Eight months ago, something happened that none of us was expecting or prepared for. I am the Adult Services Director over seven departments. Every one of my managers was having the most difficult conversations of their lives almost every minute of every day. They were tasked with leading frontline staff through a pandemic, something that in the beginning none of us knew anything about. Information regarding clinical guidelines and access to PPE was changing daily. During these challenging times, every leader stepped up. One leader not only stepped up, but engaged his team and led them towards amazing accomplishments.
It is one thing to show up and to do the job. It is another to show up and stand side-by-side with your frontline team to show them support, encouragement and true leadership. While the conversations may still have been difficult, the way that Joshua Vigil led his team truly showed them that he was there to not only support our patients, but to truly support them as well. As a Director, especially during the early stages of COVID, I would take a centering breath before rounding on any unit to help prepare myself for yet another difficult conversation. This was never necessary on Joshua's unit. His team always had the answers, necessary communication, and knew that whatever tools Joshua had access to, they were supplied with. The culture on this unit is a direct reflection of Joshua's leadership before and during COVID, and will endure long after COVID is over. Joshua Vigil is the epitome of what a true Nursing leader represents!