Joanne Mayers has always cared and done a lot for BayCare, but it is through COVID that I have gained such deep respect for what her leadership has done for all of us. When our world became convoluted, she quickly sprang into action. She made decisions that put the team members first, and I believe that the team could feel her advocacy. She was visible on the units, especially the ED and COVID units. She came in on nights and weekends to assure we all had what we needed and felt supported. She also worked around the clock sharing messages for the ever-changing isolation and mask needs.
I remember closer to the beginning of COVID she spoke during a virtual meeting of how we were all examples of nurse leaders here at work and in our community. Her words have stuck with me since that day. Joanne has always been honest, fair, and inspiring. I am thankful to have her as our nurse leader. COVID has taken a few years off our lives, and we could not have persevered through this pandemic without her great leadership, patience, and, of course, her humor.