Sarah returned to Jewish Hospital in May 2021 in this nurse manager role during a tumultuous time for the unit staff struggling with the impact of the first year of COVID-19 in the midst of organizational challenges transitioning after the merger to the new UofL Health system. Due to this perfect storm, most senior nursing staff had left the unit. Sarah has made an enormous impact with staff in rebuilding not only staffing positions but also the staff morale during her first year while moving through all the dynamics thrown in front of her.

From day one Sarah has shown up with a positive caring attitude toward everyone! She has always been out and about on the unit checking in with staff for patient and staffing needs. When staffing has been low, she has stepped in taking a 3 patient team as well as charge nurse. So many times, I have witnessed her stepping in for patient care, answering phones, being present for patients, families, and staff as she balances her manager duties. Always with a positive attitude. When Sarah first started, she was managing ICU 4South along with 5South until another manager was hired. The two units had both experienced great staff turmoil. Sarah was very much aware of the situations and came with the promise “I’m here to stay” that she shared openly with staff.

Sarah is approachable and available. I have watched her unit evolve into a much different environment that I attribute to her ability to gain the trust of her staff, share mutual respect, and model a can do, I will, I am here with and for you attitude. Sarah is an encourager and always looks for ways to support staff. Like FUN February on the unit that started with National Dark Chocolate Day bringing in a variety of dark chocolate for the staff. Followed by homemade soup day, pizza day, and muffin day for both shifts. It’s not unusual to see something fresh-baked or some type of food goodie in the unit break room courtesy of Sarah.

There have been a couple of tough situations related to staff and patient care over the last year. Sarah made herself available to staff in groups and one on one to support and debrief the situations. She works through the challenges with her team and finds ways to celebrate them in good times. If you see Sarah in action day to day you can’t help but be proud to have her as a nurse, nurse leader, and a colleague on your team. Modeling exemplary nursing care and leadership is what I see in Sarah. She is an Extraordinary Nurse Leader!