Shirley Ledford embodies all elements of a committed and compassionate leader within Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. She celebrates the great successes with staff and rallies around them when their spirits need to be lifted. There are numerous instances that would explain her leadership style – but there is one that always comes to mind.

It was a typical weekend day at the hospital one sunny day in April when Shirley was contacted by the Emergency Department for an incoming DOA. This was not just an ordinary DOA – it was communicated to the ED Charge Nurse that the individual coming in was one of our own. When the patient arrived at the Emergency Department, she knew who it was immediately. One of our dear inpatient nurses had taken his own life. After taking a moment for herself to grieve his loss, Shirley pulled herself together as she knew she had some tough moments ahead. She informed the ED staff that it was indeed one of Wyandotte’s own RNs and immediately contacted his unit’s leadership. Additionally, she escalated this incident to her director. Shirley then made her way to the department where he worked to share the horrific news. She cried with them, embraced them, and remained on the unit to assist with any further needs.

Although this instance was tragic and hit Shirley in a very personal way, she displayed sheer strength and commitment to Shirley’s role. Without Shirley’s practice to escalate vital information, Henry Ford’s Crisis Response Team would not have been as readily available to staff. Without her commitment to her team and compassionate approach, the shocked and saddened staff would not have had the support they needed at that moment. I am forever grateful for the leadership she displayed during this heart-breaking event and for her approach to the very demanding role as a house manager.