During the COVID-19 pandemic, many nurses, supportive personnel, and leaders have gone above and beyond to ensure the safe delivery of care and employee safety measures. However, from the beginning, Doris had a positive attitude and approach, to lead her staff and make a significant impact on the care of their patients, the well-being of nursing department staff, and the overall organization. This impact affected me as a nurse, personally.
Having one of the first COVID-19 patients in our organization and the staff was scared, overwhelmed, and looking for solutions from their Unit Director. She acted instantly, and together with many helped open the PICU unit, this meant mobilization at many levels, from supplies to the workforce. Having the intuition to what was coming, what was needed, how to help the newly appointed COVID-19 nurse providers feel supported while reassuring them as best as she could, made a big difference.
Doris was always cheerful and optimistic, even though I completely understand that she must have been drained due to her other responsibilities of a CNS for PICU for Emory University Midtown Hospital. Doris stands out as a source of strength, kindness, thoughtfulness, safety, quality, and reassurance not only during the COVID crisis but every day as she leads our nursing staff. Because of her commitment, PICU has been deemed as a COVID-outstanding unit, you will all be receiving DAISY COVID pins as recognition for your outstanding nursing excellence in care.