Creating an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development, and ethical behavior are modeled and supported.
Grace has truly created an environment of trust with the IPR staff, Grace has dedicated 25 years to IPR staff and patients, she is forever helping anyone who needs it, she never hesitates to jump in and help out someone who is in need, despite what she may juggling at that time.

Being accessible, available, and responsive to the needs of their team.
Grace makes herself available even when she is not working to respond to any staff members that reach out to her, she will always come in on a day off to ensure the staff is running safely, she is truly one of the most dedicated ACLs/nurses I have ever worked with.

Problem-solving and encouraging critical thinking.
Grace is an incredible resource with all her years of experience, she does not hesitate to reach out until she finds a solution to someone's problem, she also makes sure to educate the staff on how to manage certain issues that arise, who they can call for help when she is not here.

Advocating for their teams.
Grace spends so much of her time ensuring all shifts are covered for the unit, even if she has to make multiple phone calls asking others to switch their shifts around or to pick up extra shifts. She is always trying to ensure the staff is well taken care of and functioning safely. If she notices staff that is struggling, she will immediately address it herself, or seek out additional help if needed, she is very aware of everyone's needs and has a keen sense when someone is not doing well, no one feels left alone or unheard.

Ensuring that the needs of the teams are communicated to organization leadership and organizational priorities and directions are communicated to their teams.
Grace communicates as much as possible face-to-face with everyone, staff, and leadership alike. She is always communicating with me (the manager) when staffing is having concerns or any issues that she feels need to be addressed. Grace is also very capable of managing situations on her own. She not only provides the staff with pertinent information during nurse huddles, but she will also go out of her way to have a personal conversation with someone if she feels they need it.

Being compassionate leaders
Not a day goes by that I do not see Grace put everyone else's needs before her own, the level of compassion she has for her co-workers and patients is truly heartwarming, she will pray with you, cry with you, and laugh with you, her empathy is like no other. She has devoted 25 years to her unit, and despite her own very challenging health journey, she never stops putting everyone before herself. She is an angel.

I truly believe that Grace deserves this honor more than any other ACL I have encountered over my 18 years of service here.

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Grace is an exceptional ACL. She is as knowledgeable and professional a nurse as she is an empathetic and engaged leader. I am choosing to nominate her specifically for her generosity towards those she works with. Grace consistently models the servant/leadership model. She tirelessly supports staff, helping to bring them to their fullest potential. She listens and is as emotionally supportive as she is professionally supportive. She assists staff through their various challenges, enabling them to optimize work and home life balance.  We have affectionately called her “amazing grace” for years now. We have seen her walk through her own personal challenges all the while remaining consistently professional and other-minded towards those she works with. If Caritas is one of the highest nursing virtues, Grace is one of the most deserving nurses I know.