Cari is the Nurse Leader I would like to celebrate. She has worked to build up the Nurse Leader role for West Texas OP Clinics and High-Risk Management. She has advocated for front-line staff as well as nurse leaders. She was instrumental in the recognition of front staff work during COVID times. She has the foresight to advocate for positions that have made a huge difference, such as the Assistant Nurse Manager position. The ANM support has led to achievements being noted in facility/VISN A1C measures and meeting the demands of the Colonoscopy/GAP reminders. She had the foresight to have specialty positions added that have facilitated the bringing of care back into the VA. WTVAHCS did not have to decline specialty care due to staffing concerns, as she had the foresight to have the nurses in place. Her work on the All-Employee Survey created nurse leaders who have been team building, so we work as a cohesive group. She has worked to standardize processes as well as working protocols for nursing care. She provides the listening ear to voices that need to be heard. She provides direction and guidance to direct nursing care. Her leadership for nurses is remarkable, and her care for the nurse leaders and front-line staff is greatly appreciated.

Cari is always having her nurses’ best interests at heart. Trying to make things better and not put more on the staff than required. Always trying to make things better and being supportive of the Nurse Managers to have the autonomy to do their job, encouraging their best and wanting to streamline the work and charting so it is easier on the staff and better for the Veteran. She is encouraging and positive, and it is the best work environment to have a leader who wants to lead, not dictate. She has great people skills and is very diplomatic when speaking to staff and managers. She holds her managers accountable while teaching them to lead people. Her candor is appreciated.