Crystal Smith
March 2021
Crystal
Smith
,
DNP, RN, NE-BC
Med-Surg
Children's Hospital & Medical Center - Omaha
Omaha
,
NE
United States
I can only hope that I am able to serve my staff and organization as successfully as Crystal does every day.
While Crystal’s official role is that of a Nursing Director, she is so much more. Crystal’s unofficial roles and titles include that of mentor, support staff, comedian, confidant, crisis negotiator, therapist, devil’s advocate, detective, teacher, tutor, and friend. I attended a leadership class once that discussed a feeling or virtue that true leaders are able to instill in their team, blind faith. At the time, I didn’t quite understand that and had yet to feel that in my career. Past experiences had made me cautious to trust at face value…without question, without hesitation. However, now I understand what that means-I would follow Crystal right off a cliff. I am comforted knowing that she would never lead me astray and that with 100% certainty, she has my best intentions at heart. Unknowingly, Crystal is constantly reminding me what it means and looks like to be a true leader. There are traits, qualities, perspectives, and approaches that I observe, take a mental note of, and store into my internal file titled “I want to be this kind of leader”.
Crystal is continually looking for growth opportunities for her team, putting their needs first, even if that means her team may lose a great leader. Her priority isn’t about keeping her team great by trying to prevent people from leaving. Rather she is focused on developing her managers professionally and personally to be the best leaders they can be, even if that means seeking out opportunities outside of our team. Ironically, it has the opposite effect though because none of us want to leave due to her outstanding leadership! I have witnessed Crystal’s interactions and responses to numerous crucial conversations and challenging situations. To say it is inspiring to see how naturally she navigates through these storms, while never losing sight of what she stands for, is an understatement. She is committed to being calm and respectful with an unbelievable talent for knowing when to push when to compromise, and when to accept. I have grown to understand that being a good leader isn’t about being a perfect leader. Perfect leaders don’t exist and if they do, it isn’t one that I would want to follow. Imperfect leaders make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, admit when something could have gone better, have humility, empower those around them, take time to reflect, understand the value of each and every team member, and always put their team before themselves. Crystal is the most perfectly imperfect leader I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside. I can only hope that I am able to serve my staff and organization as successfully as she does every day.
Most nurses don’t choose nursing as a profession due to the overwhelming amount of recognition that comes with the job. But without question, we know the exact opposite is true. I think that every nursing leader can admit that as you move away from the bedside, you have to find new ways to fill your bucket. The recognition that you once received at the bedside from patients looks different now because your focus looks different…perhaps your patients are now your unit staff or managers. I want to take this opportunity as Crystal’s patient to fill her bucket and tell her how much she is appreciated. Crystal’s unwavering commitment and dedication to her team and Children’s is well-deserving of recognition and acknowledgment and this DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
Crystal is continually looking for growth opportunities for her team, putting their needs first, even if that means her team may lose a great leader. Her priority isn’t about keeping her team great by trying to prevent people from leaving. Rather she is focused on developing her managers professionally and personally to be the best leaders they can be, even if that means seeking out opportunities outside of our team. Ironically, it has the opposite effect though because none of us want to leave due to her outstanding leadership! I have witnessed Crystal’s interactions and responses to numerous crucial conversations and challenging situations. To say it is inspiring to see how naturally she navigates through these storms, while never losing sight of what she stands for, is an understatement. She is committed to being calm and respectful with an unbelievable talent for knowing when to push when to compromise, and when to accept. I have grown to understand that being a good leader isn’t about being a perfect leader. Perfect leaders don’t exist and if they do, it isn’t one that I would want to follow. Imperfect leaders make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, admit when something could have gone better, have humility, empower those around them, take time to reflect, understand the value of each and every team member, and always put their team before themselves. Crystal is the most perfectly imperfect leader I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside. I can only hope that I am able to serve my staff and organization as successfully as she does every day.
Most nurses don’t choose nursing as a profession due to the overwhelming amount of recognition that comes with the job. But without question, we know the exact opposite is true. I think that every nursing leader can admit that as you move away from the bedside, you have to find new ways to fill your bucket. The recognition that you once received at the bedside from patients looks different now because your focus looks different…perhaps your patients are now your unit staff or managers. I want to take this opportunity as Crystal’s patient to fill her bucket and tell her how much she is appreciated. Crystal’s unwavering commitment and dedication to her team and Children’s is well-deserving of recognition and acknowledgment and this DAISY Nurse Leader Award.