Heather Mitchum
May 2025
Heather
Mitchum
,
MBA-HCM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC
Cardiology Services
Northside Hospital Gwinnett
Lawrenceville
,
GA
United States
She is an incredibly supportive leader who goes out of her way to ensure her team feels encouraged, heard, and empowered. She actively fosters an environment of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and supported.
It is with the deepest respect and admiration that I nominate this director for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside many exceptional leaders, but none have impacted me as profoundly as she has. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to both her team and her patients make her an extraordinary example of what it means to be a nurse leader.
From the first day I worked with her in 2017, I was struck by her remarkable ability to lead with both strength and empathy. She is someone who consistently creates a supportive environment where nurses feel encouraged to grow and succeed. She doesn’t just manage; she empowers. Her open-door policy and willingness to listen to her team members make her approachable and trusted by all who work with her. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration and the genuine belief that every voice matters. In moments of difficulty, she doesn’t just provide direction—she takes the time to understand the challenges and offers solutions that help every member of her team thrive.
What makes her truly stand out, however, is her ability to lead by example. Her work ethic is unparalleled, and she never asks of her team anything she wouldn’t do herself. Whether it’s managing a complex situation on the floor or offering guidance in a time of uncertainty, she remains calm and composed, a true pillar of strength. Yet, it is her compassion for both patients and staff that sets her apart. She leads with an open heart, always putting the needs of others at the forefront.
I have learned so much under her leadership—not just about being a nurse, but about being a compassionate, effective leader. She has taught me the power of patient-centered care, the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and the value of staying true to one’s values, even in the face of adversity.
Under her leadership, our team has become more than just a group of colleagues; we have become a family. She has inspired me and countless others to strive for excellence while staying grounded in the values of kindness, respect, and empathy. I had the pleasure of working under her at another facility prior to joining the Northside team. I was more than excited to accept a leadership opportunity when it became available at Northside where I could continue to learn from the best. I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award than this director. She embodies everything that this prestigious award represents.
Thank you for considering this nomination of a truly exceptional leader who continues to inspire and shape the future of nursing leadership in a profound and lasting way.
***
I am honored to nominate this director for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is an exceptional leader who consistently demonstrates an outstanding work ethic, a positive attitude, and unwavering support for both her team and the patients we serve. Her dedication to nursing, her energy, and her ability to make every team member feel valued set her apart as a remarkable leader.
Her work ethic is supreme. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the highest standard of care is provided to our patients. Whether it's staying late to support her team during a busy shift or stepping in to assist when needed, her commitment to the success of our division and the well-being of her staff never wavers. Her ability to juggle multiple tasks with precision and maintain focus on what matters most is a testament to her dedication and professionalism.
Her positive energy is contagious. No matter the challenges the team faces, she approaches each day with a smile and an encouraging word, always lifting the spirits of those around her. Her optimism fosters an environment where everyone feels motivated and inspired, resulting in a cohesive and dynamic team. She truly knows how to bring out the best in others, and her ability to maintain such a positive attitude, even under pressure, helps foster a supportive and collaborative work environment.
One of her most notable qualities is her availability and approachability. No matter how busy she is, she is always there for her team. Whether it’s answering a question, providing guidance during a difficult situation, or offering a listening ear, she makes time for all of us. Her open-door policy makes everyone feel comfortable reaching out, knowing they’ll receive her full attention and thoughtful support. Her accessibility and willingness to help at any time have made a significant impact on my growth.
She is an incredibly supportive leader who goes out of her way to ensure her team feels encouraged, heard, and empowered. She actively fosters an environment of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and supported.
She embodies the qualities of an outstanding nurse leader—strong work ethic, positive energy, availability, and unwavering support for her team. She consistently demonstrates leadership that is grounded in compassion and dedication. It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate this director for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, as she truly exemplifies excellence in nursing leadership. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow in leadership under her guidance. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have such an amazing leader.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside many exceptional leaders, but none have impacted me as profoundly as she has. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to both her team and her patients make her an extraordinary example of what it means to be a nurse leader.
From the first day I worked with her in 2017, I was struck by her remarkable ability to lead with both strength and empathy. She is someone who consistently creates a supportive environment where nurses feel encouraged to grow and succeed. She doesn’t just manage; she empowers. Her open-door policy and willingness to listen to her team members make her approachable and trusted by all who work with her. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration and the genuine belief that every voice matters. In moments of difficulty, she doesn’t just provide direction—she takes the time to understand the challenges and offers solutions that help every member of her team thrive.
What makes her truly stand out, however, is her ability to lead by example. Her work ethic is unparalleled, and she never asks of her team anything she wouldn’t do herself. Whether it’s managing a complex situation on the floor or offering guidance in a time of uncertainty, she remains calm and composed, a true pillar of strength. Yet, it is her compassion for both patients and staff that sets her apart. She leads with an open heart, always putting the needs of others at the forefront.
I have learned so much under her leadership—not just about being a nurse, but about being a compassionate, effective leader. She has taught me the power of patient-centered care, the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and the value of staying true to one’s values, even in the face of adversity.
Under her leadership, our team has become more than just a group of colleagues; we have become a family. She has inspired me and countless others to strive for excellence while staying grounded in the values of kindness, respect, and empathy. I had the pleasure of working under her at another facility prior to joining the Northside team. I was more than excited to accept a leadership opportunity when it became available at Northside where I could continue to learn from the best. I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award than this director. She embodies everything that this prestigious award represents.
Thank you for considering this nomination of a truly exceptional leader who continues to inspire and shape the future of nursing leadership in a profound and lasting way.
***
I am honored to nominate this director for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is an exceptional leader who consistently demonstrates an outstanding work ethic, a positive attitude, and unwavering support for both her team and the patients we serve. Her dedication to nursing, her energy, and her ability to make every team member feel valued set her apart as a remarkable leader.
Her work ethic is supreme. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the highest standard of care is provided to our patients. Whether it's staying late to support her team during a busy shift or stepping in to assist when needed, her commitment to the success of our division and the well-being of her staff never wavers. Her ability to juggle multiple tasks with precision and maintain focus on what matters most is a testament to her dedication and professionalism.
Her positive energy is contagious. No matter the challenges the team faces, she approaches each day with a smile and an encouraging word, always lifting the spirits of those around her. Her optimism fosters an environment where everyone feels motivated and inspired, resulting in a cohesive and dynamic team. She truly knows how to bring out the best in others, and her ability to maintain such a positive attitude, even under pressure, helps foster a supportive and collaborative work environment.
One of her most notable qualities is her availability and approachability. No matter how busy she is, she is always there for her team. Whether it’s answering a question, providing guidance during a difficult situation, or offering a listening ear, she makes time for all of us. Her open-door policy makes everyone feel comfortable reaching out, knowing they’ll receive her full attention and thoughtful support. Her accessibility and willingness to help at any time have made a significant impact on my growth.
She is an incredibly supportive leader who goes out of her way to ensure her team feels encouraged, heard, and empowered. She actively fosters an environment of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and supported.
She embodies the qualities of an outstanding nurse leader—strong work ethic, positive energy, availability, and unwavering support for her team. She consistently demonstrates leadership that is grounded in compassion and dedication. It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate this director for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, as she truly exemplifies excellence in nursing leadership. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow in leadership under her guidance. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have such an amazing leader.