Jonelle Thomas role models extraordinary behavior and creates an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and supported. Jonelle motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients, she is a leader with a passion for her team.
Jonelle first joined the Leadership Team at Sky Ridge Medical Center as the Manager of the Med/Tele Unit in September of 2015. At that time the unit lacked stability, cohesiveness, and a vision, demonstrated by nurse leadership and staff turnover being at an all-time high and HCAHPS scores at an all-time low. Jonelle leaned in and demonstrated her tenacity and commitment gong above and beyond to make a difference on the unit and replot the course to clinical excellence and employee engagement. In January of 2017, Jonelle was promoted to Director of Med/Tele. Jonelle remained committed to making her unit the best in the organization and as a result, she has successfully built a team and unit that embodies the characteristics listed above. In the first quarter of 2019 Jonelle lead the Med/Tele team to an all-time high HCAHPS score of 79.5 adjusted score, placing them in the 81st percentile of high performing units in the Press Ganey database, and currently in the second quarter the Med/Tele unit is surpassing all expectations in patient quality and safety having an adjusted score of 98, placing them in the 99th percentile of high performing units in the Press Ganey database. Jonelle has led her team to reduce her overall turnover rate to 14.7%, her RN specific turnover to 12.2%, and the unit vacancy rate to 15%.
Jonelle continues to exemplify the characteristics of an influential leader, she has built a phenomenal leadership team, introduced operational change and accountability, driven her team to excellence and as a result is rewriting the Med/Tele unit's story. Jonelle's leadership may be best expressed through the words of her team:
"My first encounter with Jonelle was in her interview for the manager position on the 5th floor. She made a comment about hoping to be the last manager we would ever need. Over the last three years, she has not disappointed me, but inspired me and others, gained my respect and loyalty. She is attuned to our feelings and makes a point of recognizing individual contributions. I feel valued, respected and she is one of the reasons I enjoy coming to work."
"Jonelle exemplifies values that remain essential to nursing, such as respect, kindness, accountability, and advocacy. Her leadership drives the floor and exudes trust, encouragement, and understanding. I am a newer CNC and Jonelle has not only been a listening ear but has helped me grow within my career to better myself and the unit. She is a true mentor and we are lucky to have her!"
"Jonelle is always available for the staff for any kind of issues and very helpful when we are short staffed. Always willing to do any kind of tasks from cleaning rooms and discharging patients. A few weeks ago, past her normal hours, I found Jonelle in a patient room holding the patient's hand. The patient had just been placed on hospice care and her husband was having a hard time and left the hospital. Jonelle stepped in with this dying patient, this act of kindness and compassion has deeply touched my heart on how wonderful a person she truly is! She works long hours and always prioritizes our team!"