A Transformational Leader is one who has deep-seeded moral values and leads with true integrity and purpose. Mary Santerre is one of those Nurse Leaders which she has clearly demonstrated over the last several months as she developed, implemented, and has maintained the ongoing COVID screening of Children's employees. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with Mary throughout this endeavor.
The COVID screening process has required that the utmost respect, privacy, and confidentiality be maintained with each and every one of the employees that have been screened. Mary modeled these values for all of us on the team with her professional and compassionate behavior towards not only the ones being screened but with all of the members of the screening team. As volunteers, she understood that those of us involved, herself included, have a full-time job, and she never once made us feel bad when unable to help. She consistently expressed her appreciation for all our efforts as she put 100% into making sure that the employees being screened never got less than the best service possible. Her commitment and dedication many times kept her involved 7 days a week, ensuring that the unit was staffed properly. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of specimens, so employees did not have to return unnecessarily, and that the process of collection has gone smoothly for all. She has done this by her skill in connecting all of the areas involved, from security, the lab, Occupational Health, Human Resources, and Operations.
The DAISY Nurse Leader Award is designed for those who "fully support recognition for their direct care staff as they deeply appreciate and respect the care that Staff Nurses provide". With Mary, I would say she went a step further and lived these ideals with all that have been involved in our COVID screening for employees.