Mandy demonstrates extraordinary behavior daily. The environment she works in is challenging and she faces it daily with a smile and a positive attitude. She is genuinely caring and loving towards all of our patients and staff. I cannot count the number of times she has gone above and beyond to help me personally. If I ever have a challenging patient whom I cannot deescalate myself, Mandy will step in and assist me before I can even, ask for help. Mandy makes it her goal to get to know each patient on the unit personally. I have never had a manager care so much about the patients on her unit. On top of her outstanding professional behavior, Mandy expresses concern for her staffs' personal lives. She treats the staff as if they are her family and loves each one of us. I have experienced some personal struggles this year and she has called me on her days off more than once just to make sure I'm doing okay and see if I need anything. Mandy is an excellent role model. Handles any situation as a seasoned Manager. Very respectful.
Mandy is an excellent model when it comes to trust, compassion, respect and professional development. She is upfront, direct, and honest with all her staff members. I never have to wonder or guess what Mandy wants or needs from me because she makes it very clear. In the two years, I have worked here I have seen her continue to develop herself by earning her BSN degree and working towards her MSN. She is certainly an inspiration. She is very approachable and keeps staff notified of anything they need to do to further their experience here.
Mandy's enthusiasm is something that sets her apart from others. She is the biggest cheerleader for out unit and celebrates any achievement we have, big or small. Everyone knows Mandy's vision is to have a safe unit and provide the best care possible to our patients. She is always implementing new ways to improve patient outcomes. For example, she implemented "leader rounding". This process ensures a Team Lead (or Mandy herself) meets with EVERY patient before discharge to ensure all their needs have been fully met. I have heard patients say that it feels great to know they are being listened to. Mandy is very open to ideas presented to her by her staff. I feel I'm being heard.
Mandy is always encouraging her staff to get involved with the hospital and community. The behavioral health department at times feels disconnected from the main hospital and she does everything she can to ensure that we are treated the same as the rest of the organization. She has sent me to meetings and helped me network with other departments. Not only is this comforting for the staff on our unit, but it ultimately provides better patient outcomes since many of our patients are shared with other departments. In the 30 years, I have done this kind of work she by far, has made me the proudest to work here.
Unfortunately, I will be leaving this organization and it breaks my heart because I have never had such an extraordinary manager. She makes me feel safe, appreciated, and important. I along with all the staff on our unit know we can depend on Mandy for anything. The position of manager is a new one for her and she stepped into a role that required a lot of work, but she has exceeded everyone's expectations. I know there are great things in store for this department and it will be thanks to Mandy. I have never in my 30 years nominated anyone for anything. Mandy is one of those people who makes this job feel as if we are making a difference. I am coming up on 60 years of age and she makes me want to work for someone like her until I retire. Mandy is a true DAISY Nurse Leader.