In these trying times, not only for ourselves and our families but especially our nurses on the frontlines, there are those who are called into action and those who willingly step up to get the necessary and difficult work done. That is what sets apart the greats, and Barb Mitchell is an exemplar of a great nurse. We are grateful to have Barb as interim nurse manager. What could have been a detrimental dip in morale for all the staff never occurred because Barb stepped up to fill that necessary role with what seemed like effortless grace, determination, and outstanding aptitude. Barb is a veteran nurse with over 26 years of experience and what is amazing about her is that not only does she excel as a practitioner, she is an excellent teacher as well, which matters in these challenging times where time is of an essence. She has an excess of patience to continue to teach nurses and staff on how to confidently and competently care for our patients. While not a requirement for Barb to take on full patient assignments during her night shift as an Assistant Clinical Leader, she does so to help the rest of her nursing staff. Barb's love for bedside nursing is apparent in the continued passion she puts into the patient assignments she voluntarily takes on, which are on top of other responsibilities. Barb continues to take night shift assignments because she understands the unit is short. Barb is definitely a rare gem of a nurse, but in times of crisis, her compassion, grace, and reserve have kept morale up. We continue to all step up and do our jobs and do it well, fulfilling our oaths as nurses to provide excellent patient care. It is one small gesture to recognize an exemplary nurse like Barb who has stepped in and stepped up to go above and beyond to care for patients and lead an entire unit in the middle of a crisis. Some nurses can go to the end of their careers without a role model or mentor, but we are the fortunate few to be able to have Barb present in our career. Thank you, Barb for your leadership, kindness, and care that has shaped nurses, colleagues, and patients and their families alike.
7 East Testimonials:
"As a new nurse going through the ROC, I was informed by a fellow nurse that was returning to Ascension that I was in good hands as I was going to work with Barb Mitchell on nights because she was an amazing RN and ACL who not only cared about her patients but also her coworkers. Once I started on nights, I was able to witness that first hand. Barb is truly an inspiration, and I am excited to start my nursing career, working along side of her."
"I've had the pleasure of working alongside Barb for 10 years. For the longest time, I've always admired her. She's not just an ACL, in my opinion, she is a hero. Don't get me wrong, all nurses are amazing. Her qualities, however, set her apart from the rest, which is why she is a DAISY Nurse Leader. Barb's presence, as an ACL is big enough to fill a room. When I see her name on the assignment, I know the unit just became a safer place. She is consistent, respectful, and very polite. Honestly, I've never heard her say, "I'm having a bad day." She isn't known for workplace quarrels, having outbursts, or spreading negativity. Instead, she listens to our complaints and genuinely tries to resolve issues. Barb puts herself in the gap and went out of her way to keep our unit organized. In turn, this lifted our spirits and gave us confidence. She's also kind-hearted. During the holidays, she buys everyone a gift. I've also witnessed her contribute to charitable causes, including my own. At the end of the day, we couldn't ask for a better more thoughtful clinical leader."
"As a newer nurse, Barb is a great mentor to look up to and the kind you aspire to be. She is always a team player, available to talk about whatever you need. She cares deeply for her patients, taking a team as charge nurse, as well as her staff. Having been unexpectantly put into the role of unit manager, she has moved with grace, patience and compassion as she always has."