Phyllis role models extraordinary behavior. She is the definition of a servant leader. When times get tough, she is with us on the frontline. On capacity days, MCIs, and emergencies. I have had the opportunities to travel with Phyllis and the team and participate in the set-up of Hotel Obici in the event of Hurricanes and snow storms and she is with us every step of the way and always takes care of everyone! Her genuine love and kindness for others make her respected and appreciated. She makes her staff want to follow under her leadership and strive to be like her.
Stepping in to serve trays to patients to help a department, cleaning beds and making them to transport patients, serves, buys, gives! Showing what teamwork is all about and doesn't ask staff to do what she wouldn't do herself to help someone.
Remembers the names of all staff members as well as many of their families and personal situations. Treats each and every person she meets with kindness, respect, and generosity of spirit.
She is, personally invested in the successes and challenges faced by those around her and assists others to grow and develop. Actively engages and motivates others to be the best that they can be and to continually grow and develop throughout their careers and life.
Phyllis creates an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and supported.
Trusting, Caring and compassionate spirit- a foundation laid and demonstrated in her daily walk- recognizes accomplishments and writes a note and sends a gift for Certification Nurses week and Customer service comment cards (pins, movie tickets). Supports educational development and training- staff attending seminars, conferences, etc.
Provides incredible support for nurses to further their education and professional development through pre-payment of certification exams, encouraging and informing staff re: available scholarship opportunities, and by the REAL and tangible attention, she pays to legacy mapping to help the staff attain their professional goals.
Mentors and models professional behaviors and interactions. Provides constructive and valuable feedback to foster growth and maturity in others.
Phyllis personally advises and guides nurses by helping them develop their strengths.
I will never forget some of my most personal challenges in life and if it were not for Phyllis, I would not have been able to get through it as well as I did. She has offered to provide somewhere for the kids and me to stay and gave me love when I lost my fur baby. In my professional development, the legacy map paved the way for some of the committees that I have been added to and she met with me to make recommendations on my next steps. Throughout my time at Obici I have always felt supported under her leadership and she has made me want to be a better nurse to help others. I know I ask myself in times of question, what would Phyllis do?
Phyllis motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients.
During our Magnet journey, support for staff engagement and professional development- she supports everyone's continued growth. A lot of people do not know the love and generosity that Phyllis has shown and supported as we have planned and successfully supported these events! Not to mention that she knows her staff on a personal level, this moves mountains to the staff.
She promotes and enhances the image of nursing within the organization, the community, and the profession.
Phyllis is actively involved in community-based boards, programs and projects- supports Week of the Nurse- recognition, unit and staff accomplishments, Magnet designation, CHOP, Obici Health Foundation, Western Tidewater Free Clinic- all community-based support and recognition for the organization (SOH).
Fosters extensive community involvement and engagement across the continuum of care and across all disciplines. Is a leader in bringing the community together to collectively seek better ways to meet the needs of the communities that we serve.
Phyllis is and will remain the face of Obici Hospital. She is all I have ever known as our CNO and this hospital will forever cherish her legacy and the paths that she has paved for so many nurses.
Phyllis demonstrates in her daily life and walks the attributes of a true, servant leader. She does this with grace and beauty.
Phyllis has had a tremendous impact on those who have worked with her. She has been like a beacon shining in the night - leading all those who see her to a place of encouragement, guidance, and love.
This is no unusual thing for Phyllis to do but I want to acknowledge in some way her constant efforts to "roll up her sleeves and get into the thick of it with you." One night I called her at about midnight to ask an AOC question and explain we were holding 15 patients. The ED staffing was short at 3 am and I was unsure how they would be able to accommodate all the holds. Without missing a beat, she asked if I could go down to the ED to help if someone else could relieve my PCS duties. I said of course. At 2:30 in the morning Phyllis took over as PCS. She ran around Obici the rest of the night making my job look so easy. The decision to do this was so easy for her and I think that is what makes her an amazing, patient-focused leader.
Words cannot express the impact Phyllis Stoneburner has had on my short time here at Sentara Obici Hospital. I met Phyllis when I was working on my master's degree. She was so warm and inviting and I never felt like a stranger. I attended a nurse recruiting event in Chesapeake with my Albemarle Team and Phyllis came straight over with lunch boxes for all of the SAMC managers. She was a welcome sight. When I accepted my role as manager of 1MO and OIC, I received a packet in the mail that included a book and the kindest handwritten note. I immediately knew I made the right decision to transition to Obici. Once here, despite her busy schedule, she always made time for a meaningful note or to stop by and give a hug. Again, I knew I made the right decision. Recently, my daughter underwent surgery, and Phyllis checked in with me continuously to see how she was doing and she always said, "Tell me what you need from me." And, more importantly, she meant it! I will always appreciate this sentiment and will remember to incorporate it in my routine. When I shadowed Phyllis for a day, she asked every single person she encountered, "What can I do for you?" When I talked to her about this, she told me her job was to help nurses do the best at their job. Phyllis is a true DAISY Nurse and has touched so many lives.
I will forever cherish the love, laughter, and memories that we have had in and out of the hospital. Not only has she been a role model, but I will also forever consider her my family.