Cindy Mack
August 2024
Cindy
Mack
,
MSN, RN, CCRN
Critical Care Float Pool
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center University Hospital
Columbus
,
OH
United States
We feel one of Cindy’s outstanding leadership qualities is her empathy toward her staff. She checks on her employees regularly and ensures a genuine safe haven for all of us. She advocates for her staff with sincerity resulting in her employees feeling the support and commitment that a true leader should strive to ensure.
Empathy, sincerity, innovation, inclusiveness, and ownership; these characteristics define not a good leader, but a great leader. If you have a leader who possesses more than one or two of these characteristics, consider yourself one lucky employee. This is what we have as employees in the Critical Care Float Pool here at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
We would like to nominate Cindy Mack – Nurse Manager of the Critical Care Float Pool for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award 2024. Cindy exhibits these qualities daily to 90+ employees. So many of us ask ourselves ‘what is our purpose, are we in the right profession?’ as we navigate through our adulthood. There is no doubt in our minds that Cindy has found her purpose and her passion.
There are so many reasons our staff members are drawn to the Critical Care Float Pool. The diverse population that we serve, the flexibility, and the wide skill set we obtain, but we can say with certainty the top reason staff come to the CCFP is due to the amazing leadership that Cindy Mack provides to her employees.
Cindy makes it a priority to know her staff both professionally and personally - who they are, what motivates them, what are their professional goals. She makes every one of her employees feel valued, ensuring that each of us are a vital part of the CCFP team. She motivates her staff to push themselves out of their comfort zone, building our self-confidence and being able to learn from any adversity. Cindy is very supportive of professional development – the float pool is a large platform of learning – medical, surgical, neurological, emergency medicine and cardiac intensive care units – focusing on different specialties and education. The knowledge and experience that we gain serving these units is insurmountable and provides an amazing foundation for continued learning and education. Cindy ensures we remain competent and confident in all areas with open communication, frequent rounding, and personal meetings with staff during the orientation process.
We feel one of Cindy’s outstanding leadership qualities is her empathy toward her staff. She checks on her employees regularly and ensures a genuine safe haven for all of us. She advocates for her staff with sincerity resulting in her employees feeling the support and commitment that a true leader should strive to ensure.
Our staff feel a true connection with our leader - Cindy Mack. We all feel confident in our ability to grow both professionally and personally because of who we have supporting us and believing in us every step of the way. Job satisfaction is difficult in healthcare, especially on the heels of COVID. As seen on our 2024 Engagement Survey – we remain above the organization in engagement, manager relationship, growth and development, teamwork and resources and support. These successes start with Cindy and her influence and impact on our team.
In closing, we have attached true testaments to Cindy’s leadership and positive influence from the Critical Care Float Pool staff. We ask that you take the time to read these examples and understand the true impact that she has on her employees. In a difficult and demanding profession, we all remain motivated and inspired to do more brought on by the support and leadership of Cindy Mack.
***
Ever since I started in the CCFP, Cindy has provided me with remarkable support. Her support ranges from extenuating circumstances to the mundane nuances of nursing. It is obvious that providing us with the support we need, not only as a cohort, but also as individuals, is her first and foremost priority. I recently had a troublesome experience while precepting a new graduate nurse, and the moment I brough my concerns to Cindy, it was as if the weight was lifted off my shoulders. Without hesitation, she took the burden from me, gave me her unwavering support and gratitude, and did everything in her power to smooth the situation over. She handled the situation with grace, professionalism, and integrity; it was inspiring to witness.
My first interaction with Cindy was when I first interviewed for a position with the Critical Care Float Pool. Immediately, she put me at ease with kindness and a conversationalist-style interview. I felt we were getting to know each other equally, and that is undervalued. It takes a tremendous leader to not only put your interviewee at ease and remind them that they matter, but at the same time to ascertain the qualities and strengths of the candidates that will help build a strong cohort.
A leadership quality that often goes under-appreciated and undervalued that Cindy maintains is the drive to stay current as a bedside nurse. If you know Cindy at all you know it is not just to keep her skills sharp, but rather to continue to personally experience the daily shifts of her staff. It is almost inexpressible how unique and important having a leader who pursues the work of her staff to connect and understand them.
Cindy maintains an open-door policy to which she answers consistently with full attention, kindness, and a smile. She even takes the open-door ‘on the go’ to frequently visit us across the hospital.
***
Cindy Mack leads our unit with true compassion and undeniable support. As the manager of the Critical Care Float Pool, she doesn’t get the opportunity to see her staff daily at the bedside. She still manages to make sure we are involved in decisions that affect the care we provide. She exhibits respect for all her staff by allowing us a seat the table to voice concerns with Nursing Leadership.
From my own personal experience working with Cindy as an employee over the last five years, she has been an incredible manager. This past year has been incredibly difficult for myself and my family and she always opens her door to me to come in and talk, offers support and has continued to put my mental health and wellbeing at the highest regards. She is the true heart and soul of the Critical Care Float Pool and deserves all the praise for her hard work and dedication to her team.
***
Over the past 2.5 years, I have worked for Cindy in the CCFP. Before being hired, I dreaded the interview process because of the formal questions and typically generic conversations. However, my interview with Cindy was based more on conversation and getting to know me more than what I would have done in a certain situation. We talked about family, favorite vacation spots, goals, and life in general. I felt like I was talking to an old friend that I haven’t seen in a long time. That is when I knew working for Cindy would be my next best move. Since then, I would tell you that Cindy is the best manager I have ever worked with. She has cheered me on, pushed me forward, and made me feel worthy at times when I felt unworthy. When there were times I had disagreements with others, she guided me into the right direction by giving me the tools necessary to make the best decisions in the future. I have always felt welcomed and important when I go to her with a need, never an inconvenience. Along with all of these personal reasons, there are professional perks as well. Cindy has facilitated my professional development by providing access to skills, classes, and committees. She is always encouraging me to do more, be better and work harder to achieve my goals. She responds immediately when contacted, is incredibly organized and a great communicator. She is also a great cheerleader for our team.
***
I have had the pleasure of having Cindy as my manager since my days as a Float Pool SNA, as well as now going on seven years in the Critical Care Float Pool. She has always been nothing but helpful, responsive, and approachable during my time here at OSU. I know I can always make a surprise visit to her office with questions, and she is there with open arms and always a friendly conversation. Cindy does nothing but try and help our team be the best it can be while advocating for us to have fair assignments and a well-balanced work life. I think she is so deserving of a DAISY Award and will continue to be nothing but an excellent asset to the Critical Care Float Pool as our manager.
***
Cindy exemplifies sincerity by creating an environment of trust, compassion, and respect. Her door is always open, and she welcomes us with big smiles no matter how busy she is. She receives my concerns with genuine empathy and works alongside me to find solutions. Cindy recently went above and beyond for me, helping me navigate an especially difficult scenario. This required the dedication of hours of her valuable time. I am eternally grateful for the support she has shown as I have grown professionally under her watchful care.
Cindy has been my manager at OSUMC for the past 9 years. She has supported me endlessly throughout my career and truly exemplifies what an open-door policy means. I felt almost immediately that I could reach out to Cindy with any concerns, both personal and professional and felt as though she was actively listening and always providing feedback promptly. In February 2023, my family experienced the tragic and unexpected loss of my brother’s wife. I remember it was early, around 0900 on a Sunday morning and I reached out to Cindy to let her know I would not be coming into work that evening and would keep her informed of the funeral services. Cindy immediately replied, took me off the schedule and helped me with the bereavement process. This simple act meant so much knowing that I could return to my hometown and spend time with my family without worrying about calling off work or finding coverage. Days and even weeks after this horrible incident, Cindy made sure to reach out and check on me. Just knowing she cared and remembered what I was going through meant a lot. Cindy was the definition of empathy at this particular time in my life and I am very grateful for her kind and caring nature.
***
I have had the privilege of having Cindy Mack as my direct leader while working at the OSUMC for the last 4+ years. To describe Cindy as a quality leader is an understatement. She is an individual that leads by example and proudly serves her team every day. If I were to describe her type of leadership, I would describe her as a servant leader. Day in and day out she leads by example by placing the needs of her team above her own. Her efforts and character do not go unnoticed in the service of her Critical Care Float Pool.
Cindy’s innovation in creating the Critical Care Float Pool new grad positions offered me a chance to learn and grow professionally into a nationally certified, Clinical Ladder IV nurse. Cindy’s sense of ownership for the CCFP new grad program expanded; the resources, the time and effort she put into developing the program was a true success. Each semester, she hires 2-3 new grads into the CCFP. Cindy has provided boundless opportunities for growth and learning, allowing our new grads to advance their careers – CRNA, NP, Traveler, CCRNs, Clinical Ladder. Cindy’s determination to foster new grads in critical care has created some of the best nurses I know.
Cindy is exceedingly compassionate. She has an open-door policy and greets staff with a huge smile. Our unit’s size has tripled under Cindy’s leadership, and she still knows each of her staff members personally. She takes time to learn all of our values and interests. She is a huge advocate for our staff. She values work/life balance that nurses often sacrifice. Cindy has helped develop a system in which staff are notified of the need to balance the schedule when it first closes. Staff will adjust their workdays as a team to help balance prior to it being finalized. This not only allows for work/life balance, but also fosters comradery between senior and newer staff. This is another way that every one of her staff members feel valued.
Cindy is always there for us. I remember one day I sat in her office sobbing after a horrible shift, telling her how dejected and inadequate I felt following an interaction with a physician. What she did next is something I will always remember. Cindy wrapped me in a hug and said, “let me take this for you.” She followed up with the unit manager and had a meeting with the department leaders to rectify the situation. If Cindy had not supported and advocated for me that day, I am not sure if I would still be working at the bedside.
I feel like I have flourished under the leadership of Cindy Mack. I have obtained my Clinical Ladder IV, served on multiple governance councils, helped with policy development, and created a mentorship program for our CCFP. I feel my success is a result of working for an outstanding leader.
We would like to nominate Cindy Mack – Nurse Manager of the Critical Care Float Pool for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award 2024. Cindy exhibits these qualities daily to 90+ employees. So many of us ask ourselves ‘what is our purpose, are we in the right profession?’ as we navigate through our adulthood. There is no doubt in our minds that Cindy has found her purpose and her passion.
There are so many reasons our staff members are drawn to the Critical Care Float Pool. The diverse population that we serve, the flexibility, and the wide skill set we obtain, but we can say with certainty the top reason staff come to the CCFP is due to the amazing leadership that Cindy Mack provides to her employees.
Cindy makes it a priority to know her staff both professionally and personally - who they are, what motivates them, what are their professional goals. She makes every one of her employees feel valued, ensuring that each of us are a vital part of the CCFP team. She motivates her staff to push themselves out of their comfort zone, building our self-confidence and being able to learn from any adversity. Cindy is very supportive of professional development – the float pool is a large platform of learning – medical, surgical, neurological, emergency medicine and cardiac intensive care units – focusing on different specialties and education. The knowledge and experience that we gain serving these units is insurmountable and provides an amazing foundation for continued learning and education. Cindy ensures we remain competent and confident in all areas with open communication, frequent rounding, and personal meetings with staff during the orientation process.
We feel one of Cindy’s outstanding leadership qualities is her empathy toward her staff. She checks on her employees regularly and ensures a genuine safe haven for all of us. She advocates for her staff with sincerity resulting in her employees feeling the support and commitment that a true leader should strive to ensure.
Our staff feel a true connection with our leader - Cindy Mack. We all feel confident in our ability to grow both professionally and personally because of who we have supporting us and believing in us every step of the way. Job satisfaction is difficult in healthcare, especially on the heels of COVID. As seen on our 2024 Engagement Survey – we remain above the organization in engagement, manager relationship, growth and development, teamwork and resources and support. These successes start with Cindy and her influence and impact on our team.
In closing, we have attached true testaments to Cindy’s leadership and positive influence from the Critical Care Float Pool staff. We ask that you take the time to read these examples and understand the true impact that she has on her employees. In a difficult and demanding profession, we all remain motivated and inspired to do more brought on by the support and leadership of Cindy Mack.
***
Ever since I started in the CCFP, Cindy has provided me with remarkable support. Her support ranges from extenuating circumstances to the mundane nuances of nursing. It is obvious that providing us with the support we need, not only as a cohort, but also as individuals, is her first and foremost priority. I recently had a troublesome experience while precepting a new graduate nurse, and the moment I brough my concerns to Cindy, it was as if the weight was lifted off my shoulders. Without hesitation, she took the burden from me, gave me her unwavering support and gratitude, and did everything in her power to smooth the situation over. She handled the situation with grace, professionalism, and integrity; it was inspiring to witness.
My first interaction with Cindy was when I first interviewed for a position with the Critical Care Float Pool. Immediately, she put me at ease with kindness and a conversationalist-style interview. I felt we were getting to know each other equally, and that is undervalued. It takes a tremendous leader to not only put your interviewee at ease and remind them that they matter, but at the same time to ascertain the qualities and strengths of the candidates that will help build a strong cohort.
A leadership quality that often goes under-appreciated and undervalued that Cindy maintains is the drive to stay current as a bedside nurse. If you know Cindy at all you know it is not just to keep her skills sharp, but rather to continue to personally experience the daily shifts of her staff. It is almost inexpressible how unique and important having a leader who pursues the work of her staff to connect and understand them.
Cindy maintains an open-door policy to which she answers consistently with full attention, kindness, and a smile. She even takes the open-door ‘on the go’ to frequently visit us across the hospital.
***
Cindy Mack leads our unit with true compassion and undeniable support. As the manager of the Critical Care Float Pool, she doesn’t get the opportunity to see her staff daily at the bedside. She still manages to make sure we are involved in decisions that affect the care we provide. She exhibits respect for all her staff by allowing us a seat the table to voice concerns with Nursing Leadership.
From my own personal experience working with Cindy as an employee over the last five years, she has been an incredible manager. This past year has been incredibly difficult for myself and my family and she always opens her door to me to come in and talk, offers support and has continued to put my mental health and wellbeing at the highest regards. She is the true heart and soul of the Critical Care Float Pool and deserves all the praise for her hard work and dedication to her team.
***
Over the past 2.5 years, I have worked for Cindy in the CCFP. Before being hired, I dreaded the interview process because of the formal questions and typically generic conversations. However, my interview with Cindy was based more on conversation and getting to know me more than what I would have done in a certain situation. We talked about family, favorite vacation spots, goals, and life in general. I felt like I was talking to an old friend that I haven’t seen in a long time. That is when I knew working for Cindy would be my next best move. Since then, I would tell you that Cindy is the best manager I have ever worked with. She has cheered me on, pushed me forward, and made me feel worthy at times when I felt unworthy. When there were times I had disagreements with others, she guided me into the right direction by giving me the tools necessary to make the best decisions in the future. I have always felt welcomed and important when I go to her with a need, never an inconvenience. Along with all of these personal reasons, there are professional perks as well. Cindy has facilitated my professional development by providing access to skills, classes, and committees. She is always encouraging me to do more, be better and work harder to achieve my goals. She responds immediately when contacted, is incredibly organized and a great communicator. She is also a great cheerleader for our team.
***
I have had the pleasure of having Cindy as my manager since my days as a Float Pool SNA, as well as now going on seven years in the Critical Care Float Pool. She has always been nothing but helpful, responsive, and approachable during my time here at OSU. I know I can always make a surprise visit to her office with questions, and she is there with open arms and always a friendly conversation. Cindy does nothing but try and help our team be the best it can be while advocating for us to have fair assignments and a well-balanced work life. I think she is so deserving of a DAISY Award and will continue to be nothing but an excellent asset to the Critical Care Float Pool as our manager.
***
Cindy exemplifies sincerity by creating an environment of trust, compassion, and respect. Her door is always open, and she welcomes us with big smiles no matter how busy she is. She receives my concerns with genuine empathy and works alongside me to find solutions. Cindy recently went above and beyond for me, helping me navigate an especially difficult scenario. This required the dedication of hours of her valuable time. I am eternally grateful for the support she has shown as I have grown professionally under her watchful care.
Cindy has been my manager at OSUMC for the past 9 years. She has supported me endlessly throughout my career and truly exemplifies what an open-door policy means. I felt almost immediately that I could reach out to Cindy with any concerns, both personal and professional and felt as though she was actively listening and always providing feedback promptly. In February 2023, my family experienced the tragic and unexpected loss of my brother’s wife. I remember it was early, around 0900 on a Sunday morning and I reached out to Cindy to let her know I would not be coming into work that evening and would keep her informed of the funeral services. Cindy immediately replied, took me off the schedule and helped me with the bereavement process. This simple act meant so much knowing that I could return to my hometown and spend time with my family without worrying about calling off work or finding coverage. Days and even weeks after this horrible incident, Cindy made sure to reach out and check on me. Just knowing she cared and remembered what I was going through meant a lot. Cindy was the definition of empathy at this particular time in my life and I am very grateful for her kind and caring nature.
***
I have had the privilege of having Cindy Mack as my direct leader while working at the OSUMC for the last 4+ years. To describe Cindy as a quality leader is an understatement. She is an individual that leads by example and proudly serves her team every day. If I were to describe her type of leadership, I would describe her as a servant leader. Day in and day out she leads by example by placing the needs of her team above her own. Her efforts and character do not go unnoticed in the service of her Critical Care Float Pool.
Cindy’s innovation in creating the Critical Care Float Pool new grad positions offered me a chance to learn and grow professionally into a nationally certified, Clinical Ladder IV nurse. Cindy’s sense of ownership for the CCFP new grad program expanded; the resources, the time and effort she put into developing the program was a true success. Each semester, she hires 2-3 new grads into the CCFP. Cindy has provided boundless opportunities for growth and learning, allowing our new grads to advance their careers – CRNA, NP, Traveler, CCRNs, Clinical Ladder. Cindy’s determination to foster new grads in critical care has created some of the best nurses I know.
Cindy is exceedingly compassionate. She has an open-door policy and greets staff with a huge smile. Our unit’s size has tripled under Cindy’s leadership, and she still knows each of her staff members personally. She takes time to learn all of our values and interests. She is a huge advocate for our staff. She values work/life balance that nurses often sacrifice. Cindy has helped develop a system in which staff are notified of the need to balance the schedule when it first closes. Staff will adjust their workdays as a team to help balance prior to it being finalized. This not only allows for work/life balance, but also fosters comradery between senior and newer staff. This is another way that every one of her staff members feel valued.
Cindy is always there for us. I remember one day I sat in her office sobbing after a horrible shift, telling her how dejected and inadequate I felt following an interaction with a physician. What she did next is something I will always remember. Cindy wrapped me in a hug and said, “let me take this for you.” She followed up with the unit manager and had a meeting with the department leaders to rectify the situation. If Cindy had not supported and advocated for me that day, I am not sure if I would still be working at the bedside.
I feel like I have flourished under the leadership of Cindy Mack. I have obtained my Clinical Ladder IV, served on multiple governance councils, helped with policy development, and created a mentorship program for our CCFP. I feel my success is a result of working for an outstanding leader.