May 2022
Grace
Bernardo
,
MSN, RN, NE-BC
14 Tower Cardiac Unit
CHI Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
Houston
,
TX
United States
Grace supports her staff 100% because she believes that if the staff is strong, patients are going to be well taken care of. She is true to her word.
This leader has exemplified a role model for compassion in our unit. From the moment our morning starts in huddle, she is already planning for the most effective way to care for our patients. She constantly emphasizes patient-centered care beyond basic nursing interventions. We close Huddle with a prayer that I feel centralizes the calling she has, love God, and love others. She shows this attribute through her support to both staff and patients in times of sorrow, sadness, and fear. She always makes it a point that she connects with everybody and offers her motherly advice all the time. She is the answer for a strong leader to our unit. She is not afraid to "fight" for her staff for all the right reasons. She supports her staff 100% because she believes that if the staff is strong, patients are going to be well taken care of. She is true to her word. She rewards her staff for a job well done. She never backs off her promises, and she does not waste time on tasks that need to be done. This can be seen through our HCAHPS, in 3-4 months’ time, we rocketed from below 50 to above 90. "How can I help you?" is a question that she often asks when she identifies a staff member that is frazzled, behind, or flustered. I love this about my director because when the day feels overwhelming or the census just does not seem fair, hearing that question from her and knowing that both me and my patients' needs are accounted for brings a lot of peace. I have never seen her ask this question without following through and improving the situation. This leader made us feel as one family working towards a goal, which is, everyone’s wellness.