Cindy Reed
May 2026
Cindy
Reed
,
MSN, CEN, NE-BC
Emergency Department
Cone Health MedCenter Greensboro
Greensboro
,
NC
United States
I am honored to nominate Cindy Reed, Nurse Manager of MedCenter Greensboro Emergency Department, for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Cindy's leadership story is one of presence, purpose, and the ability to bring out the very best in those around her.

Cindy leads from within the team, not apart from it. During the most demanding and high-volume shifts, she consistently steps onto the unit to triage patients or take on assignments. In these moments, she models calm, patient-centered care while reinforcing safety and quality. Her leadership has contributed to measurable outcomes, including sustaining 95-100% compliance in barcode medication scanning and reducing Left Without Completing Care rates from 5.0% to 4.4% over the past two years. These results reflect not only process improvement, but a culture of accountability and excellence that Cindy has cultivated.

What truly defines Cindy's leadership is her investment in people. She has a unique ability to recognize potential and nurture it. One nurse shared that, through Cindy's encouragement, she stepped outside of her comfort zone to become the Stroke Champion, something she had never envisioned for herself. This is a consistent theme across the department. Cindy empowers her staff to grow, to lead, and to bring forward both challenges and solutions. As a result, team members feel heard, valued, and respected not only as employees but as individuals.

She often reminds her team, " You take great care of your staff, the staff will take exceptional care of the patients, and she demonstrates this belief daily through her actions.

Cindy's influence extends beyond the department into the community. She actively supports initiatives such as My Father's Jewel, a mobile boutique serving women in need, and the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, ensuring children and families receive support during the holidays. Her commitment reflects a deep understanding that nursing leadership reaches far beyond the walls of the emergency department.

She also leads by example through her dedication to professional growth. Holding an MSN and advanced certifications, including CEN and NE-BC, Cindy inspires her team to pursue excellence and take pride in their profession. She is a recent graduate of the Executive Nursing Leader Academy (ENLA). Her involvement in professional organizations and leadership development further demonstrates her commitment to continuous improvement.

Cindy Reed's story is one of compassionate, servant leadership. Her ability to elevate patient care, develop future leaders, and foster a culture of respect and excellence has created a lasting impact. She is truly deserving of this DAISY Nurse Leader Award.