset. We are blessed as a unit to have Donna as our manager. Her commitment and attention to detail is impeccable. Every morning, we are greeted by her beautiful smile no matter what triumphs and tribulations she faces, and she has respect for all of us.  

As a single mother, she understands my struggles and is compassionate towards my feelings. Donna will take the time out of her busy day and listen to you, and make you feel special at the same time. She cares, and is like a second mother to all of us. 
 
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Donna is a leader who leads by example. She is a hands-on manager who goes above and beyond for the Renal unit and the team.  During the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, she stepped forward and led the team in tackling this challenging situation. She stayed and worked long hours to assist in pushing,  setting up, and cleaning dialysis machines to expedite much-needed dialysis treatment for our patients with Covid 19. Despite the physical, mental, and emotional stress brought about by the uncertainty of the situation, Donna's positivity, energy, and passion have inspired, motivated, and encouraged the team to do more.

Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to connect with the team through regular huddles. She always encourages each one of us to express our ideas and concerns on which areas we can improve on in the unit in order to provide the best quality care for our patients. She actively listens and is truly committed to helping the team, as well as each individual team member, achieve their full potential. The well-being and satisfaction of every team member matter to her. She always follows through on previous huddles and provides feedback.

She is also a coach in the sense that she is aware of the personal strengths and limitations of each team member. During yearly evaluations she points out and suggests in a constructive way opportunities for self improvement and growth. She makes you feel at ease in expressing your opinions because she listens and values your ideas.

She is a very appreciative manager. Always acknowledges, thankful, and proud of the teams' efforts and accomplishments.  
Donna is a great manager and truly a blessing to the Renal unit and HUMC. She embodies the core beliefs (5 C's) of the organization. It is a privilege, joy and I consider myself lucky to be under her leadership.

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I have worked with Donna for 37 years. She is an outstanding nurse and manager who goes above and beyond for her team members and her patients. In my opinion, she exemplifies all the qualities and professionalism worthy of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.

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Donna is one of the best managers I've ever known. She communicates and coordinates with her staff any new changes, issues, or problems in her HD unit, then evaluates progress to achieve a better outcome.

She is committed with her craft for the success of everyone to reach their ultimate goals and interests.  She has a very kind attitude that she makes you feel a sense of belonging  and welcoming attitude. She truly deserves a DAISY AWARD.

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Fairness, compassion, understanding, and tolerance are qualities I believe our boss has to make a DAISY Honoree. Donna has always been there for us when we need something and is always willing to help all staff within reason. She has proven to be an excellent boss and a good friend.

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Donna is a fair Nurse Manager. She is kind, considerate, and willing to listen to the staff. She is a hard-working Nurse Manager.

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I have been a nurse at HMHN for over 30 years. In my long career with HMH, I have had the opportunity to work in multiple departments in both the cardiac and dialysis setting and have had the great pleasure to work with individuals that I consider mentors, advocates and friends. Donna Ledingham is one of those individuals, and working with her in dialysis was one of the best experiences I have had at HMH. Donna is always professional, patient-focused, empathetic, and kind. She is highly organized, supports her team, and ensures that all patients receive the highest quality of care, for which HMH is recognized. Donna is a rare talent, and her commitment and dedication to HMH should be recognized.

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Donna Ledingham is one of the kindest, compassionate, and determined people I know. She is a pleasure to work with and I am truly proud to call her my friend. She is dedicated and remains focused no matter what challenge she comes across. No issue is too big for her to tackle! She remains steadfast and keeps the team motivated, pushing forward when challenges arise. She supports her team and her fellow co-workers and puts all others before herself. She will bring a smile to your face or make you laugh during difficult times. I cannot say enough about Donna and her kind soul. She is passionate about the care she provides to her patients and truly connects with each and every one of her team members. I am so happy to have Donna as my fellow team member but, more importantly, as my friend! 

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I have now been working in collaboration with Donna Leadingham MSN, RN for just under three years. During my time working with her, she has done an amazing job of running her unit with exemplary leadership.  Donna has consistently taken time out of her busy schedule to answer any questions that I have, ensuring that I have any information I need. Donna's staff is well taken care of and provided the necessary resources needed to take excellent care of their patients due to her management and supervision.  It is my genuine pleasure to work with her on a daily basis.