Lisa has been an employee of CHOC Children's Hospital since 1999. She began her nursing career as a staff nurse and is now a charge nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). As a charge nurse, Lisa is looked to for her leadership and guidance. On any day, Lisa can be found mentoring other nurses, teaching and guiding them according to CHOC Children's policies and procedures. Her ultimate goal is to help the younger, less experienced nurse grow and become a better nurse. Lisa is often found helping at the bedside and seeking out opportunities to assist others.

Lisa is a code white team champion (Lifesavers). She has completed specialized training in resuscitation measures specifically related to code white occurrences. Lisa reviews relative and pertinent information in order to teach others to become effective participants in the event of a code white.

In her role as a charge nurse, Lisa has learned to recognize and be sensitive to others. The event may concern a patient, family member or staff member. I have witnessed Lisa extending an arm and listening ear to a staff member who was going through personal grief. Lisa knows when to step in, what to say, and how to direct the individual depending on the circumstances. Lisa understands that the patients and families in the PICU are under high stress. She has addressed difficult situations and spent countless time with families in order to help them cope, understand and resolve an issue. Of course, she does not manage this task alone. She will collaborate with child life and/or social services in order to meet the needs of the highly stressed family.

Lisa also advocates for other team members. She is supportive and kind and approaches situations with a "can do" attitude. Lisa works hard to keep the lines of communication open between nursing and physicians. She is an active participant in nightly rounds, helping the newer nurse present their patient in order to obtain what is necessary to improve the outcomes for their patient.

As a leader and charge nurse, Lisa helps each nurse to work to their full potential. She leads by example and is a role model to others. Lisa has successfully achieved CCRN certification and more recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Lisa is an active participant in Nursing Governance. She is a member of the PICU Clinical Practice Council serving to identify and resolve clinical issues to improve outcomes at the bedside as well as within the PICU.

Lisa exemplifies all that a DAISY Nurse is and should be. It would be a great honor if Lisa was recognized with this highly coveted award. It would be a recognition and achievement well deserved.