Ellen has been a volunteer member of the TCH Nurse Credential Review Board (NCRB) for at least the last 10 years (that is as long as I have been a member). Ellen has always been a mentor to those of us on the NCRB and the nurses aspiring to obtain the level of CNIV. She has gone out of her way to assist many nurses at TCH in preparing credentialing applications that are reflective of their abilities and contributions to their individual units, the hospital, and the community as a whole. Ellen helps others to see the best in themselves and encourages them to challenge themselves to do better. Some time ago, Ellen identified that the TCH Clinical Ladder did not seem completely congruent with the new Philosophy, Mission, and Value statements of the institution. She set out on a mission to revise the Clinical Ladder and, in doing so, challenge the nurses to accept a higher level of expertise and professionalism. Ellen worked tirelessly at this task. She spent many hours on the project being very careful along the way to be conscientious and respectful of all the potential individuals and groups that might be affected. Her efforts led to committee meetings, town hall meetings, and necessary individual meetings.
I understand that the DAISY award is generally awarded to the bedside nurse. Ellen is a nurse who has chosen to work on behalf of the bedside nurse. She has demonstrated a great deal of compassion and caring for the nurses at TCH that aspire to climb the clinical ladder. She not only exemplifies the TCH Mission and Values, she often personifies them. She leads a fine group of nurses, that without her leadership, would not be able to deliver family-centered care. She definitely models excellent interpersonal skills at the unit, hospital, and community levels. Ellen could not do the work she does without a positive attitude and she goes out of her way to collaborate and respect all of those with whom she comes in contact. She is a DAISY award winner!