March 2022
Caroline
Esparza
,
MHA, RN
Administration
Adventist Health Simi Valley
Simi Valley
,
CA
United States
You can’t possibly list all of Caroline’s accomplishments because there are too many.
Nursing is described as both an art and a science, and a true nursing leader embodies both. Caroline not only embodies this alignment but transforms these dualities into the heart and soul of nursing wherever she goes. Caroline defines the year of the nurse and is a pioneer in leading the nursing practice. Caroline has been a visionary nurse leader for over 35 years. Caroline has personally been available to support, mentor, and coach every single one of her leaders who have pursued their BSN, MSN, or doctorate degrees. She has not only provided emotional support, but has allowed flexibility to juggle career, school, and family, even if that meant she had to cover for us when we were off.
It is important to note that she has also mentored, coached, and supported non-nursing executives and leaders in their leadership journey. With faith and support, Caroline has given nurses the opportunity to become leaders. She embodies the sentiment that Jack Welch is quoted as saying, “When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” She allows leaders to lead and always supports them in that effort. Through recent challenges of COVID, she has demonstrated courage and hope in times of grave outcomes. She is always available to answer calls and texts. Caroline leads the difficult day-to-day decisions and is always available to discuss patient/family interactions.
Caroline has the unique quality of advocating for her nursing staff while also keeping the patient at the center of all decisions. Decisions are based on evidenced-based practices and trust in her leadership team. Caroline sees the potential in all leaders and develops leaders to practice at the top of their professional license. In the world we live in today, we are constantly plugged in, and Caroline is a staunch advocate for work/life balance, which is rare for a nurse executive. Oftentimes we see executives having to choose, and some who choose neither and just go with the bottom line, but we have never known her to do this. She finds a way to do what is right for both groups. Caroline has established strong relationships with physicians and built trust to overcome barriers. She is consistent in her responses to issues and problems, guided by integrity, evidence, compassion, and a deeply rooted appreciation for practicality and common sense (a virtue becoming harder to find!).
You can’t possibly list all of Caroline’s accomplishments because there are too many. But she has excelled in all areas: keeping patients safe, advocating for nurses, advocating for the advancement of our profession through advanced education, and developing leaders. There is nothing Caroline cannot solve. Over the years she has broken down barriers and walls and supported the future vision.
It is important to note that she has also mentored, coached, and supported non-nursing executives and leaders in their leadership journey. With faith and support, Caroline has given nurses the opportunity to become leaders. She embodies the sentiment that Jack Welch is quoted as saying, “When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” She allows leaders to lead and always supports them in that effort. Through recent challenges of COVID, she has demonstrated courage and hope in times of grave outcomes. She is always available to answer calls and texts. Caroline leads the difficult day-to-day decisions and is always available to discuss patient/family interactions.
Caroline has the unique quality of advocating for her nursing staff while also keeping the patient at the center of all decisions. Decisions are based on evidenced-based practices and trust in her leadership team. Caroline sees the potential in all leaders and develops leaders to practice at the top of their professional license. In the world we live in today, we are constantly plugged in, and Caroline is a staunch advocate for work/life balance, which is rare for a nurse executive. Oftentimes we see executives having to choose, and some who choose neither and just go with the bottom line, but we have never known her to do this. She finds a way to do what is right for both groups. Caroline has established strong relationships with physicians and built trust to overcome barriers. She is consistent in her responses to issues and problems, guided by integrity, evidence, compassion, and a deeply rooted appreciation for practicality and common sense (a virtue becoming harder to find!).
You can’t possibly list all of Caroline’s accomplishments because there are too many. But she has excelled in all areas: keeping patients safe, advocating for nurses, advocating for the advancement of our profession through advanced education, and developing leaders. There is nothing Caroline cannot solve. Over the years she has broken down barriers and walls and supported the future vision.