May 2026 Honoree
Sara Dakins, BSN, RN
Ms. Sara has consistently gone above and beyond during the OB/GYN restructuring by serving as a clinical anchor for both patients and staff. As a subject matter expert in OB/GYN, she did not simply provide guidance from a distance—she physically stood at the bedside while newly transitioned nurses cared for patients. Her presence reassured patients during a time of change, demonstrating to them that they were safe and supported. Patients visibly relaxed knowing an experienced clinician was overseeing their care and mentoring the nurse in real time.
During the transition process, Ms. Sara proactively supported several nurses moving into OB/GYN from other specialties. She created a psychologically safe learning environment by debriefing in real time—after patient interactions, procedures, or clinical decisions. Rather than waiting for formal evaluations, she provided immediate, constructive feedback that strengthened clinical judgment and enhanced patient safety. Her hands-on coaching prevented errors, reinforced best practices, and built nurse confidence during a vulnerable period of change.
She models skilled and compassionate care by balancing technical expertise with emotional intelligence. When orienting nurses, she does not take over care but instead guides them step-by-step, allowing them to grow while ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. She explains not only the “how,” but the “why” behind OB/GYN protocols, empowering nurses with deeper clinical understanding.
Ms. Sara also leads with purpose. During restructuring—a time that can create uncertainty and anxiety—she served as a steady and reassuring presence for the entire unit. Her calm demeanor and willingness to answer questions, no matter how small, reduced staff stress and improved morale. She anticipated learning gaps and voluntarily offered additional teaching sessions to ensure everyone felt prepared.
Her nickname, “Momma Sara,” reflects the culture she has cultivated. She nurtures new nurses while holding them to high professional standards. She celebrates their successes, supports them through difficult cases, and checks in on their well-being beyond clinical performance. Staff feel comfortable seeking her guidance because she listens without judgment and offers wisdom grounded in experience.
Beyond individual mentoring, her influence improves outcomes at the unit level. By prioritizing bedside teaching and immediate debriefing, she strengthens patient safety practices, promotes teamwork, and builds a more competent and cohesive OB/GYN team. Families benefit from her attentive communication style, as she ensures they understand care plans and feel included during vulnerable moments.
Ms. Sara exemplifies what it means to be a role model: she leads by example, demonstrates clinical excellence, supports growth in others, and creates a culture of safety, compassion, and accountability. Her impact extends beyond individual patient encounters—she is shaping the future of the OB/GYN team and making a lasting difference in the lives of patients, families, and colleagues alike.
During the transition process, Ms. Sara proactively supported several nurses moving into OB/GYN from other specialties. She created a psychologically safe learning environment by debriefing in real time—after patient interactions, procedures, or clinical decisions. Rather than waiting for formal evaluations, she provided immediate, constructive feedback that strengthened clinical judgment and enhanced patient safety. Her hands-on coaching prevented errors, reinforced best practices, and built nurse confidence during a vulnerable period of change.
She models skilled and compassionate care by balancing technical expertise with emotional intelligence. When orienting nurses, she does not take over care but instead guides them step-by-step, allowing them to grow while ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. She explains not only the “how,” but the “why” behind OB/GYN protocols, empowering nurses with deeper clinical understanding.
Ms. Sara also leads with purpose. During restructuring—a time that can create uncertainty and anxiety—she served as a steady and reassuring presence for the entire unit. Her calm demeanor and willingness to answer questions, no matter how small, reduced staff stress and improved morale. She anticipated learning gaps and voluntarily offered additional teaching sessions to ensure everyone felt prepared.
Her nickname, “Momma Sara,” reflects the culture she has cultivated. She nurtures new nurses while holding them to high professional standards. She celebrates their successes, supports them through difficult cases, and checks in on their well-being beyond clinical performance. Staff feel comfortable seeking her guidance because she listens without judgment and offers wisdom grounded in experience.
Beyond individual mentoring, her influence improves outcomes at the unit level. By prioritizing bedside teaching and immediate debriefing, she strengthens patient safety practices, promotes teamwork, and builds a more competent and cohesive OB/GYN team. Families benefit from her attentive communication style, as she ensures they understand care plans and feel included during vulnerable moments.
Ms. Sara exemplifies what it means to be a role model: she leads by example, demonstrates clinical excellence, supports growth in others, and creates a culture of safety, compassion, and accountability. Her impact extends beyond individual patient encounters—she is shaping the future of the OB/GYN team and making a lasting difference in the lives of patients, families, and colleagues alike.
Thank you, Sara, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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