Many challenges have been faced and successfully managed by this exemplary professional nurse leader, Ms. Michelle Raynor, over her tenure here at Children's National, but most noteworthy over the past few months.
Amidst the Coronavirus epidemic, opening new outpatient sites, managing staff shortages, initiating a new way of patient care through telemedicine venues, and filling in for an essential member of our leadership team, Michelle Raynor successfully led our team with the highest degree of leadership skill.
Michelle was in constant communication with the inter-professional Hospital Leadership Teams to ensure that the needs of the ambulatory patients and families were met in a manner that was safe, efficient, and consistent with our institutional core values. Additionally, Michelle provided a visible presence for staff on-site and off as she helped the ambulatory staff adjust to changes in practice and new expectations. This leader always followed up with staff regardless of the time or day and demonstrated the highest level of emotional intelligence when communicating with an often worried and concerned staff member.
As information regarding the spread of Coronavirus was mounting quickly, and new practice strategies seemed to be developing daily, Michelle was viewed as someone you could depend on to provide updated information regarding the nursing practice. Her knowledge reflected best practices for care, reduced anxiety and stress for staff, producing a sense of control in this extremely tumultuous time.
Michele kept a close eye on the telemedicine process, ensuring that the process for families was streamlined, efficient, and effective. As the Ambulatory Patient Care Technicians assisted in the telemedicine visit preparation, Michele assessed for actual and potential learning gaps and provided resources for the technicians. It has always been evident through interactions with Ms. Raynor, her passion for excellence regarding patient/family-centered care.
Navigating through the epidemic was only a part of what Ms. Raynor was managing. The new Prince Georges Regional Outpatient Center development also required time-sensitive actions and her full attention to detail. Again, she worked tirelessly to ensure that the new facility planning was optimized. Various other locations were expanding, the Montgomery County ROC as well as the Friendship Heights location.After working very long hours Monday through Friday, Michelle was present on Saturdays in the locations to assist the staff with the expansion preparation and readiness.
Despite all the ambulatory expectations, Michelle never lost sight of how we could assist the organization as a whole in effectively supporting the work. Staff were deployed to assist with Coronavirus screening and help with employee temperature screening upon entry.
In filling in for an essential leader on the team, Michelle maintained contact with the leader and provided updates. This enabled the leader upon their return to enter with confidence and a sense of control, not chaos and confusion.
Leadership on a good day is certainly not an easy task and requires the use of multifactorial skills; this leader, Michelle Raynor, led our team and patient care successfully with expertise, skill, compassion, positivity, goals, and lastly calm.
Thank you, Michelle!