I first met LaDona Short when working in the Emergency Room in 2012 she joined us as a Travel RN as the Triage Nurse. In 2016 she became a permanent employee of RMCHCS. I had the privilege of spending most of my 10-year career as ER nurse with LaDona. As the triage nurse, she kept the emergency room flowing. Recognizing the most critical patients and prioritizing is the ultimate responsibility of the Triage Nurse.

LaDona is highly skilled, extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and she consistently displays the highest ethical standards. LaDona accepted the postion of Stroke Coordinator and is primarily responsible for the success of RMCHCS becoming an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital. LaDona was later given the title and responsibility of Clinical Manager for the Emergency Department, often acting as Director when there was no Department Director.

In addition to her administration duties, LaDona will work to fill shifts as the triage nurse, ER Tech, and other positions as needed. She has covered days, weekends, and nights. She is the "go-to person" for staff that has questions or concerns. You can see that she works with her director to keep the Emergency Department the best it can be to provide safe and compassionate care for our patients. LaDona has promoted stroke education at the Rio West Mall during their Health Fairs. She has also gone to Navajo Nation Chapter Houses to provide education to the Native American population about recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke and how and when to call for help.

Every year she also has a stroke booth at the RMCHCS Annual Competency Fair. LaDona is passionate about promoting stroke education in an effort to save lives and provide the best quality of life for stroke patients. LaDona has fought through challenging personal battles, but she will stop and take the time to cry and pray with me through personal battles. It is my honor and privilege to nominate LaDona Short, RN, Clinical Manager Emergency Department, for the DAISY Award.