Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer, Susan Livvix, even though she insists she's "just Susan", was nominated by several people. She is a great example of leading by example; she is extremely giving, caring and compassionate. She advocates for people and has a gift for taking care of them.

One of her stories involves a CNA who wasn't able to afford new scrub shirt. Susan purchased a new set of scrubs for that employee. She uses faith to guide her actions and her willingness to help others. In another instance, a fellow employee had suffered loss to their home by fire and was displaced. Susan immediately donated items, gift cards, food and was just there to help in any way she could for the entire family. Susan also donated her own personal calling card to someone who needed to make a long distance call to let extended family know about what was going on with a loved one, & has since then offered the calling card to anyone else that may need to make a call. She created a basket filled with home items to a displaced family; and in addition to doing that, she actually went to the house they would be staying at, cleaned, washed laundry, and did dishes.

Over the summer, there were two nurses, who after multiple attempts to get Illinois licensure over 6-month period, were in jeopardy of losing their jobs here, as they wouldn't be able to practice. Susan called the state house legislators to make things happen, and she didn't stop until she talked with someone about helping the hospital and helping these nurses keep their jobs. She got their licenses within 24 hours of that phone call! She helped a co-worker who wasn't feeling well enough to drive, and insisted on taking the co-worker home so she would get there safely.

While walking down the hallway, she noticed a person who seemed out of sorts and asked if they needed help. This person opened up to Susan and felt safe enough in Susan's presence to share personal struggles involving the thought of suicide. Susan helped them find appropriate assistance. The person submitting that story wrote, "Susan considers helping people, no matter what the situation is; she goes above and beyond whenever she can. People reach out to Susan; she is approachable. She is a genuine giver of care and embodies the true spirit of a nurse with her compassion, empathy, and selflessness. She is a mood changer; her grace and stories can lift the spirits of any room or person she is with. She has profound listening skills and truly hears what someone else has to say."

A staff member submitted, "Susan is very caring; she is a consistent leader who genuinely acts out of kindness and generosity." Another employee wrote, "Susan's vision is one in which taking care of people is the first and only priority. She uses faith, skill and experience to guide her to always do the right thing. She is the most extraordinary person I have ever met."

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what Susan Livvix has done to help people, lead people and mentor, not just nurses, but all staff and others in her life. Her advocacy and insight to care for everyone is truly remarkable. She makes a difference every day in many lives. Her funny stories, her tearful connections with someone else, and her abilities to mentor are profound. Susan is what DAISY is all about.