Ruth is an outstanding nurse leader, advocate, and role model. She is visible and present for the nursing leadership and the nursing teams throughout the Troy hospital. Ruth places the staff and her managers first. She knows the importance and demonstrates it daily by making sure that the managers are listened to, informed, and supported. She knows that the managers will in return listen to, informed, and support the bedside staff and that ultimately affects the patients and the care they receive. Ruth always makes time to attend unit counsels, staff meetings, or impromptu rounds to connect with the nursing staff.

There are many examples of Ruth’s dedication to our system, our hospital, and of course to our managers and staff. One example that stands out is the wellness cart and wellness rounds that started in 2021 and continue today. It was Ruth Kechnie who presented the concept and brought to fruition of the wellness cart at Troy. She worked with the administration and other departments to bring this marvelous idea to the staff house-wide. The managers love passing the cart and interacting with not only their staff but the staff on the other units. Staff love the wellness cart and look forward to it. I had an RN (from RO who transferred to Troy) so surprised when she saw the cart and was offered a treat. “For me? For free?” Were her questions to me. “This is so wonderful, and it makes “us” feel so appreciated." This small act of kindness and appreciation speaks volumes to our staff. In the words of John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." Ruth Kechnie is a leader, a DAISY Nurse Leader!