Throughout my career, there have been specific people who have shaped both my professional and personal development. When I reflect on this, I automatically think of Patti Fitzgerald. Patti has been my Nursing Director for eight years, and I can wholeheartedly say that she has been a key factor in my growth and development in both the nursing field and my life outside of the hospital. 

Patti supported me as a novice nurse. At the beginning of my career, I had gotten into the habit of working mostly night shift, and I was blind to the fact that both my attitude and demeanor had negatively shifted, with me frequently exhibiting minimal patience, as well as delivering care that was below my potential. When Patti witnessed this behavior shift, she sat me down and had a crucial conversation. I will never forget this conversation because it truly changed who I am as a nurse and my life outside of work. She told me what she and others were witnessing that was concerning, as well as how she would support me by trialing more day shifts to remedy it. As I began to work during the day, my entire mood and behavior shifted. I became passionate about the care that I provided for patients, placed high value in assisting my colleagues, and began to recollect why I wanted to become a nurse. 

As I gained more nursing experience, Patti encouraged me to become a preceptor to both nursing students and novice nurses. Due to this encouragement, I found my passion for nursing education. With each novice nurse that I precepted, Patti allowed me the autonomy to develop my technique while guiding me through difficult situations when they arose. We continually had an open dialogue about all that was occurring, reinforcing how vital transparency was within the nursing profession and a leader. 

When Patti witnessed my interest in the role of an educator, she encouraged me to apply for my Master of Science in Nursing with an education focus. Patti wrote letters of support for me to gain admission, connected me with others in the field for a variety of experiences, and allowed me vacation days to complete my schoolwork. 

Patti consistently supports staff to become involved in both unit-based and hospital-wide initiatives. For example, I am currently the co-chair for the hospital-wide Patient Education Committee because of her encouragement and support. Our unit has multiple nurses on various hospital-wide committees, allowing a thorough dissemination of information and encouraging frequent learning for all. This encourages evidence-based practice and the pursuit of excellence for all
staff. 

When considering unit-based initiatives, Patti always makes time in her schedule to listen to the needs of all of her staff. When she hears concerns or issues arise, she addresses them and encourages the implementation of changes to benefit both the staff and patients. For example, there was a large number of novice nurses who started on our unit at the same time. This influx of new nurses resulted in an increased need for frequent education. Patti provided supportive structures to help staff on the unit provide education and professional development to novice nurses.  

Patti also encourages staff to apply for the Clinical Recognition Program, which allows staff to reflect on their development within the nursing field and gain recognition for all that they have accomplished within their role. She encouraged me to apply for both my Advanced Clinician and my Clinical Scholar, allowing me to further my professional development and reflect on my growth within the field. 

Although Patti functions in the role of Nursing Director, you rarely see her secluded from the unit. She involves herself as needed at the bedside and/or in crucial conversations with other health professionals. For example, if there is help needed in a patient room and no one is available, Patti will assist. I specifically remember one shift when a colleague of mine was incredibly busy. When Patti noticed this, she asked me if I had time to bathe my colleague's patient with her, knowing that this would lighten their workload. Acts like this are not infrequent from Patti, showcasing her visibility on our unit and how she functions as a role model for all. 

Reflecting on my eight years with Patti, I feel fortunate to have had someone who has continually supported both myself and my colleagues. Through challenging patient situations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fast-paced environment within the hospital setting, as well as a variety of situations that continually occur in our lives outside of the hospital, Patti has never veered from her position as our champion. Both my colleagues and I are truly lucky to have her as our Nursing Director, and she exhibits all the criteria necessary to be deemed a DAISY Nurse Leader.
 
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We are honored to nominate Patti Fitzgerald for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Patti encompasses the characteristics that make an exceptional nurse leader.  Patti is passionate about both staff professional development and quality patient care. Patti has continually supported and encouraged her staff to identify and implement changes to benefit the unit. 

For example, the unit's "Sabbatical Program" allows nurses to submit a brief description of an EBP or QI project they would like to pursue. Once approved, Patti supports the nurse(s) in completing the project through coaching, providing needed resources, and paid time to complete the project. Recent unit-based projects have included: (a) A Comfort Care Only kit that provides dying patients with homemade blankets and other comforts (b) The development of a staff-led unit-based Education Committee (c) A patient walking program, "Ambulation Nation," in which staff implemented education and projects to encourage ambulating their patients. Due to this project, frequent mobility increased, resulting in positive patient outcomes, including a reduction in the length of hospital stay and patient falls. 

Patti also empowers her staff to seek hospital-wide professional development opportunities, including membership in Collaborative Governance, attendance at educational offerings, and participation in various task forces. Patti believes it is important that clinical nurses get opportunities away from direct clinical care as this allows them to gain important leadership skills, such as facilitating and implementing a project and leading a team. 

Patti always wants nurses to be celebrated, so she frequently guides them to share their work through a poster or oral presentation or nominates them for an award.  Patti has mentored numerous nurses into leadership roles, including nurses who have become Nurse Directors, Staff Specialists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and advanced practice nurses. 

Patti has an approachable and calm demeanor; her office is centrally located in the unit, and her door is always open. Staff from all disciplines find solace in her office, often seeking Patti for professional and personal conversations (and some candy she keeps in a bowl). Patti always takes the time to find out and support what is important to each nurse, be it family, an upcoming vacation, the pursuit of higher education, etc.  She always makes her staff feel appreciated on holidays, finding time on her holiday to bring in a special treat (such as a ham dinner or dessert) to let us know she is thinking about us. Patti's personal number is at the front desk, and she is always available, even on her time off to answer clinical or unit-based questions. 

Patti practiced as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) before transitioning into her Nursing Director role. Her time in the CNS role gave her extensive experience in educating and assisting staff at the bedside, which she continues to do in her role as Nurse Director. Her conversations with staff come from the perspective of someone in leadership who has been in the role of a staff nurse, allowing her to understand any difficulties and challenges that come up on the unit. Patti has also encouraged multiple staff members to realize their strengths as excellent clinicians to pursue the Clinical recognition program.  

While Patti didn't develop the "all RN model" (the only of its kind in the hospital) for our unit, as it was in place many years before Patti transitioned into the role of Nurse Director, she has managed this model for approximately 12 years, even through a pandemic.  Patti, along with the all-RN model, has played a part in our unit camaraderie since nurses are constantly helping one another and allowing quick evaluation of patients by nurses. In addition, it has helped us have safe staffing ratios for our acuity.  Patti realizes the importance of an inclusive team and, as such, is a leader/mentor/friend to all members of our team, including our dietary aides, housekeeping, unit secretaries, physical therapists, etc. In this way, our floor is a very inclusive team, and this mindset is understood throughout the unit and recognized hospital-wide.    
 
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Not too long ago, I experienced the most difficult times in my life due to specific issues related to my son. I needed to take time off from work to care for him and hold my family together. I was overwhelmed with worries, such as what would happen if I stayed home and exhausted my earned time. I called Patti to explain my predicament. Not only did she actively listen to me, but she also diligently looked for resources for me such as information about Family Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA) to help with my financial concerns, and also advised me to seek mental health attention. 

I was in a dark place, but while I was out, Patti regularly checked on me and my family and showed genuine interest in our well-being. It takes a strong and compassionate leader to recognize each employee's unique needs and prioritize them. Patti understood that I wouldn't be able to care for my patients if I didn't care for myself first. 

Thanks to Patti's empathy, I was able to get the necessary assistance, which allowed me to come back to my beloved profession a couple of months later, more dedicated than ever. Last March, I emailed Patti to request a recommendation letter for my college application, and she graciously provided me with a wonderful note. Again, proving how great of a leader she is, one who believes in personal and professional growth. 

Patti is approachable and respectful at all times. She encourages and inspires people around her. I sincerely hope to be that kind of manager in the future.