Liz McCarthy
June 2021
Elizabeth
McCarthy
,
MSN, BSN, RN
Med-Surg 4100/4700
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Livingston
,
NJ
United States
Without Liz's unwavering guidance, the situation could have easily felt overwhelming and terrifying.
Liz received multiple nominations and embodies the best qualities in a leader. Last March, we found ourselves in the midst of the ultimate challenge. We were scared, and perhaps most importantly, we had no idea what we were up against, but Liz’s optimism never faltered. When her unit was converted to a 100% COVID‐19 unit, you never saw her sweat. She reported daily changes in protocols and reviewed the plan for the day, handled staff concerns with kindness and empathy, and kept things on track despite the swirling chaos of the pandemic. Without Liz's unwavering guidance, the situation could have easily felt overwhelming and terrifying, but instead her leadership further unified and directed the team.
There were days when her unit would have multiple codes and deaths. Many of her nurses were new to the profession and hadn’t faced this level of acuity before. She’d debrief with them, making sure their needs were met by addressing them as a resource and support rather than “just” a boss. She remembers little details about her staff and understands their unique strengths and weaknesses. This is what everyone should wish for in a leader—someone who not only supports you but also sees the potential in you (that maybe you can’t see in yourself). She is a huge asset to the unit and hospital and that the RNs and NAs feel very lucky to have her.
There were days when her unit would have multiple codes and deaths. Many of her nurses were new to the profession and hadn’t faced this level of acuity before. She’d debrief with them, making sure their needs were met by addressing them as a resource and support rather than “just” a boss. She remembers little details about her staff and understands their unique strengths and weaknesses. This is what everyone should wish for in a leader—someone who not only supports you but also sees the potential in you (that maybe you can’t see in yourself). She is a huge asset to the unit and hospital and that the RNs and NAs feel very lucky to have her.