May 2026 Honoree
Lauren Podraza, BSN, RN, CNOR
Lauren is the nurse manager for the Grayslake Ambulatory Surgery Center. She exemplifies what it means to lead with compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care.
Under her leadership, the Grayslake ASC consistently achieves high patient satisfaction scores—a direct reflection of the culture she has cultivated. When an occasional lower score is received, Lauren does not hesitate to personally call the patient and listen to their concerns, note their suggestions, and bring that feedback to team meetings.
For example, when a patient expressed recently that their discharge post-procedure felt hurried, Lauren highlighted an opportunity to support patient understanding and exhibit mindfulness of the patient perception. She challenges staff to prioritize patient-centeredness and presence over speed and efficiency.
Her advocacy for patients needing additional coordination of care in the pre- and post-operative settings ensures positive outcomes and gives staff a sense of confidence knowing they can advocate for their patients and receive help from Lauren.
Lauren is a visible and approachable presence on the unit, rounding daily to offer support, encouragement, and assistance to staff. Every team member feels heard and valued.
She actively seeks team feedback and responds with meaningful action—such as coordinating in-services with product reps when staff requests additional education (ex., Chloraprep, January 2026). By sharing scholarship opportunities, writing letters of recommendation, and supporting continuing education, Lauren invests deeply in the professional growth of her team.
On a personal note, she worked closely with me to coordinate a four 10-hour shift schedule so I could complete my MSN capstone this spring. Her flexibility and encouragement demonstrated not only her commitment to institutional professional development, but also individual growth. It speaks volumes that she values our personal well-being as much as our professional performance.
Lauren’s leadership extends beyond daily operations. She serves as a NETS Change Champion for the North Region, leading efforts to understand and address recent decreases in NETS reporting volumes by collaborating with teams to identify barriers and strengthen engagement.
She was instrumental in preparing the staff for our Joint Commission survey, equipping the team with the knowledge and confidence needed to demonstrate our excellence in practice. Her attendance at the Magnet Conference this past fall reflects her commitment to advancing nursing excellence within our organization and the profession as a whole.
Additionally, she promoted the implementation of the SAN (Surgeon, Anesthesia, Nurse) check workflow, strengthening patient readiness and safety in the operating room.
In a fast-paced ambulatory surgery environment, Lauren stands out as a steady, enthusiastic, and visionary leader. She motivates her team with a shared purpose of delivering exceptional care and consistently promotes a positive image of nursing within our organization.
We are incredibly fortunate to have her leadership at the Grayslake Ambulatory Surgery Center. Lauren truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award through her extraordinary impact on compassionate patient care and her steadfast dedication to her team.
Under her leadership, the Grayslake ASC consistently achieves high patient satisfaction scores—a direct reflection of the culture she has cultivated. When an occasional lower score is received, Lauren does not hesitate to personally call the patient and listen to their concerns, note their suggestions, and bring that feedback to team meetings.
For example, when a patient expressed recently that their discharge post-procedure felt hurried, Lauren highlighted an opportunity to support patient understanding and exhibit mindfulness of the patient perception. She challenges staff to prioritize patient-centeredness and presence over speed and efficiency.
Her advocacy for patients needing additional coordination of care in the pre- and post-operative settings ensures positive outcomes and gives staff a sense of confidence knowing they can advocate for their patients and receive help from Lauren.
Lauren is a visible and approachable presence on the unit, rounding daily to offer support, encouragement, and assistance to staff. Every team member feels heard and valued.
She actively seeks team feedback and responds with meaningful action—such as coordinating in-services with product reps when staff requests additional education (ex., Chloraprep, January 2026). By sharing scholarship opportunities, writing letters of recommendation, and supporting continuing education, Lauren invests deeply in the professional growth of her team.
On a personal note, she worked closely with me to coordinate a four 10-hour shift schedule so I could complete my MSN capstone this spring. Her flexibility and encouragement demonstrated not only her commitment to institutional professional development, but also individual growth. It speaks volumes that she values our personal well-being as much as our professional performance.
Lauren’s leadership extends beyond daily operations. She serves as a NETS Change Champion for the North Region, leading efforts to understand and address recent decreases in NETS reporting volumes by collaborating with teams to identify barriers and strengthen engagement.
She was instrumental in preparing the staff for our Joint Commission survey, equipping the team with the knowledge and confidence needed to demonstrate our excellence in practice. Her attendance at the Magnet Conference this past fall reflects her commitment to advancing nursing excellence within our organization and the profession as a whole.
Additionally, she promoted the implementation of the SAN (Surgeon, Anesthesia, Nurse) check workflow, strengthening patient readiness and safety in the operating room.
In a fast-paced ambulatory surgery environment, Lauren stands out as a steady, enthusiastic, and visionary leader. She motivates her team with a shared purpose of delivering exceptional care and consistently promotes a positive image of nursing within our organization.
We are incredibly fortunate to have her leadership at the Grayslake Ambulatory Surgery Center. Lauren truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award through her extraordinary impact on compassionate patient care and her steadfast dedication to her team.
Thank you, Lauren, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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