Laurie is a servant leader. She often speaks of "being here to serve" and she means it. This expectation is set with all whom she encounters as well as her team. She provides rapid response to issues escalated to her and works tirelessly to improve care for our patients as well as the environment in which our nurses practice, from CNO to bedside nurse. Laurie's door is always open. She will drop what she is doing to support you through the smallest or most difficult challenges.
A fellow CNO reflected, "I entered my CNO role about the same time that Laurie became the Ardent CNO. What a blessing that was. During my time as a growing CNO, Laurie has been my person to lean on. She has offered me words of encouragement when I needed it most, she has provided ideas for best practice to help me improve, and has been my cheerleader along the way. She has been available to me throughout my time in my role. We even talk after hours and on weekends when I have needed it. I am sure she has no idea how much I appreciate her."
Laurie has promoted the profession of nursing within the organization as the first corporate CNO. Through her efforts, many nurses are on the path to advance their degrees and certifications as well as elevating standards for patient satisfaction and nurse leader requirements.
A nursing peer commented, "I have known Laurie Bigham for almost 10 years. We also attended the same church. Professionally, as the AHS Chief Nurse Executive, I have witnessed her work tirelessly to build the foundation for Nursing in Ardent. She has endeavored to bring a group of nurse leaders from different experiences and different regions together to create a common, standardized approach to our enterprise. Personally, I have seen how big her heart is especially when someone else is hurting or going through tough times- the heart of a nurse, drive of a leader-Laurie Bigham". Rosalynn Carter said "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but out to be."
Another Nurse Executive said, "I wanted to say thank you for being a fantastic leader, mentor, and friend. You have taught me so much over the past 9 years, and I want to say thank you for your encouragement, guidance, advice, and support over these years. You are not only a role model for me but also many others in our organization. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills you have shared with us. You have always been open-minded and have the best interest of the patient and nurses in mind. Words can't even quantify how helpful your guidance and advice has been. I will forever be grateful for all your support. It is not easy to find a true leader to look up to, but I found that in you.
I feel that having the opportunity to work with you has given me the chance to continue to grow professionally. Thanks again for your support and inspiration!"
Laurie is passionate about the care our patients receive. She promotes a standardized evidence-based approach to care, negotiating common ground between very diverse hospitals. Laurie serves as the executive sponsor for the patient experience. She frequently rounds on patients and staff to gain insight into the pulse of our organization and identify opportunities for improvement. If you know Laurie, she is quick with praise, not afraid to communicate clearly, offers sound advice, and takes time to get to know you. She is a role model, mentor and the voice of nursing at Ardent. Laurie is a true DAISY Nurse Leader.