Vanessa, as a clinical nurse educator, exemplifies Methodist's and HCA's mission, vision, and values through her commitment to creating engaging, effective educational experiences for her team. She focuses on learner development, socialization, and interpersonal communication by making education fun and accessible, which fosters a positive learning environment. For instance, in an ICU staff meeting, she used a Jeopardy game to review key concepts. The interactive format ensured staff retention, and when needed, Vanessa would dive deeper into topics to solidify understanding. This creative approach helped learners articulate their knowledge and built camaraderie among the staff. In promoting collaborative practice and serving as a change agent, Vanessa designed an escape room activity centered around fall prevention, addressing a rise in patient falls at the facility. The activity helped staff bridge knowledge with clinical practice, reinforcing proper tools and procedures for fall intervention. Her focus encouraged critical thinking and clinical judgment in real-world applications.

Vanessa's dedication extends to mentoring and individualized support, as demonstrated by her unwavering commitment to an ICU nurse struggling with core competencies. Even after multiple interventions, Vanessa continued to advocate for the nurse by involving senior leadership and implementing a structured development plan with weekly check-ins. Her persistence and tailored mentorship ultimately led to the nurse's success, culminating in him earning the Rising Star award at the clinical excellence celebration. Her role as an expert resource is evident in her focus on patient-centered care and safety. By using innovative teaching methods like games and hands-on activities, she ensures that her learners are equipped to provide safe, timely, and effective care. Vanessa's ability to lead change, foster a culture of continuous learning, and advance professional development sets her apart as an educator who not only teaches but empowers her staff to excel in clinical practice.