Jennifer Steenburg
May 2021
Jennifer
Steenburg
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Medical ICU, Neuro ICU, Neuro IMU, PICC Team, Palliative Care Services
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital
Jennifer continually puts the needs of others first
I have never met a Nurse leader so compassionate as Jennifer Steenburg. When I look at servant leadership, Jennifer epitomizes it. A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the community. Jennifer continually puts the needs of others first be they staff, peers, and also the community.
When the pandemic first started last year, she immediately agreed to be the ICU leader for these patients. This was a very hard time for the ICU nursing staff but due to Jennifer's unwavering presence and support of her staff, they managed through it. Many Nurses contacted the CNO to let her know that they could not have handled the situation if it had not been for Jennifer.
This was also very evident during the most recent Ice Storm Houston faced in February 2021. Jennifer told her "Team A" staff that she would be right there with them every step of the way. Jennifer did not leave her staff to go home when she was able to. She stayed until she knew they could all be relieved. One Nurse posted a post on Facebook, saying how Jennifer's actions are the reason why she works at MHSW.
A servant leader also helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. Jennifer is known to always grow her young Nurses. She accepts them in ICU and trains/mentors them to be strong Critical Care Nurses. She also asks her Nurse Residents to write a journal describing their experiences in ICU. This has meant so much to the staff. She is truly admired and loved by all.
Jennifer is not only there for her staff, but her patients too. She has been known to be right there with families when they are receiving terrible news or when they are saying their last goodbyes to their loved ones. Many families have called her an angel. Jennifer has been a longtime supporter of Life Gift and last year started a "Flag Ceremony" where family members whose loved ones donated their organs, come together with MHSW staff out by the Flag poles. There is a beautiful ceremony where folks can say a few words about the patient before the donation flag is raised in their honor.
Her passion and gift helped prepare a friend of the family for a quality end-of-life event with their loved one whose condition was rapidly declining due to COVID. The patient's wife and children were called in to say their goodbyes, and while standing outside their loved one's ICU door, grief-stricken in tears, Jennifer placed her cellphone in a baggy and took it into the patient's room and placed it up to his ear so that he could hear their voices. We were moved beyond words at the extent she went to connect this family to their loved one during such a difficult time. This is only one example of Jennifer's huge heart and gift for caring for others.
As a Nursing leader, Jennifer is often sought out due to her expertise and helpfulness. She is the chair of the Critical Care Council. She uses her voice and expertise to help make evidence-based changes for the system which is greatly respected and appreciated by all.
Thank you Jennifer for all that you do!
When the pandemic first started last year, she immediately agreed to be the ICU leader for these patients. This was a very hard time for the ICU nursing staff but due to Jennifer's unwavering presence and support of her staff, they managed through it. Many Nurses contacted the CNO to let her know that they could not have handled the situation if it had not been for Jennifer.
This was also very evident during the most recent Ice Storm Houston faced in February 2021. Jennifer told her "Team A" staff that she would be right there with them every step of the way. Jennifer did not leave her staff to go home when she was able to. She stayed until she knew they could all be relieved. One Nurse posted a post on Facebook, saying how Jennifer's actions are the reason why she works at MHSW.
A servant leader also helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. Jennifer is known to always grow her young Nurses. She accepts them in ICU and trains/mentors them to be strong Critical Care Nurses. She also asks her Nurse Residents to write a journal describing their experiences in ICU. This has meant so much to the staff. She is truly admired and loved by all.
Jennifer is not only there for her staff, but her patients too. She has been known to be right there with families when they are receiving terrible news or when they are saying their last goodbyes to their loved ones. Many families have called her an angel. Jennifer has been a longtime supporter of Life Gift and last year started a "Flag Ceremony" where family members whose loved ones donated their organs, come together with MHSW staff out by the Flag poles. There is a beautiful ceremony where folks can say a few words about the patient before the donation flag is raised in their honor.
Her passion and gift helped prepare a friend of the family for a quality end-of-life event with their loved one whose condition was rapidly declining due to COVID. The patient's wife and children were called in to say their goodbyes, and while standing outside their loved one's ICU door, grief-stricken in tears, Jennifer placed her cellphone in a baggy and took it into the patient's room and placed it up to his ear so that he could hear their voices. We were moved beyond words at the extent she went to connect this family to their loved one during such a difficult time. This is only one example of Jennifer's huge heart and gift for caring for others.
As a Nursing leader, Jennifer is often sought out due to her expertise and helpfulness. She is the chair of the Critical Care Council. She uses her voice and expertise to help make evidence-based changes for the system which is greatly respected and appreciated by all.
Thank you Jennifer for all that you do!