Brandi Perez has served many years in the SICU as an RN III. When Parkland decided to open the New Parkland and have its own Neuroscience area, Brandi was approached to be the AUM for the ICU. She took this role on and served tirelessly as we opened not only the new hospital, but a new unit. As any new unit would have, it has gone through numerous changes in a short time. It was not long until there was a need for a nurse manager for this area and again, Brandi stepped up to the plate. Brandi has gone through tons of challenges being short-staffed, expanding the PCU, growing her team all while dealing with the regular hustle of Parkland. It is very hard to change culture, educate a team to bring them to success all the while being a new leader themselves. During her time as the nurse leader for this area, she was able to help successfully obtain Comprehensive Stroke Certification in collaboration with others. This certification was the first for this new area and it came with a ton of work. In the last few years, they recently were re-designated with the same distinction for stroke. There are a ton of action plans and changes that have to be made and she hits them head-on.
Brandi works very hard with all of her staff, not just the nurses. Recently a group of PCAs sent Brandi and the AUMs an edible arrangement and on the card, they put "we know that you do not hear that we appreciate you as much as you should. Thank you for all that you do". I felt that this was huge because in my 14 years as a nurse, I have never seen PCAs want to acknowledge their leader like they did.
Brandi does events with her team outside of work. She has done the tough mudder before and most recently, painting with a twist. The UBC sent Brandi a sweet email with a group picture talking about how they love the fact that Brandi takes the time to spend with them outside of work and engages with them. That they all are able to let their "hair down" and have a great time and enjoy each other's company. Brandi is a die-hard Parkland employee and consistently goes above and beyond to make not only her area but all of Parkland a place where people love to work or receive care.
She is currently serving as the President of the Nursing Leadership Academy. This was one of her goals that she set for herself several years ago. She wanted to grow her own self and be a great leader. She had to start by being nominated and then once she won the majority vote, she served as President-elect for a year and is currently serving as President. This is just another example of perseverance and that whatever she puts her mind to, she will accomplish. I have watched Brandi grow as a leader over the last 4 years and see all of the hard work she has put in. That is what makes Brandi stand out to me is that she helped start a new unit and has dealt with years of struggles and has continued to overcome them and continue to help take her team in the future. Brandi Perez is a true DAISY Nurse Leader!