Elida De Leon, RN

Elida provides leadership to the critical care team by managing payroll, coaching associates, reviewing and responding to incident reports, collaborating with Nursing Education and the PI Coordinator to disseminate information, holding staff accountable to quality metrics, establishing weekly huddles, assisting with unit-based meetings, supporting scheduling and staffing processes, and attending hospital-based committee meetings.

Elida stands out as a leader because of her passion and empathy. She consistently takes the time to engage with associates throughout the department, listening to their concerns and bringing them to the management team for thoughtful consideration and resolution.

Elida has been an active mentor for the ICU Unit Council, supporting and guiding new members as they learn the processes needed to thrive. She challenges both her peers and fellow associates to continuously improve and strive for excellence.

In collaboration with the unit nurses, Elida successfully launched the first local chapter of the AACN and currently serves as its acting president. She has worked tirelessly to connect critical care nurses across El Paso by encouraging collaboration, organizing study groups for CCRN certification, and promoting community involvement.

Even though Elida works the night shift, she goes above and beyond to participate in day-shift committees and foster strong connections with staff across both shifts. She always prioritizes patient safety and is quick to step in to ensure safe staffing ratios during staffing shortages.

Elida has been an unwavering source of support and guidance to me as I have transitioned into my role as a director, and I am proud to work alongside her.

Elida reviews a large portion of the incident reports referred to the critical care unit. She responds promptly and quickly conducts internal RCAs with staff members, providing timely education and coaching with the goal of improving patient outcomes and mitigating adverse events.

She also participates in monthly skin rounds, assisting with patient evaluations to validate that appropriate offloading techniques are being utilized and that skin integrity is being properly assessed and documented, with escalation to the WOCN department when needed.

Elida takes the time to understand the individual needs of each staff member. She has educated staff on available wellness resources and addresses concerns related to burnout with the leadership team. She actively works to foster a positive work environment and promotes associate recognition.

Elida maintains an open-door policy, and I have noticed that staff feel safe coming to her with both personal and professional concerns. She is quick to escalate concerns related to associate well-being and mental health to the management team so that individualized needs can be addressed promptly.

Elida also invests in her own leadership development by reading leadership books and engaging in self-reflection. She openly shares her personal growth journey with staff members who may be facing similar struggles, offering encouragement and perspective.

She allows staff to discuss concerns in a nonjudgmental environment and provides thoughtful, purposeful, and meaningful feedback. When conflict arises among team members, Elida creates a safe space for staff to openly share concerns, clear the air, and move forward professionally.

She sets realistic expectations and holds both staff and fellow colleagues accountable to those expectations.