Role Model Compassionate Care: Shannon role models the Standards of Professional behavior each and every day. As a new APSM transitioning to an interim PSM, her primary focus has been to promote a culture of accountability, respect, and transparency. She has fostered a culture of mutual trust that has since greatly enhanced the overall engagement of our nursing staff. Shannon demonstrates tremendous ambition and determination to grow and enhance her leadership skills by taking advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. She meets regularly with an IFE coach and attends webinars and sessions geared toward leadership growth and development. She is approachable, available, and honest with her staff and is committed to work-life balance.

Special Connection: Shannon has made a commitment to her staff to promote staff wellness, improve resilience and promote retention. She has partnered with our Child Life team to coordinate monthly wellness activities for our staff to partake in. Shannon puts her staff first - organizes art therapy sessions, snuggles with our pet therapy dog Nana, and has created a "Zen Den" relaxation space. She most recently created a stress-relief room where she lined the walls with bubble wrap, hung pinatas, and had suctioned punching bags to the tables for staff to let out some of their stress, anxiety, and frustration. The staff has come to respect her for the level of caring and humility she has. Shannon plans on pursuing her MSN later this year and will be sitting for her nurse manager certification exam as she continues on her leadership trajectory.

Significant Difference: Shannon motivates staff by being herself - a leader who demonstrates integrity, charisma, and humility. When she makes a mistake, she lets her staff know. She continuously asks for feedback on how she can improve her own leadership skills and style. All of these attributes have led staff to trust her during a time when there was so much uncertainty. She is present for every am charge nurse shift report, and she rotates to work evening shifts to make sure she connects with her night staff. An engaged staff leads to a better overall patient experience. Staff wants to perform better because they know she has their back. Shannon partners with her medical director for weekly rounds on every patient and family in the PICU. She participates in family meetings, organizes and advocates for adjustments in visitation for end-of-life care, and conducts routine check-ins with her staff to make sure they are ok. Since she assumed her leadership role last year, the culture in the PICU has completely turned around - in the most positive way. She is a force to be reckoned with!