Heidi Gordon, MSN, RN, CNOR

I have been a nurse for 21 years and have worked in a variety of settings. I have been a floor nurse, an operating room nurse, a clinical supervisor, and now an ambulatory staff nurse. I have encountered many great leaders during my years at Atrium Health. I recently decided to transition to another facility within Atrium. My new leader, Heidi Gordon, is an outstanding leader. In my brief time, I have seen Heidi in various roles. Heidi does not merely stay confined to their role as an administrator, but is also an operating room nurse, endoscopy nurse, and the nurse whom everyone calls to start difficult IVs. Heidi works in decontamination and sterile processing cleaning surgical instruments.  Heidi recovers patients postoperatively. Heidi cleans operating rooms including taking out the trash. No job within the facility is too big or too small. Where there is a lack of, Heidi fills in. I have seen Heidi firsthand making the operating room a cheerful environment, in order to comfort a patient. But not only does Heidi put the patients first, but she also puts staff first, making sure that we are taken care of each day. This includes days when the department is short-staffed, Heidi will drop in to staffing and work alongside the team. I have seen Heidi exemplify the purposes and commitments of Advocate Health. Heidi lifts the staff and patients up through their sincere actions, warm smile, and maybe a funny joke or two. Heidi always has a joke ready! You know that you matter when you work with Heidi. Heidi encourages teammate growth and learning. Heidi works hard to bring positive change to achieve successful paths for the patients and staff. Heidi is not afraid to ask for help and will collaborate with staff to find ideas and new possibilities.  There are many examples I could give that make Heidi a great leader, but for me, seeing Heidi work alongside the staff at any given time, makes me feel that they deserve the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.