Karen Downes
May 2024
Karen
Downes
,
BSN, RN-BC
Turner 4 M&S
Newport Hospital
Newport
,
RI
United States
Karen jumps in immediately with a code or busy day. Her door is always open for her staff and, honestly, anyone in the hospital.
The nominations for Karen were abundant. The excerpts from Karen’s staff are below. You will hear common themes in many of her nominations:
When we first heard about the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, we immediately thought of Karen Downes and how fitting it would be for the first DAISY Nurse Leader Award to go to her.
***
When I read the description for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, it felt like it was an actual description of Karen. Every person on the unit has benefited from their time spent with Karen. She has the rare ability to listen to a situation and point out where the problems are without it ever feeling like a personal attack. Karen notices the strengths of the individuals within the team and encourages them to pursue opportunities to further develop. She has created an environment where new grads feel welcome and supported, as well as making sure that senior staff feel respected and valued. There is a sign outside of her office that says, “Our team’s superpower is KAREN” and that is the truth! Turner 4 is a special place to work, and she is the reason why. People often say, “I stay because of this team. I stay because of Karen.”
***
Karen never misses an opportunity to show love to her staff. From coming in early during nurse’s week to make pancakes or grilled cheese for employee appreciation. You can be sure we have full bellies and hearts.
***
Karen jumps in immediately with a code or busy day. Her door is always open for her staff and, honestly, anyone in the hospital. She shows compassion for other units. Our Birthing Center had a tough run at the start of the year. Karen purchased these sweet keychains and made a little gift bag for each staff member to show our support to them.
***
She understands how difficult our work-life balance can be. Over the past 2 years, I have had such personal loss and was going through a difficult time. Any other manager would have thought I was crazy. Karen never did. She was there to talk to and give a hug when needed. Having Karen is a blessing. All of her staff would do anything for her.
***
Karen puts a lot of thought into what she can do to make Turner 4 such a good workplace environment. I think I may regret having Turner 4 as my first floor because Karen has set the bar so high! No one could ever match the levels of cohesion, respect, and general familial support on Turner 4.
When we first heard about the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, we immediately thought of Karen Downes and how fitting it would be for the first DAISY Nurse Leader Award to go to her.
***
When I read the description for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, it felt like it was an actual description of Karen. Every person on the unit has benefited from their time spent with Karen. She has the rare ability to listen to a situation and point out where the problems are without it ever feeling like a personal attack. Karen notices the strengths of the individuals within the team and encourages them to pursue opportunities to further develop. She has created an environment where new grads feel welcome and supported, as well as making sure that senior staff feel respected and valued. There is a sign outside of her office that says, “Our team’s superpower is KAREN” and that is the truth! Turner 4 is a special place to work, and she is the reason why. People often say, “I stay because of this team. I stay because of Karen.”
***
Karen never misses an opportunity to show love to her staff. From coming in early during nurse’s week to make pancakes or grilled cheese for employee appreciation. You can be sure we have full bellies and hearts.
***
Karen jumps in immediately with a code or busy day. Her door is always open for her staff and, honestly, anyone in the hospital. She shows compassion for other units. Our Birthing Center had a tough run at the start of the year. Karen purchased these sweet keychains and made a little gift bag for each staff member to show our support to them.
***
She understands how difficult our work-life balance can be. Over the past 2 years, I have had such personal loss and was going through a difficult time. Any other manager would have thought I was crazy. Karen never did. She was there to talk to and give a hug when needed. Having Karen is a blessing. All of her staff would do anything for her.
***
Karen puts a lot of thought into what she can do to make Turner 4 such a good workplace environment. I think I may regret having Turner 4 as my first floor because Karen has set the bar so high! No one could ever match the levels of cohesion, respect, and general familial support on Turner 4.