Debbie Barker
November 2020
Debbie
Barker
,
MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC
71 ICU Medical Intensive
Emory University Midtown Hospital
Debbie's reassuring presence and outstanding leadership abilities allowed the nurses to feel safe, have resources readily available, and reassured us that what we were practicing we were already doing every day.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many nurses, supportive personnel, and leaders have gone above and beyond to ensure the safe delivery of care and employee safety measures. However, from the beginning, Debbie had a positive attitude and approach, to lead her staff and make a significant impact on the care of their patients, the well-being of nursing department staff, and the overall organization. This impact affected me as a nurse, personally.
Having one of the first COVID-19 patients in our organization and the staff was scared, overwhelmed, and looking for solutions from their Unit Director. Debbie acted immediately, and together with many helped open the Medical Intensive Unit, this meant mobilization at many levels, from supplies to the workforce. Having the intuition to what was coming, what was needed, how to help the newly appointed COVID-19 nurse providers feel supported while reassuring them as best as she could, made a big difference. Debbie's reassuring presence and outstanding leadership abilities allowed the nurses to feel safe, have resources readily available, and reassured us that what we were practicing we were already doing every day. Debbie's dependable guidance showed us that we are all in this together. Debbie mentored the nursing staff team, and provided safety and education to us, letting us know that we were never alone in this crisis.
Debbie was always cheerful and optimistic, even though I completely understand that she must have been drained due to her other responsibilities of a Unit Director for 71-ICU Medical Intensive for Emory University Midtown Hospital. Debbie kept us abreast and informed us that our concerns were heard at the administration level. She is amazing! Debbie stands out as a source of strength, kindness, thoughtfulness, safety, quality, and reassurance not only during the COVID crisis but every day as she leads our nursing staff in 71-ICU. Because of Debbie's commitment, the 71-ICU has been deemed as a COVID-outstanding unit, you will all be receiving DAISY COVID pins as recognition for your outstanding nursing excellence in care.
Having one of the first COVID-19 patients in our organization and the staff was scared, overwhelmed, and looking for solutions from their Unit Director. Debbie acted immediately, and together with many helped open the Medical Intensive Unit, this meant mobilization at many levels, from supplies to the workforce. Having the intuition to what was coming, what was needed, how to help the newly appointed COVID-19 nurse providers feel supported while reassuring them as best as she could, made a big difference. Debbie's reassuring presence and outstanding leadership abilities allowed the nurses to feel safe, have resources readily available, and reassured us that what we were practicing we were already doing every day. Debbie's dependable guidance showed us that we are all in this together. Debbie mentored the nursing staff team, and provided safety and education to us, letting us know that we were never alone in this crisis.
Debbie was always cheerful and optimistic, even though I completely understand that she must have been drained due to her other responsibilities of a Unit Director for 71-ICU Medical Intensive for Emory University Midtown Hospital. Debbie kept us abreast and informed us that our concerns were heard at the administration level. She is amazing! Debbie stands out as a source of strength, kindness, thoughtfulness, safety, quality, and reassurance not only during the COVID crisis but every day as she leads our nursing staff in 71-ICU. Because of Debbie's commitment, the 71-ICU has been deemed as a COVID-outstanding unit, you will all be receiving DAISY COVID pins as recognition for your outstanding nursing excellence in care.