Motivating staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients- Rich became the first manager of a new unit during the height of the COVID pandemic. The neuro intermediate critical care unit did not have a manager for quite some time so Rich had to start his leadership role by immediately becoming a strong resilient leader. In June 2020, times were very tough working the pandemic. Staff were overwhelmed, scared, stressed, and seeing loss every day. Rich had to make hard decisions and quickly became an active listener and a shoulder to cry on.

Currently, the team loves and admires Rich because of the way that he listens, coaches, mentors, and supports staff. Rich encourages all staff to be change agents on the unit by focusing their skillset on creating and improving processes for the unit and the healthcare profession. He communicates professional goals for each staff member to help them grow into their current role as well as long-term professional goals. He builds relationships and focuses on the humanity of people which results in gaining the respect and trust of his staff.

Neuro ICCU has several staff members that have worked in the unit and have stayed because of Rich. Rich takes the time to often recognize staff for their hard work. He gives praise to team members through huddle, email, privately, or through announcements which has added to building team morale and staff retention. Rich is a constant presence on the unit and Neuro ICCU is successful because of him.

Creating an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development, and ethical behavior are modeled and supported – Recently, there was a trauma patient that had suffered several gunshot wounds and per police those responsible for the shooting had not been found. Rich ensured staff safety by restricting all visitors until the person/people that shot the patient was found and police gave all clear. Rich requested public safety officers to sit outside the patient’s room which made staff feel that their well-being was truly thought about and made staff feel that coming to work was a safe place. He ensured that he would keep the family informed by meeting with and calling the family to give updates and discuss the reasons for restrictions. He maintained clear communication with the family and nursing team throughout the entirety of the process.

Rich is an advocate for the unit, patients, and staff. He listens to nursing issues that are presented whether they are positive or negative. He engages and facilitates staff to be creative in presenting solutions to problems or bettering the nursing profession. He will recommend nurses join and bring their ideas to nursing committees and councils. Rich communications staff suggestions/changes to his leader that will allow for possible changes to be made to policies and procedures to allow for staff to deliver high-quality care to all patients. Rich does everything in his power to give staff the ability to separate work from their personal lives to create a work-life balance.

Promoting and enhancing the image of nursing within the organization, the community, and the profession – Recently, Rich has made it a priority for Neuro ICCU nurses to improve their nursing skills by increasing and adding neuro-specific education and in-services. Gaining these skills will advance the neuro intermediate unit to take a higher acuity patient population including Lumbar Drains. Additionally, there was a need to accept patients with TR bands. Rich was fast to act and had the staff educated and trained adding to the nurse’s skillset within 1 week. These skills are paramount as PMC is a Comprehensive Stroke Center and maintains facility designation. Rich motivates and inspires all staff to grow personally and professionally by advancing their degrees and certifications through leading by example and role-modeling extraordinary behavior. Rich has maintained his critical care board certification and is currently working on becoming Green Belt certified as a LEAN instructor. Additionally, has two graduate degrees and has encouraged all staff to be participants in lifelong education. He promoted 2 staff nurses to ANM roles, and both ANMs are currently in school to obtain their graduate degrees. While the ANMs are taking their graduate courses he has allowed for adjusted hours and a flexible work schedule to juggle school. Many of the staff on the unit have increased their licenses. One Care associate moved into a CNA role, several CNAs and MURs are currently enrolled in nursing school and many nurses have become Nurse Practitioners. Rich makes it a priority to allow staff the time off to study and attend classes to be successful future nurses and healthcare workers.

Rich is the epitome of a leader and has transformed the neuro ICCU into a highly skilled unit with nurses that are advanced in their skills. Rich has persevered through adversity during the COVID pandemic and then shifted gears to direct the neuro ICCU into becoming a successful neuro/stroke unit. Rich’s leadership is one of compassion and consistency that results in creating lasting relationships and motivated staff. The Neuro ICCU is a Remarkable unit because of Rich.