Dori Ducato is truly the captain of the Keyser Ship.  Dori started out in Keyser years back as the ACM and even then, she demonstrated excellence by changing poor behaviors, encouraging staff to speak up, and learning an entirely new subspeciality of pediatric hematology oncology.  Needless to say, I was thrilled to hear that she was the candidate for the manager position at Keyser. 

What I admire most about Dori is that she is not afraid of a challenge but also not afraid to fail and learn.  As her ACM, I am always afraid to fail and let people down, but Dori has shown me how to learn and grow from failing and how to make positive changes both personally and professionally.  Dori is a huge supporter of professional growth.  She encourages staff to further their education and strive for leadership.  She is always thrilled for staff who complete certifications, advance degrees, and advance to leadership positions. She consistently meets with her team, looking for areas to grow, help professional growth, and lead staff in a positive direction.

As the manager of an ambulatory unit previously, Dori helped create an entire dental program at ACH literally from the ground up.  As mentioned, Dori is not afraid of a challenge.  Dori also encouraged her APNs to run their own specialty clinics as she is doing here as well.  One of our APNs now co-runs the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinic which has opened more appointment availability to our patients. She is a driving force and motivation for all.

Dori always strives to be completely transparent and open to staff regarding big changes, leadership “rumors” or facts, supply issues, behavior concerns, safety concerns, etc. Our monthly staff meetings are packed with important information that is shared between both our campuses. Did I mention Dori is the manager of Park Ridge and Oak Lawn?  She is, and she does it will ease and perfection. She evenly splits her time between both campuses while working to align practices and protocols. Dori keeps open communication with both PR and OL and is always readily available wherever she is that day.

Dori is “one of us”, another nurse in clinic doing whatever she can to make the patients, and the staff have a great experience in Keyser. She often comes to the front of clinic to check on us, chat about work and life, and help where she can. She has even sat at the charge desk answering phones and helping run clinic on busy days.

The absolute best attribute of Dori’s is that she is incredibly approachable. I am never scared, worried, and feel judged by Dori even if I think my question is “stupid” or “ridiculous”. She has never made me feel uncomfortable in hard situations, and I feel like she really wants me to succeed as a leader. Dori has already taught me so much about being a good leader. I look up to her in so many ways. I appreciate her kindness and willingness to help me grow. She brings calmness to our unit, which I know everyone feels and appreciates. So, THANK YOU DORI for being you!  You are truly an incredible boss, human, and leader; and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award!  #nailedit