I nominate Shakima Bennett-Hall for a DAISY Award for her leadership as PCS in the Sarasota Office. Rather than tell her field clinicians what to do, Shakima often volunteers to call physicians, patients, and family members to take the burden from her team in the field. If she doesn't know the answer to something, she always finds out and gets back to you quickly. She has handled teaching multiple TAs their new role with grace. Shakima has even left the office to go and see a patient when we didn't have enough staff to cover an admission rather than have her field clinicians see additional points. Shakima always keeps her team informed of where she will be and who is covering the team if she is helping with something else at the office. She also reminds us that she's always reachable on her cell phone. She understands when family obligations come first. She consistently reminds her team members that they are valued and appreciated. Shakima possesses many of the qualities that I hope for in a leader. 

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Shakima is the most wonderful supervisor I have ever worked with. She is caring, supportive, kind, and calm at all times. She never turns away a staff member needing help or asking questions. She never seems irritated by mundane or menial tasks and she is willing to go above and beyond to ensure patients have what they need. When her staff needs assistance, she is always willing to make a phone call, type an addendum, or handle a problem. She goes above and beyond every single day she is present and does it with a smile. Every staff member working under Shakima would tell you the same!

On occasion, I have had to discuss serious concerns with her about a patient or even about my personal life. I have heard others do the same. The most specific example that comes to mind is when a patient of mine, who is very ill with advanced Parkinson's, feeding tube, wounds, etc., was in terrible pain for an unknown reason and had to be transported by ambulance to the ED. I did not call the ambulance but the family had called just prior to my arrival. Upon arriving, the EMS was extremely rude toward both myself and the patient, stating that this was not an emergency and that we were wasting their time and resources. I explained to the EMS that I had not been the one to call and that while I understand that medically pain is not an emergency, to the patient and family it WAS an emergency. Despite my calm explanation, the EMS was still extremely rude with me and the patient throughout the visit and they did end up transporting her to the hospital at the request of the patient's PCP. She even remained in the hospital for several weeks! After I left that visit, I felt severe moral distress. I immediately called Shakima to explain to her what had happened and my serious concerns for the patient. Shakima not only listened to me and comforted me in a moment of extreme stress, but she was even willing to contact the EMS supervisor to discuss the incident. I had been so upset, but upon talking to Shakima I immediately felt supported and confident in my duties again and was able to continue working the remainder of the day with no issues. I just cannot say enough good things about Shakima and all she does for those around her.