I am a staff response nurse and worked recently on Medical Short Stay. Justin Franklin was the charge nurse for all three of these nights. I am nominating Justin Franklin for extraordinary leadership. During this time 3-East has been caring for SARS-CoV-2 patients who are positive. We are all aware that this population requires special attention due to the need for infection prevention and management. As a result, the work environment and acuity has changed. In my mind leadership requires a certain mindset that includes the capacity to take responsibility for success and failures. It also requires positivity and the ability to multi-task while inspiring your team to do the same. Justin Franklin exemplifies these qualities. During a busy three days with the highest number of patients we have had on this floor from the beginning of the pandemic; Justin managed to not only fulfill the requirements of his charge nurse duties, but tasks for all of the nurses.
Specifically, Justin sat with one of my patients while I did my med passes because there were no available sitters for the night. He noticed that I had not taken a break yet and so he sat with my confused patient while I had lunch. He also helped several nurses and CNAs with cleaning patients and taking patients to the bathroom. He also helped with the post-mortem care of one of our patients and helped the nurse fill out the necessary documentation. Justin also helped deal with problems throughout the night and helped with problem-solving. Despite the fact that he was busy; he took the time to listen to complaints without complaining himself. At the end of the shift as I was charting, I noticed him cleaning the nurses' station, cleaning the hallway, stocking PPE, and taking out the trash. The next two nights, in particular, were extremely challenging because several patients' acuity had changed, and it was a very task heavy night. Despite this, it was evident that Justin demonstrated great resolve in the management of critical problems. Moreover, he was a role model for work ethic and compassionate care towards patients.
Working in this environment is challenging for numerous reasons. The respiratory needs of the patients, continuous monitoring coupled with continuous dawning and doffing is a great change for this unit. I think it is always important to recognize leaders who are able to demonstrate flexibility in the face of a changing environment. Leaders who empower and who are able to face challenges with positivity should be celebrated. I want to take this time to thank Justin for his leadership, for his help, for being a good listener and confidant. I had a very difficult patient assignment and my ability to care for my patients and give a hundred percent of myself, was only as a result of the support that he and the staff on the unit provided. It has been an absolute honor to work beside someone who has such a high level of work ethic and who is honest and dependable in critical situations.
I believe that he exemplifies the mission, the qualities, and all of the values of a DAISY Nurse and is deserving of our gratitude, recognition, and celebration.