Jen Bloom assumed the role of Nurse Manager for the ICU/PCU at Baptist Clay as her first manager job. Starting on a brand-new unit of any hospital is a mix of anxiousness and excitement. And if you've never OPENED a unit, know that it is a chore. Couple that brand-new unit with being a part of a brand-new HOSPITAL and you've stumbled upon a daunting task! I have been working with Jen since the beginning of November; before the hospital opened and the ANMs came together to plan and prepare. There are things we thought we were prepared for and found out quickly we were not and other things that never crossed our mind until patients began arriving and our care began. Jen has interviewed so many people over the course of 2022 for various positions; CNAs, RNs, and ANMs. She took great care in assembling her teams for both ICU & PCU and, if I do say so, she did a wonderful job in creating her teams. Personally, I wasn't sure about taking the position as I had other competitive offers. However, it was Jen's demeanor and personability in my interview, her quickness and friendliness in our email conversation, and her reputation that swayed me. When I spoke with others in the nursing community, they reported that they had thoroughly enjoyed working with her and had no hesitations that she would be an excellent Nurse Manager. Jen strives to put the needs of her staff, her units, and this new hospital first. She thinks of the 'little things' such as a coffee bar and even requested Christmas presents to benefit her staff, not her! (Which her mother and mother-in-law did gift her). Her hours are long and she no doubt is fully invested in the success of Baptist Clay. The excitement she has for this NM opportunity and her team is palpable. To speak with Jen is to speak to someone who exudes empathy and a passion for patient care. While she's never shared this with me, my impression is that her goal is to create a better work environment for her employees and a healing environment for the patients. She's an exceptional leader!

***

Jen is a very interactive and informative Leader who always leads by example. Her compassion for people shines through her every day, creating a work culture in which everyone on her team feels and appreciates making work an even better place to be. Jen creates an environment in which, we her team, can grow and learn with transparent communication. Jen always makes herself available to us at any time day or night. Jen continues to exceed as a leader setting the bar high. She is a delight to work for and a blessing every day.