Brandy Staley
November 2023
Brandy
Staley
,
BSN, RN
Float Pool, Vascular Access and Nursing Services
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Hillcrest
Waco
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Her leadership style encourages a culture of critical thinking, molding her team into proactive problem-solvers ready to face any challenge with grit and grace. In Brandy, I see the essence of what nursing leadership should be – a blend of compassion, commitment, and unwavering support.
Brandy Staley is a leader who is passionate about nursing and her staff, and always goes above and beyond. I have had the privilege to work alongside her and collaborate with her at least weekly, and she comes to every meeting motivated, passionate, and kind. She is stubborn in the best way possible- she cares about giving our patients their best and supporting her staff to provide that care whenever possible and never settles for less, even when it means more work for her. She has been a pioneer in growing our student nurse tech program in the last year because she cares about the future of nursing. Whenever I onboard a new float pool staff member, I always tell them, ‘Brandy is the most amazing leader!’ and I genuinely mean it because I’ve seen that first hand. Float pool is a difficult area to work in, but the staff is supported and cheered on by an amazing person and leader- Brandy deserves praise today and every day for all the work she does!

***

I have had several managers over my ten years in nursing, and Brandy is by far one of a kind! Brandy really takes the time out to make sure that all of her staff have all the tools and resources that they need to not only do their job but excel at it! Brandy keeps our entire float pool staff on target and helps us to stay organized and keep up with everything we have to manage. She is always available day and night, no matter when you need her, and if she doesn't have an immediate solution or answer to the problem, she figures it out as quickly as possible! Brandy consistently keeps the float pool in good spirits with not only her positive attitude but she even keeps a ‘goody basket’ to help with staff morale when having a rough day! She truly lives by "we are in this together" and is always there to help whenever needed!  I am so grateful for all that she has done for not only me but our entire float pool staff since coming back to BSW. I don't know how she does it and keeps up with it all, but she is THE BEST manager that I have ever encountered!

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Brandy works hard to make sure her staff are working in safe environments, with fair staffing ratios, fair assignments, and a comfortable atmosphere. She upholds the boundaries of her personal time and space while continuing to be available and honest with her staff. She is always willing to stop whatever she is doing to offer a helping hand, even when it is not for her staff, but for a patient, a visitor, or another department. We recently had a staff member on leave due to unforeseen medical circumstances and Brandy remained confidential about her situation while being positive and encouraging to her future. She went out of her way to visit the staff member and even took her to MRI from her room, showing empathy, compassion, and consideration. She is the image of a true Leader, at the bedside, and in the office.

***

Brandy is the best manager that I have had, her management by walking around shows me that she cares. She encourages me to be involved in the organization. She always finds the positive, which makes her team want to do their best.

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In the realm of healthcare leadership, there exists an extraordinary nursing luminary whose exceptional qualities shine as brightly as ever. With a heart full of compassion and an unwavering dedication to her team, she stands as a paragon of what it means to be a leader.

Her ability to truly listen and understand the aspirations and dreams of those under her wing sets her apart in a world where hurried interactions often prevail. She doesn't just hear; she listens with intent and genuine care, and her actions reflect this profound empathy.

This remarkable leader possesses the rare gift of recognizing potential in others. Under her guidance, individuals like myself have discovered roles that align with their passions and skills, turning mere jobs into beloved callings. She nurtures growth, providing guidance that empowers her team to flourish. 
Her legacy is one of action. She listens, she understands, and then she acts. Advocating for her team and well-being is not just a duty but a personal commitment she upholds with unwavering dedication.

In nominating her for this award, we celebrate a nursing leader who embodies compassion, empowerment, and the ability to make a lasting impact. Her influence reverberates through the successes of those she has guided, and her spirit continues to inspire as a beacon of remarkable leadership. In her presence, we witness the embodiment of what it means to nurture and support, to believe in the potential of others, and to gracefully watch them ascend to new heights. Brandy is an extraordinary leader!

***

In the realm of healthcare, while many nurses demonstrate admirable dedication to their duties, there are a select few who shine brightly, touching the souls of those they encounter. Brandy Staley, BSN, RN stands tall among them, a beacon of compassion, leadership, and transformative influence at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest.

One afternoon, the hustle and bustle of the cafeteria around me faded into a blur as the weight of personal anguish settled. As a new member of the BSW family, still navigating my role as a student nurse technician and senior nursing student, the overwhelming emotions from my family situation threatened to drown me. My older sister, recovering from a complicated surgery, had been admitted to an ICU in Houston, and the bond I shared with her – profound, unyielding, and one that encapsulated cherished childhood memories and shared dreams – felt frayed.

In this moment of vulnerability, Brandy, despite her busy schedule and her role as Nurse Manager, approached me. She had no obligation to, and yet she chose to sit with me, listen to my tremulous voice, and provide comfort. Her words, a blend of reassurance and shared experiences from her own life’s trials, wove a tapestry of warmth around me. It wasn’t just about allowing me time to be with my sister or assisting with my schedule; it was about the deep connection she forged in that moment, offering solace to my trembling heart.

This episode was far from being an exception in Brandy’s journey. Instead, it was a testament to her consistent practice of compassion and the embodiment of BSWH values. Every nurse under her wing is treated as family, and they quickly learn from her that nursing isn’t merely a profession; it’s a heartfelt calling where empathy meets expertise.

Under Brandy’s watchful eyes, the department has transformed into a sanctuary, echoing the values of trust, respect, and professional growth. Brandy’s unwavering mentorship continues to fill numerous new and current nurses with motivation and vision, not only anchoring but also sculpting each individual into a paragon of efficiency and care.

Moreover, Brandy’s ethos of accessibility and responsiveness shines through every day. From the smallest concerns of her staff to the intricate needs of patients, her door and heart remain open. Her leadership style encourages a culture of critical thinking, molding her team into proactive problem-solvers ready to face any challenge with grit and grace.

In Brandy, I see the essence of what nursing leadership should be – a blend of compassion, commitment, and unwavering support. It’s an honor and privilege to nominate Brandy Staley for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is not just deserving but embodies every ideal the award seeks to recognize.

In essence, Brandy doesn’t just lead; she uplifts. She doesn’t just manage; she inspires. The healthcare world, our community, and especially the lives she touches are immeasurably better because of her presence. It is without reservation that I nominate Brandy Staley for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She embodies all that the award represents.