Leon Gildersleeve is an amazing Nurse Leader at Children’s. He is the Clinic Manager for the Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Vision mobile, and Optical Shop departments. Leon consistently demonstrates excellence in all he does, motivates staff to perform at their highest levels, works relentlessly to ensure successful outcomes, promotes the image of what nurse leaders should be, and creates a supportive work environment that embodies optimal patient care experiences. Leon was instrumental in two massive projects: Moving the Ophthalmology Department to a new location and the launch of the new Dermatology department.

Since Leon’s start, he has taken a thorough approach to his employees. He has spent time evaluating each employees’ strengths and weaknesses; helping each employee to leverage their strengths to benefit the team while coaching each employee on opportunities for improvement. He has advocated and successfully built teams by placing key staff in areas to leverage their skill sets to optimize patient outcomes.

Leon understands his work demands and willingly puts in the time to ensure its success. As many leadership personnel will attest, on multiple occasions, Leon would be at work before 6 am and stay well past 5 pm. Leon understood the gravity of the large projects he was working on and wanted optimal outcomes. He would process his unique work tasks before the true workday started, so he could be available as his staff needed him. A true characteristic of a strong leader.

Leon worked with other department leaders to track and follow the Ophthalmology departmental move elements and the Dermatology new clinic build, coordinating moves, supplies, staffing, and construction events. Leon made suggestions as the first person with eyes on the target, to address problems immediately. Those prompt actions helped prevent long-term, costly problems before they materialized.

Leon has always demonstrated a can-do attitude. He always pushes for ways to solve problems and would source options and feedback when faced with hurdles. His quick actions helped address issues during the Ophthalmology move and Dermatology launch. Nothing stood in the way of moving the projects forward. At times, Leon would jump into the clinic fray to support his team; rooming patients, restocking supplies, building exam rooms; exemplifying team unity and a commitment to service.

Leon actively spoke about and promoted, the career field of nursing. Non-nursing staff posed questions around the nursing career field, which Leon graciously discussed the options and opportunities within nursing. A promoter of nursing programs and a staunch advocate explaining the role strong nurses play in high-quality healthcare outcomes. Leon encouraged non-nursing staff to consider nursing as a career option; one of which pursued the nursing path and recently passed her CNA certification.

Leon has exemplified what a Nurse Leader should be, leading by example. In countless ways, he has shown his commitment to patient care through leading his teams and executing initiatives above & beyond what was expected. We are grateful for Leon’s leadership and commitment to our patients, staff, and Children’s.

Note: This is Leon's 2nd DAISY Award!