I have observed Sue and her staff over the years as a staff nurse reassigned to the 3G and 2B units, but also as a patient two times on her units. I have also had other opportunities to interact with her and her staff; for example, when rounding during downtime, when new medication cabinets were implemented, and when covering an educational event for her staff because her nurse educator was away on vacation. As a nurse reassigned to her unit, I was able to observe the collaborative effort of her team. No matter how busy the unit was, someone was always ready and willing to help me when I needed something during my shifts there. Great teamwork must have a strong leader.

The leader must create an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, and ethical behavior are modeled and supported. I have witnessed Sue first modeling these behaviors and then expecting the same from her staff, not just as a nurse reassigned but also as a patient each time, as I frequently was walking around the unit after my surgeries. Also, in conversation with her staff, it is clear they respect her as a leader and know they can approach her with any concerns, as well as feel supported by her. I have also interacted with her staff on various committee meetings and projects over the years, and they are enthusiastic and active participants in their endeavors, which starts with a leader who is able to motivate their staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients, as well as, promoting and enhancing the image of nursing within the organization. Another recent example was Sue implementing a meeting (I think it was a luncheon) for her newly licensed, newly hired nurses to get their feedback. It’s easy to pull people aside at the beginning, during, or at the end of a shift to speak with a nurse for feedback. However, Sue took the time to plan, coordinate, and have the event. I think this was a positive way to support the new nurses, especially the newly licensed, for whom this is a new experience. One-on-one, and/or on the spot, they may not be as open to express their true thoughts for various reasons and may not have time to reflect to give meaningful feedback. With a planned event, they would have had to time to reflect on their experiences so far and would feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others in their same circumstances.

As a patient more than once, I have witnessed the above behaviors as well, especially compassion, which she models for her staff. As an employee, one might say that I got special treatment, but I witnessed her demonstrating these behaviors with others, e.g., when walking in the hallway, and she was not aware I was passing by, but I could hear her in the hallway or when in another patient room. She also does not hesitate to answer call bells or help in a patient room. I am blessed and proud to be a nurse at Saint Peter’s, with its exceptional nursing leadership and nurses throughout the organization, but at this time, I am nominating Sue due to my recent interactions with her and her staff because she is exceptional and well deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.