Scott's ability to connect with patients and family is remarkable. He deeply cares about his patients and staff. One of the patients is a difficult patient whom many staff members struggle with. He personally wrote Scott a letter thanking him for doing a good job. Scott was willing to listen to him without judgment and that is all the man wanted.

The floor that Scott manages is a difficult one. Patients have psychiatric issues along with physical illness. Many are coming from jail and going back to jail once they get better. It is easy to judge once you find out what they were charged with. Scott makes it very clear that our job is to get them healthy. We don't know all the details and it isn't our job to convict or judge. Some of these people are getting this type of non-judgmental behavior for the first time in years. Scott is the apotheosis of someone who exhibits empathy. There was a problem on the floor with two staff members and Scott spoke to them both. I am not sure what he said but both told me later that Scott understood both of their points but explained a better way of handling it. They both agreed and were happy about the conversation. How often does that happen?

If you want a nurse who is educated, empathetic, caring, and with a leadership quality that others will follow and listen to then Scott is what you're looking for. His patients and staff respect him. He makes you want to work harder because he is working harder. He is honest yet kind which is the type of nurse and person I strive to be. Scott is always open to new ideas. What can help the patients, floor, or whatever? He says let's try it. When someone does something good, he compliments them in the meeting. I actually saw him write a personal note to all the patients on the floor. The notes were all words of positive affirmations for the patients. Who doesn't like to get a compliment? Think about the last time someone wrote you a compliment.

Overall, the reason I nominated Scott is because he exhibits the qualities, I believe all nurses should strive for. He wants his staff to be happy yet successful. He wants his patients to get positive outcomes. He wants high quality, and gets it, because his staff know they can ask him whatever whenever. I've seen him stand up for employees when he believes they did the correct thing and that brings loyalty from those employees. No job is too small for him. If someone needs help, he will stop to help him. As we walk down the hall, he stops the custodian to ask her how her day is and if there is anything he can help her with. This is a leader and overall, just a good human being. This is the type of person all nurses should strive to be like.