Leslie Pixley
July 2025
Leslie
Pixley
,
MSN, RN
Nursing Administration
Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center
Santa Monica
,
CA
United States
A garden was transformed, a ceremony was held, and a dream was fulfilled. All of it became possible because Leslie led with heart and determination.
I am honored to nominate Leslie for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is a compassionate nurse, a steady and trusted house supervisor, and a devoted mother who brings heart and strength into everything she does. Her presence brings comfort during chaos, clarity during confusion, and a sense of safety that patients and staff alike can feel. Leslie leads by example. She consistently models integrity, empathy, and calm under pressure.
In challenging situations, she listens deeply, thinks critically, and responds with kindness and professionalism. Whether she is supporting a team through a difficult shift or helping navigate an emotional patient situation, she does so with grace and quiet confidence. She never looks for recognition, but her impact is undeniable.
As a house supervisor, Leslie creates an environment where trust, mutual respect, and support are not just values. They live every day. Nurses turn to her not only for guidance, but also for reassurance. She encourages continued learning, personal growth, and compassionate care. She is the kind of leader who makes you feel seen and supported, no matter how busy things get. She brings people together and helps everyone do their best work because she genuinely believes in what we do.
One of the most powerful examples of Leslie’s leadership happened when a terminally ill patient expressed her final wish to marry her longtime partner. The situation was delicate, and time was short. While many might have focused on the limitations, Leslie focused on the patient. She acted quickly and thoughtfully, gathering the right team members, making connections, and giving her full support to make the wedding happen. What followed was one of the most beautiful and meaningful moments our unit has ever witnessed. A garden was transformed, a ceremony was held, and a dream was fulfilled. All of it became possible because Leslie led with heart and determination. She also understood the emotional weight of the moment for the family and for the staff. She stayed present, not just as a supervisor, but as a person who deeply cared. That is who Leslie is. She shows up for people. She stays when it is hard. She finds a way to bring light into dark moments.
Beyond her leadership, Leslie is truly part of the 4NW family. She has celebrated with us at our Christmas parties, shared in our laughter, and been a part of our most joyful memories. Those moments of connection outside of work remind us how much she cares, not only about her role, but about each of us as individuals. Her presence brings warmth and comfort, whether on a holiday or during the most difficult shift. Leslie’s ability to lead while also nurturing those around her is extraordinary.
As a mother, she carries the instinct to protect and support, and she brings that same compassion to her work. She balances her roles with humility and purpose, always putting others first, whether it is her family at home or her team at the hospital. For her tireless dedication, her incredible heart, and the way she inspires those around her simply by being herself, I am proud to nominate Leslie for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
In challenging situations, she listens deeply, thinks critically, and responds with kindness and professionalism. Whether she is supporting a team through a difficult shift or helping navigate an emotional patient situation, she does so with grace and quiet confidence. She never looks for recognition, but her impact is undeniable.
As a house supervisor, Leslie creates an environment where trust, mutual respect, and support are not just values. They live every day. Nurses turn to her not only for guidance, but also for reassurance. She encourages continued learning, personal growth, and compassionate care. She is the kind of leader who makes you feel seen and supported, no matter how busy things get. She brings people together and helps everyone do their best work because she genuinely believes in what we do.
One of the most powerful examples of Leslie’s leadership happened when a terminally ill patient expressed her final wish to marry her longtime partner. The situation was delicate, and time was short. While many might have focused on the limitations, Leslie focused on the patient. She acted quickly and thoughtfully, gathering the right team members, making connections, and giving her full support to make the wedding happen. What followed was one of the most beautiful and meaningful moments our unit has ever witnessed. A garden was transformed, a ceremony was held, and a dream was fulfilled. All of it became possible because Leslie led with heart and determination. She also understood the emotional weight of the moment for the family and for the staff. She stayed present, not just as a supervisor, but as a person who deeply cared. That is who Leslie is. She shows up for people. She stays when it is hard. She finds a way to bring light into dark moments.
Beyond her leadership, Leslie is truly part of the 4NW family. She has celebrated with us at our Christmas parties, shared in our laughter, and been a part of our most joyful memories. Those moments of connection outside of work remind us how much she cares, not only about her role, but about each of us as individuals. Her presence brings warmth and comfort, whether on a holiday or during the most difficult shift. Leslie’s ability to lead while also nurturing those around her is extraordinary.
As a mother, she carries the instinct to protect and support, and she brings that same compassion to her work. She balances her roles with humility and purpose, always putting others first, whether it is her family at home or her team at the hospital. For her tireless dedication, her incredible heart, and the way she inspires those around her simply by being herself, I am proud to nominate Leslie for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.