Each unit has a manager, but what sets each manager apart is what makes them a true nurse leader, one who impacts staff and patients alike in more ways than one. Sherry Silveri exhibits role-modeling behavior every single day. On a typical day, you see her attending mini-meetings with staff, rounding on the unit to each of the staff members to make sure they are doing ok, always asking "what can I do for you?", and truly meaning it. She ambulates patients regularly to and from the bathroom to assist nurses and nursing assistants and attending to call lights. In recent events, our unit was transformed into accepting COVID patients, rule out, and positives. Sherry was there for the staff since day one with this and preparing all the staff on proper procedures and how to keep safe during this time. New changes come every day but Sherry sets aside time to send out emails regarding changes to keep us safe.
Nothing defines Sherry Silveri more than that of a transformational leader. 6 West has one of the largest UPC attendance throughout the hospital. This is in part because Sherry is a large promoter of shared governance. Sherry brings forward new business and floor issues and collaborates with the UPC in the direction our unit may want to move forward. Nursing engagement is crucial to having a strong team and great patient outcomes. Sherry's leadership inspires her own staff to be leaders in their own capacity, whether they are bedside RNs, educators, nursing assistants, or CAs.
Sherry's every day sincerity creates a caring environment in which trust and compassion blanket our unit and all who are welcomed to it. Any issues that may occur on the unit are quickly addressed by Sherry. She is there for the nurse/nursing assistant and comforts them and more importantly, never sheds guilt. Rather, we develop a plan together to determine why it happened and what we can do to prevent issues from reoccurring.
Sherry has an uncanny ability to motivate her staff. Included in our Friday emails is a list of staff that has been recognized for their amazing work, whether it be from pulled staff, patients, or families. Recognition is just a small part of what motivates our staff to become amazing nurses/nursing assistants. Sherry has also set up a monthly staff nomination box in which we can nominate one of our own for outstanding work. Sherry is always advocating for her staff and promotes self/staff governing. She fought for an appropriate matrix on our unit and was part of developing our PCU pulling guidelines. These guidelines empowered Med/Surg nurses to have a voice when it comes to their assignments. This not only gives nurses appropriate assignments but also keeps our patients and staff safe.
Sherry promotes and enhances the image of nursing as she encourages ortho recertification for our nurses on the unit. She creates lasting relationships with all who come to our unit. Part of what makes 6 West a strong nursing unit is that many of our staff have been hired from within our unit, whether it be students who have precepted on 6 West or nursing assistants who have graduated nursing school. In addition, she is a large contributor to our nurse's week as she helps plan activities and organizes events. Last year, for each day of nurse's week, with other nursing leaders, she rounded to each unit providing ice-cream sundaes, games/activities, and prizes to celebrate nursing. Sherry loves to celebrate nurses, not just during nurse's week, but throughout the year.
Being a nurse manager means way more when you exhibit nothing but nurse leader qualities. Sherry's sincerity, respect, and compassion leaves lasting impressions on everyone she meets. Sherry is always displaying kindness and encouraging everyone to be kind to one another and it inspires all of us to do so. Sherry deserves this amazing recognition for not only being a team leader, but for being a transformational leader.