Even under tremendous pressure, Dea creates an environment of compassion and recognition amongst our leadership team. Dea is a true servant leader. She leads our team with a smile and a comforting hand. There are countless times that she has gone above her call to make sure she is there to support us. When she sees concern or hurt on your face she grabs your arm to pull you aside to make sure you are ok. She will ask you how she can support and it is not an option not to tell her. She hears our needs and brings in educational opportunities and support so we can grow. There is no fear in saying no because she values you as a person and the capacity you have. She cares about work-life balance, about your family and well-being. She runs around in huddle giving high fives always giving the team all of the credit. She makes us take care of ourselves by making us put our cell phones up during leader workouts and going home early when we need it. Dea is very approachable but at the same time, there is just something about being the CNO that makes taking root beer floats into the "lion's den" a little intimidating. Dea consistently has a warm smile and kind presence that puts you at ease even when the state visits 20 plus times. She is great at driving results, inspiring us, and making sure we see the "great work" we do. Dea will never ask you to do something she is not willing to do. Her servant leadership shines during executive leader rounding when the nursing staff is sweating bullets because they see her cleaning up a patient, picking up trash, getting ice, the list goes on. This is not just an occasional occurrence, it is a daily one. Another example of her servant leadership is transporting patients from the ED during times of high volumes. Dea exemplifies teamwork by her willingness to step in and do the daily work but also challenge each of the leaders to grow and be independent. Dea values each coworker at Mercy and she wants to know everyone from EVS to dietary to maintenance and on. Thank you, Dea, for changing our culture in a grand way.