The DAISY Nurse Leader Award recognizes the nurse leader who creates a workplace where compassionate care thrives, and where nurses deliver the quality of care that the DAISY Foundation and Baptist Health celebrates. I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Dr. Maureen Williams. I have watched Maureen grow from a fledgling pediatric nurse advocating for evidence-based initiatives and family-centered care to an ANM and unit council lead advocating for professional collaboration, shared governance, and Magnet designation to become the phenomenal leader she is today. Bedside nurses at Baptist Health are recognized and respected throughout the health system in no small part due to much of the work Maureen has done to establish a Baptist Health Shared Governance Model and training of Unit Council leaders. This program is an exemplar and has been recognized both regionally and nationally by Magnet and the ANA. Maureen has championed the Herculean feat by guiding us through multiple Magnet surveys and leading a team of stellar Magnet Nurses who document the extraordinary work that our nurses and team members do throughout the health system. She is the embodiment of compassion, caring, teamwork, professional collaboration, and nursing excellence. Please help me recognize her with the 2024 DAISY Nurse Leader Award. 

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I am honored to nominate Maureen Williams for the prestigious DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Maureen’s exemplary leadership and dedication to nursing excellence have had an immeasurable impact on our healthcare system. Her vision, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing nursing practice are evident through her numerous key accomplishments. Maureen has been instrumental in enhancing nurse retention across our healthcare system. As the chair of the System-Wide Retention Committee, she has spearheaded initiatives that have significantly improved nurse retention rates. Her innovative strategies and collaborative approach have not only stabilized our workforce but also fostered a supportive and enriching environment for our nursing staff. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Maureen played a crucial role in revitalizing shared governance within our organization. Recognizing the importance of nurse involvement in decision-making, she led efforts to re-establish robust shared governance structures. Her leadership ensured that nurses had a voice in shaping policies and practices, ultimately leading to improved patient care and staff satisfaction. Maureen is a published expert on the execution of shared governance, and her scholarly contributions have been widely recognized. Her insights and research have provided valuable guidance to nursing leaders and have been instrumental in promoting best practices in shared governance. Understanding the importance of career development, Maureen established a comprehensive Career Mobility Program. This initiative has provided nurses with clear pathways for professional growth and advancement, enhancing job satisfaction and retention. Under her guidance, numerous nurses have successfully progressed in their careers, contributing to a highly skilled and motivated workforce. Maureen also implemented a new electronic portfolio system for our clinical ladder program. This innovative tool has streamlined the process for participants, making it more accessible and efficient. Her forward-thinking approach has ensured that our nurses have the resources they need to achieve their professional goals. In preparation for our 5th Magnet journey, Maureen developed a novel approach to writing our Magnet document. Her meticulous planning and strategic execution have positioned us further ahead in the process than ever before. Her efforts have ensured that our organization remains a leader in nursing excellence, continually meeting and exceeding the rigorous standards set by the Magnet Recognition Program. Maureen’s dedication, leadership, and passion for nursing make her an exceptional candidate for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Her contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on our organization, and she continues to inspire all who have the privilege of working with her.