Julie Haag, RN models extraordinary behavior in that she is always on top of it and proactive about staffing shortages and needs. We, on the Behavioral Health Unit, don't have to call her and ask -she usually calls us to say she is sending someone, or that she is working on it, or that she has a plan- OR to say that she is coming herself. Many times she has come to our rescue, giving us coverage for meals or coming to sit with a patient who is "one-on-one" precautions. She makes sure everyone has a meal break. This nurse leader also pitches in to help on other units as well by transporting new admissions to the unit from the ED or helping process admissions on the med-surg unit. She is quick to jump in the trenches with other nurses, grab a shovel, and go to work. She doesn't wait for us to ask for help-she is the one asking if we need her to help cover lunches or help take a patient to x-ray AND she does it with a happy attitude.
Julie is a respected leader in every department at our hospital because she creates the type of environment that nurses and other team members, as well as patients and visitors, appreciate because she makes everyone feel like their problems are her top priorities. She demonstrates trust, compassion, and mutual respect through skillful, honest, and direct communication. She never raises her voice but uses eye contact and a tone voice that reflects genuine concern. In addition, she is well respected because of her multilevel competence. She can (and does) work in all departments to help out.
One night she stepped off the elevator onto our unit holding a toilet plunger in one hand and a "roto-rooter" in the other. She was there to unclog a patient's toilet herself instead of calling Maintenance, shrugging her shoulders and saying, "I can use a toilet plunger just as well, and possibly save the hospital a few dollars." How many nursing leaders do that? And when she rounds on our unit she comes around and into the nurses' station to see what things are going on, not just stand behind the front desk. Then she rounds in the hallways and speaks to each CNA and MHT individually to see how things are going and if they need a break.
Julie motivates other team members through her demonstrated competence in patient care and navigating the EHR. She has a thorough understanding of the EHR and is able to answer our questions and actually show us how to do those things we have questions about. She also helps us teach our annual skills fair and does a fine job demonstrating those competencies in class. During an ERT she quickly assesses whether anything has been overlooked and directs the team if needed while engaging herself in activities to help care for the patient.
Overall, she is the ultimate "super user" of nurses. She enhances the image of nursing through her competence, industriousness, and caring spirit. Julie is loved and well-respected in every area of our hospital. We are proud to have a colleague like Julie Haag, RN representing our nursing profession because she embodies the perfect story-book nurse that everyone imagines.