This Summer, we all experienced the effects of the hundreds of people who were laid off throughout Allina Health.  Whether it was a co-worker of ours, a direct report, or someone we know.  My director was one of those who was let go.  This brought a lot of mixed emotions, but the biggest one was uncertainty.  As a CV leadership team we quickly learned who our new director would be.  Stephanie Eller, who already had her plate full with the NOS and Respiratory Therapy team, was handed an additional community of 4 units, plus AHRMC and inpatient Cardiac Rehab.  

During this time, Stephanie had to have some difficult conversations with her own team during the lay-offs and losing some key players in her departments.  Talk about an emotional rollercoaster!  As I am writing this I can’t even think of a word to describe Stephanie, other than a “rockstar.”  She graciously took on 8 new leaders and all of our baggage.

From day one, Stephanie has somehow integrated the two worlds of NOS and Tele with what seems like ease. I appreciate her honesty, transparency, and communication. You can tell she truly cares about her leaders, frontline staff, and, most importantly, the patients we serve. I can’t think of a more deserving leader for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.