Tara Dandridge is an amazing leader and demonstrates a passion for the nursing profession. Tara is compassionate and collaborative with all interactions. She has created an environment of trust with the ICU team. Our Angel and Agency nurses compliment her on her management style and would consider becoming a permanent member of her team. She is visible to both day and night shifts and is always available by phone for guidance and support to the team. Tara responds to all codes and actively participates in patient care. She shows great compassion with families and manages difficult conversations easily and effortlessly. The mortality rate in the ICU has been overwhelming and Tara has gone above and beyond as a patient advocate ensuring loved ones were allowed exception visits when visitors were not allowed in our facility. She seeks permission to allow family members to be present even if only through a glass door. She also ensures digital visits when visitation is not possible due to a patient’s condition or diagnosis.
Tara takes accountability for quality outcomes. She takes ownership and seeks solutions when quality metrics are not met and quickly realigns her team. She has a great rapport with the Intensivist team and they work collaboratively for the best outcome for the patient.
During these challenging times, the census of the ICU has exceeded 100 percent almost daily. However, Tara never wavered on ensuring staff was available to care for the ICU/IMU patients bedded outside the ICU proper. She worked endless hours daily to staff the ICU and potential ER for ICU holds.
Tara’s commitment to nursing and the patients we serve is worthy of praise.

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This is Tara’s 2nd DAISY Award!