We are blessed with the opportunity to play a small part in Covenant's mission as a unit every day. We believe our unit (SICU 4) is able to live out our mission well because of our leadership. Connie Gonzales is a reflection of our core values and she inspires and expects her team to embody dignity, justice, service, and excellence every day. Although Connie is a leader, she first plays the role of a servant. Her attitude, speech, and actions reflect her heart for people and the desire to help others.
Connie applies "know me, care for me, ease my way" to not only our patients but her employees as well. She works tirelessly to ensure we have the resources we need and is always the first one to recognize a job well done. Her affirmation via notes of encouragement and managing-up pushes our team to want to work harder, be the best we can be, and pitch in extra when needed. During leadership rounds, Connie always steps in when needed. She has assisted patients with everything from toileting needs to extraordinary requests. She also fills in any gaps in the schedule and will come in at any time of the day or night to lend a hand.
Connie is competent and knowledgeable. She worked hard to obtain her CCRN-K this year, is an ECMO specialist, and is constantly developing her knowledge and skill base to better serve her staff. She encourages us to grow professionally and is willing to assist us in any way possible. Nursing is not always sunshine and rainbows, especially from the leadership standpoint, but Connie handles issues professionally and efficiently. Her open-door policy encourages a culture that recognizes issues early. Although an immediate solution isn't always possible, you know the issue will be addressed properly.
Connie has impacted all of our lives. It is impossible to adequately summarize the blessing Connie has been to our unit, but we have included a few quotes from our staff supporting why we believe Connie is a true DAISY Nurse Leader.
"An interviewee for an RN position on our floor asked us what kept us around on our unit. One of our replies was our manager, Connie. I truly feel like I have the best manager to not only work for but alongside."
"Connie goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients AND nurses on the unit are taken care of. She helps with every single thing she can while on the unit. She not only is an inspiring leader but also works on the unit as a bedside nurse when needed. No matter if it is day or night shift, if we are short nurse, Connie picks up shifts. She never complains, she simply helps out silently. She is truly someone I can say I look up to and inspire to be one day."
"Her heart for her employees is evident. She is understanding and patient and will work tirelessly to make sure we get coverage for a shift switch when needed for a family emergency or life event."
"Connie has been a proactive and efficient manager, as well as being supportive and available for both day and night staff. She has redefined my expectations for transparent, supportive and effective management entirely. She is an outstanding leader whether on the unit, in the office, or at the bedside!"
"Connie is the type of manager who will work a shift if we are short, will ask what the staff needs and gets that need met, and will go out of her way to make sure a patient has the best care in the hospital and at home. True compassion, servant leadership, and loyalty to her work are what make Connie a DAISY Nurse Leader."
"Connie has made so many sacrifices and put in countless hours for her staff and our patients."
"I have been a nurse for 34 years and have had several managers. Connie cares for the unit as a whole and not just in words. She helps with patient care on both shifts and helps with staffing. She sees staffing as much more than just numbers. She looks at the actual staff working and strives to make a shift even as far as new nurses and veteran nurses. She is professional and fair to all involved. I greatly appreciate the fact that she sees a problem and actually researches products that can help us provide better and safe care."
"I had a patient withdrawing from alcohol who was picked up by EMS at his home while unresponsive. He was very concerned about his home and needed a few things from his house. Connie went to his house to get what he needed and noticed there was quite a mess left behind because of his condition. She organized a clean-up crew to take care of the mess."
"Connie is always willing to help any patient or employee with any need they have. She goes above and beyond trying to make our floor a great place to work."
"Connie is a great leader because she doesn't just manage her caregivers, she continuously develops them. She always says everyone on her team has a place and contributes to the strength of the unit. She is the type of leader you would follow blindly knowing she will get you through."