Tonya is an exceptional nurse leader in a multitude of ways. Tonya consistently provides a professional and welcoming working environment where PACU nurses are encouraged to advance their skills, advance their education and grow their professional development. She creates an atmosphere of respect and compassion, often taking time out of her busy day to listen to the concerns of her staff.

Tonya is incredibly sincere and supports her nurses to overcome and thrive in both their personal and professional lives. She is a champion of advocating for her team. She is a role model to her staff, staying calm and composed in even the most stressful situations. She is a champion at problem-solving and communicating needs to leadership.

During COVID, Tonya worked tirelessly to ensure her staff was supported and had the resources they needed while being floated to assist other departments with direct patient care. It was a scary and unsettling time during crisis standards of care, but she kept us informed of current developments and resources. She worked to accommodate schedules as staff become quarantined or had to care for sick family members at home. No matter the situation or concern, Tonya always advocated for her staff, her department, her hospital, and her community.

I am proud of the work Tonya has done and continues to do for our hospital. Never have I worked for a nurse manager as kind, professional, encouraging, and accessible as Tonya. She is the reason why our department excels and why we came to work during the most trying of times. Tonya truly is exceptional in a million ways. She is a true DAISY Nurse Leader.