Nicole Mares
August 2021
Nicole
Mares
,
RN
REC
St. Cloud VA Health Care System
St. Cloud
,
MN
United States
Nicole has shown exemplary leadership throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Nicole started her career at the VA 16 years ago as an LPN. She obtained her RN degree in 2008 and worked in building 48 and 49 as an RN. After gaining experience and knowledge as an RN, Nicole became the Nurse Manager of 48-1 in 2015. Shortly after becoming a Nurse Manager, Nicole had to help organize the unit transition back to 49, after construction was completed. She was having to support Veterans, families, and staff members who were all stressed about this transition. She remained positive and patient throughout this process. Nicole also showed incredible leadership by adjusting to the needs of multiple new staff members.
Nicole has shown exemplary leadership throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. She has participated in numerous policy developments that have promoted quality of life for inpatient Veterans within the CLC. Some examples of these policies include Window Visits, Courtyard Times, Indoor Visits, Compassionate Care Visits, as well as others. She's also assisted with the development of policies that revolved around the safety of both Veterans and staff. These policies include the use of PPE for staff, precautions for Veterans, and the proper visitation for Veterans. Nicole is very detail-oriented and organized. Staff report that she always communicates promptly, especially any changes to the current process or policies. Nicole is always accessible, available, and responsible to the needs of others, whether it be her staff, other units, Veterans, or Veterans' family members. Staff report that she is always approachable, they feel as though they can go to her when they have questions or need assistance. There are multiple reports of her stopping what she is doing to assist with taking care of the immediate needs of the Veterans. She promotes an environment that supports the needs of her staff members. She bends over backward to accommodate staff scheduling preferences, as able. This has improved the staff retention on 49-1, due to her willingness to work with them.
Overall, Nicole is a role model to many people. She promotes compassion, mutual respect, and professional practice. She always encourages the career development of others and will motivate them to continue to grow within their careers. She is more than a Nurse Manager, she is considered a vital team member of 49-1, and the CLC.
Nicole has shown exemplary leadership throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. She has participated in numerous policy developments that have promoted quality of life for inpatient Veterans within the CLC. Some examples of these policies include Window Visits, Courtyard Times, Indoor Visits, Compassionate Care Visits, as well as others. She's also assisted with the development of policies that revolved around the safety of both Veterans and staff. These policies include the use of PPE for staff, precautions for Veterans, and the proper visitation for Veterans. Nicole is very detail-oriented and organized. Staff report that she always communicates promptly, especially any changes to the current process or policies. Nicole is always accessible, available, and responsible to the needs of others, whether it be her staff, other units, Veterans, or Veterans' family members. Staff report that she is always approachable, they feel as though they can go to her when they have questions or need assistance. There are multiple reports of her stopping what she is doing to assist with taking care of the immediate needs of the Veterans. She promotes an environment that supports the needs of her staff members. She bends over backward to accommodate staff scheduling preferences, as able. This has improved the staff retention on 49-1, due to her willingness to work with them.
Overall, Nicole is a role model to many people. She promotes compassion, mutual respect, and professional practice. She always encourages the career development of others and will motivate them to continue to grow within their careers. She is more than a Nurse Manager, she is considered a vital team member of 49-1, and the CLC.