Ann has been a registered nurse at Cohen Children’s Medical Center for over 20 years. Ann’s dedication to quality, safety, patient, and staff satisfaction, and in advancing the career of nursing is why she should be recognized. During her time at CCMC, Ann has held many different roles. She started as a clinical RN in PICU and then advanced to an Assistant Nurse Manager and now a Nurse Manager of Periop. In each of these roles, Ann has had a tremendous impact on our patients, families, and colleagues.

Ann truly embodies what a nurse should be, and she sets the example as a leader. Throughout all her roles, Ann has been a mentor and resource to not only novice and experienced nurses but also residents and ancillary staff. She has never felt that she is above anyone else, and she always believes in educating others.

Ann is the epitome of courtesy and respect. She lives it every day. You will never see her walk through the halls of the hospital without saying hello to everyone she passes. She will often stop what she is doing to show a visitor the right direction. She is courteous to all she meets and that has become ingrained in her staff as well.

Ann is driven by her passion to create the best patient experience possible. Ann gives of her time to ensure that we are catering to the needs of those we care for. She has been a champion for the calm room and for advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Having surgery is a terrifying experience for most children but for those who have disabilities, it can be a traumatic experience. Ann and her team ensure that this vulnerable population has a safe space while they await their procedure, and they ensure the environment is one without fear.

Ann has been known for her jokes and her wit but what she is most known for is her caring personality. Ann will go above and beyond for anyone, whether it is a patient, their family member, or her colleagues. Ann has been known to go the extra mile to make CCMC patients smile. She has stayed with patients when they are scared, taken the time to really listen to their concerns, and has moved mountains to ensure they get the best experience.

When it comes to patient care and safety, the word NO is not in Ann’s vocabulary. She truly always finds the YES. Whether it is moving her unit to a different area, more than once, to assist with the hospital’s surge, ensuring the safety of our patients getting a new experimental drug, or helping to support the MAB program, she always finds a way to make things happen. She doesn’t do this because it is her “job” she does it because it is who she is. Ann cares deeply for others and she always puts herself in their shoes.

Another great example of Ann’s leadership and caring is what she does for her colleagues. I have witnessed many times how Ann helps coordinate her peers' medical care, how she goes out of her way to make sure they have a good experience and how she is always willing to lend them her ear and provide them with a calming voice. Whether it is sitting with them after surgery or checking in on them multiple times during the day when they are ill or have a family issue, Ann does it because she wants to.

When the covid pandemic started to impact her colleagues, Ann was always there to offer her guidance and support. Whether they were hospitalized or homesick, Ann has been known to check on people multiple times in a day often giving of her own time. She provides them with her delicious home-cooked meals and offers reassurance to those who are scared. Most recently, I witnessed Ann take the time out of her day to walk a terrified colleague into the OR. That colleague wanted it known that Ann went out of her way to calm her when she was crying and hold her hand during the most terrifying time in her life. She stayed with her until she was under anesthesia, and she doesn’t even know how those 5-10 minutes, changed this person’s entire experience. Ann didn’t do this for recognition, in fact, she never does anything for recognition or praise, she does it because it is the right thing to do and she cares so deeply for others. She brings that passion and kindness to her leadership role every day when she enters the doors of CCMC.

Ann’s dedication and leadership are extraordinary. She truly encompasses all that a nurse should be. If the great nursing leaders of yesterday could handpick an RN leader, I truly believe it would be Ann. Her love for nursing, her drive for quality and safety, and her passion for being kind to others set her above the rest. Ann is a true DAISY Nurse Leader.