There have been several leaders in my career who have impacted me. The lessons were many and I have learned from each and every one. However, 4 years ago, I took a leap of faith and accepted a dayshift position after 12 years of working night shift. Although I was an experienced ICU nurse, dayshift workflow was challenging, this brought anxiety and uncertainty. Under the leadership of Juji, who took me under her wing and guided me, I thrived in my new role. She compassionately supported my ideas and gently nudged me out of my comfort zone. Although she holds the title of Assistant Manager, she had the uncanny ability to empower others, which to me defines great leadership. I remember being sent to the office regarding a HAPI. I was nervous and afraid, but instead of blaming, she asked if I would like to join the skin champion committee. Four years later, I am still an active committee member. On multiple occasions, she has come to work wearing her nursing uniform (scrubs) ready to jump in and help the unit. When our unit is left without a break RN or a transport RN, you frequently see her give breaks or transport patients to needed tests. Lastly, she never fails to recognize accomplishments by sending appreciation cards or verbal acknowledgment. I would not be where I am in my career without her guidance. She is truly invested in my success.
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I was hired by this amazing and caring nurse leader. She interviewed me, hired me, and mentored me from the very start of my Kaiser career. It was evident how calculating and deliberate she was when offering advice and strategies on how to succeed in my new position. I was an external hire outside the Kaiser system and she was honest on the challenges I was going to face with colleagues who have never met me before. She assured me to stand my ground because she believed in me. Even my first service recovery due to my inexperience did not falter her belief in me. This wonderful nurse leader instructed me to use this as a learning lesson. I was sold on her determination to stand by my side. I was even unsure of myself. There were a few more obstacles I would face. My first compliance event from a hotline occurred and after reviewing the case she understood my good intentions and mentored me on what to do and not to do, to dust myself off and to move forward. Eventually, there would be committees she pretty much "forced me" to join and convinced me it was for my own professional growth. How true that was. Because I believe in her, it gives me great pleasure to know that I play an important part in her life as an ambassador. I came to join this amazing organization and I was convinced there was no more need to advance my education. I saw her own graduate degree hanging on her office wall and I was surprised to find out it was recently obtained. She convinced me to return, but at that time I was not having it until 3 years later into my Kaiser career. Those little seeds she planted in my mind early in my Kaiser career were in full blossom. I owe everything I have grown to become to Juji. An amazing, hard-working, and influential leader. Her number one teaching is to always pay it forward and to remember where you came from. In moments of my own self-reflection, I am grateful to have her in my life and I believe I was meant to cross paths with this wonderful and incredible human being.