Recently, our unit has experienced significant change, particularly within the night shift team. Throughout this transition, Jon has consistently prioritized his team's well-being and support. He has gone above and beyond to ensure the night-shift staff feel seen, heard, and valued during a time that could otherwise be unsettling. Jon proactively adjusted his schedule to come in early each morning so he could connect with the night-shift team five days a week. This intentional presence has had a meaningful and positive impact on morale and connection. He has also made it a point to personally connect with each of our new nurses, building relationships and ensuring they feel supported and cared for in true AdventHealth fashion. Starting on a new unit while navigating multiple changes can be intimidating for any nurse.

Jon has served as a grounding and steady presence during this time, and I truly believe his leadership has played a key role in helping our nurses feel supported, valued, and aligned with our service standards. He is not afraid to advocate for his team and consistently puts their needs first. In addition to being such an impactful leader, Jon leads with grace while balancing the responsibilities of being a new parent. He truly practices what he preaches when it comes to sustainable work-life balance. Watching him remain efficient, present, and supportive to his team while navigating this season of life has been inspiring. Jon fully embodies what it means to be a Nurse Leader at AdventHealth and is highly deserving of the Nurse Leader DAISY Award

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I am honored to nominate Jon for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and the meaningful impact that he has on both patients and staff in the 4T ICU.

Jon has created a culture in the 4T ICU where nurses feel supported, respected, and empowered to provide the highest level of care. He prioritizes open communication and ensures that the voices of the staff are not only heard but also acted upon. Jon is consistently responsive to his team's needs, creating an environment where staff feel valued and comfortable speaking up. An example of his dedication is that during high-stress shifts, Jon makes it a priority to be physically present on the unit—checking in with staff, offering support, and helping where needed. He is deeply committed to staff well-being and understands the demands of working in a high-acuity ICU. Jon consistently checks in with staff, recognizes their efforts, and supports initiatives that improve team morale.

Whether it’s supporting Unit-Based Council initiatives, encouraging team building, or simply taking the time to connect during a difficult shift, Jon ensures his team feels valued. He fosters a safe environment where nurses feel comfortable asking questions, escalating concerns, and growing professionally. Jon’s leadership is especially evident during high-stress clinical situations. During a recent code event, he ensured that only essential personnel were present in the room, creating a calm, organized environment that allowed the team to function effectively. Jon also maintains a strong focus on patient-centered care. He consistently advocates for safe, high-quality care and ensures that patients and families are treated with dignity and compassion, always.

What makes Jon an extraordinary nurse leader is not just his ability to manage a unit, but his ability to inspire, support, and uplift those around him. He leads with intention and integrity, bridging the gap between leadership and bedside staff to foster trust and excellence. The impact Jon has on his staff is consistently reflected in the way his team speaks about him. His leadership has an impact on everyone around him.