I have had the honor of working in the MICU for almost three years now. Since transferring to the MICU, I have seen first-hand what a strong and capable leader Emma Aitken embodies. Emma should be celebrated for her often silent yet masterful way of elevating everyone around her. The way she carries herself and promotes teamwork has a positive and impactful ripple effect in leading our team and supporting the Cottage Hospital mission. She has taken on a vital leadership role as chair of the MICU Share Governance and is always one of our strongest voices for patient advocacy. She sets a high standard within our Share Governance and consistently builds up the morale of our team to minimize and address burnout. She is effective in her efforts to support colleagues and is a trusted RN who deserves high recognition. Let me continue by describing instances where she has shown how she is a strong, self-aware leader through her daily interactions. As an RN, CNC, and Chair for share Governance, she has helped build and continue setting the following standards during her shifts: - Emma leads by example every day. She motivates those around her to strive for similar work ethics and standards. - Emma promotes an inclusive environment where colleagues feel safe to voice their thoughts, suggestions and/or concerns.- Emma cares about her patients and colleagues' well-being. She always takes the time to ensure you're doing well and offers support when you are facing challenges.- Emma encourages professional growth and presents others with opportunities for training and development. She is one of the strongest supporters and advocates of our unit's Peer-to-Peer support program, providing education and emotional support to our colleagues. The program strengthens our unit's teamwork and actively addresses burnout by ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. She makes an effort to provide work and off-hours activities for everyone to participate in. She even helps coordinate activities where other units can interact with our MICU staff. -Emma makes tough decisions with compassion: She is mindful of how her decisions may affect others personally and the unit. She is thoughtful when making the decision and helps us navigate through changes.- Emma always gives individuals and the team credit for their contribution(s). She ensures that everyone else's hard work and effort(s) do not go unnoticed. She recognizes other's achievements and celebrates the role they played as reflective of our team's overall success. - Emma recognizes colleagues chosen by staff through the Heart and Soul award by disseminating recognition further among our colleagues during staff meetings and via email.