The logistics of managing an Emergency Room is not easy at the best of times but when faced with many challenges this role is magnified. I received her call at 9 pm on a Thursday, telling me that there had been an unforeseeable delay in deliveries for many items. In addition, I had been informed by her staff at 5 pm that there was no Assistant Head Nurse with her as one was on annual leave and one on sick leave. But when she called me, she had solved everything and left very late after 15 hours of work. Moreover, she told me "If you will blame someone, it's my mistake and nobody else's". That time I realized her leadership personality, real commitment to her work, passionate about her career, sacrificing for her staff and the patients. Many occasions I saw how much she's fighting the stress of a huge Emergency Department (ED) with many challenges beyond her capabilities, but still standing strong as a mountain against these tornados with a nice smile and confidence.
It is not easy to say it for anyone, but I am sure of this:
Hester, you are the best Head Nurse I have ever had in ED, and no doubt, the best Head Nurse in Security Forces Hospital. I am proud of you always and it's an honor knowing you and working with you.
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A strong presence, strong personality yet with a very caring demeanor. This is how Hester presented herself to me in our initial meeting. There was consensus immediately that you were the one who could lead such a dynamic nursing workforce within our large 103 bedded ED with an equally large workforce of 148 staff under your direction. Not an easy task yet you continue to support the goals of the nursing department and raise the quality of care for our dear patients. Advocating for your staff and patients daily whilst striving for the highest quality of care. You lead your staff with equity and fairness, if not sometimes with your heart, looking to support all who pass through your door. Your leadership skills extend past your ED with you supporting and guiding your nursing peers on many endeavors. You are respected and valued by all who know you and are an asset to the Department of Nursing and The Emergency Department of Security Forces Hospital.