Marta Mendoza
September 2024
Marta
Mendoza
,
MSN, BA, RN
Emergency Department
BayCare Health System - Winter Haven Hospital
Winter Haven
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

Through her mentorship, she has empowered numerous team members to overcome challenges, broaden their skill sets, and reach their full potential. Every interaction, Marta leaves us feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Her supportive, encouraging, and compassionate nature replenishes our spirits and motivates us to strive for excellence.
We are honored to nominate Marta Mendoza for the prestigious DAISY Nurse Leader Award. From the first day she set foot at Winter Haven Hospital, Marta has been a beacon and joy to all she encounters. She consistently exemplifies BayCare's core values, going above and beyond when serving as director of the medical-surgical areas and now the emergency services department. Marta leads by example, pouring her heart into every task and interaction. Her strategic vision, innovative problem-solving, and unwavering dedication have resulted in tangible improvements in team performance and morale. Her leadership style seamlessly blends warmth and kindness with an unwavering commitment to champion what is best for her team and the patients we serve. Her genuine support has been a guiding light for all team members at Winter Haven Hospital, and we are truly grateful to have her as a leader.

Marta embodies the essence of a true nurse leader and is hands-on. She can often be found helping transport a patient or rounding with a physician. One memorable instance of her leadership was organizing a reverse trick-or-treat event for Halloween. This thoughtful initiative allowed Team Members to enjoy sweet treats during their shifts, boosting morale and spreading cheer. During this event, Marta demonstrated BayCare values by adhering to our "no pass zone" guidelines and assisting patients with their toiletry needs while donning her Mary Sanderson (from Hocus Pocus) costume. Marta's appreciation and respect for her colleagues are evident in her actions. She values her team, always giving credit where it's due, and she has been a personal mentor to many, including us, even though we do not directly report to her.

Marta's authentic empathy and compassion towards all she encounters foster a positive and inclusive work environment where every team member feels valued and supported. We frequently hear commendations throughout the hospital about Marta's leadership and kindness. She consistently takes the time to listen, understand, and uplift her colleagues, cultivating a sense of belonging and unity within her team. Furthermore, Marta's commitment to mentoring fellow teammates is genuinely extraordinary. She is our self-appointed mentor and has never made us feel like a burden whenever we have questions. Through her mentorship, she has empowered numerous team members to overcome challenges, broaden their skill sets, and reach their full potential. Every interaction, Marta leaves us feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Her supportive, encouraging, and compassionate nature replenishes our spirits and motivates us to strive for excellence.

One team member shares her personal encounter with Marta: I was recently brought to the WHH ED for a medical emergency via EMS. I was nervous about the outcome; Marta quickly came to my side and told me she would be with me through the process and would not leave me. And she did not. She followed me to each test, ensuring I was safe and informed of what was happening, which kept me calm. When I arrived in the ED, Marta asked for my husband's phone number, promptly called him to update him on the situation, and told him she would stay with me. This gesture was extremely calming for my very anxious husband. She followed up with him, ensuring all his questions were answered and he was looked after. Not only did Marta tend to my nerves during that situation, but she also jumped in and cared for my physical needs while maintaining my dignity. I observed Marta consistently praising and encouraging her team throughout the ordeal. This gave them confidence in their skills to perform to the best of their ability. She pulled the team together to accomplish great things in a short amount of time. Marta is a fantastic human being with so much compassion. 

Marta’s influence as a nurse leader transcends her immediate team, radiating throughout the nursing community. As the current President of the Tampa Bay Organization of Nursing Leaders, she passionately advocates for all Tampa Bay and Polk Region nurses, inspiring them to strive for excellence. Marta Mendoza is the epitome of everything a nurse leader should be, and she fully embodies BayCare values, making her a true DAISY Nurse Leader.