Role models extraordinary behavior. When I think of a leader I think of Karen. She leads with compassion, excellence, and most importantly by example. She is often seen out on the unit assisting as needed, she also works to ensure her staff is prepared for whatever is coming. Karen expects her patients to be well cared for and works hard to ensure the staff is prepared to care for them. Karen is PERFECT! She does not miss work; she often comes in early and stays late to ensure the care is provided to everyone and is available to staff and patients as needed.

Creates an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and supported. During some of our more challenging days, Karen was there for her staff and the nursing leadership. She has worked hard to ensure her staff has the tools and equipment they need. Karen makes sure she communicates with her staff, so they are prepared for changes. Karen is above reproach in her ethical behavior. I look up to her strength and courageous spirit when leading in difficult situations.

Motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients. Karen has served Covenant Medical Center for 40 years. During this time, she has served with compassion and respect. Karen demands excellence from herself and her staff. She is always working with the staff to find ways to improve care for the best possible outcomes for their patients. Karen and her team worked on a specific protocol when concerns were raised about compartment syndrome. She has also worked with staff to encourage them to continue their education and certifications to continue to develop as nurses at our facility.

Promotes and enhances the image of nursing within the organization, the community, and the profession. Karen has worked hard at our facility to be the very best we can be. She serves on 2 separate boards in the healthcare community with LCU and Trust Point to provide her expertise to the development of students and healthcare workers in our community. Karen also works with the instructors at LCU, SCON, TTUHSC SON, and SPC SON to ensure her unit is represented and provides opportunities for students to have the very best learning experience.

Additional comments: Karen strives for excellence on her unit. She has worked to ensure her units meets the Quality goals of CAUTI, CLABSI, FALLS, and Nursing Communication. Overall, when I think of a Leader, I look for someone who works beside me to ensure I am at my best and that others are cared for. I look for someone who inspires me to be my best. She encourages me to take on tasks I feel I am not ready for but encourages me to accept the challenge and then is there to help and celebrate when I do. This is the kind of leader Karen is.