Amy exemplifies compassionate leadership through her unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and ethical work environment. Her approach to leadership not only builds trust and respect within her team but also ensures that each member feels valued and secure in their role.

One notable instance of her compassionate leadership was during a period of significant personal hardship for several staff members. When colleagues faced devastating events, such as the loss of loved ones, house flooding, and the tragic death of a team member, Amy's response was both empathetic and proactive. She arranged for spiritual care to support the team through their grief and facilitated time off to allow everyone to mourn and process their emotions. This gesture of kindness and respect ensured that the team could cope with their personal losses while maintaining their professional responsibilities.

In addition to addressing immediate needs, Amy also took a strategic approach to long-term well-being. Recognizing the high-stress nature of our work and its impact on staff morale, she helped myself and a coworker to initiate a wellness day designed to offer a break from the demands of the unit. This day included team-building activities and opportunities for relaxation, which significantly contributed to reducing stress and fostering a sense of unity among the team.

Amy's leadership is characterized by her ability to inspire positivity and resilience, even in challenging times. She consistently emphasizes the importance of seeing the broader impact of their work, particularly in the context of caring for cancer patients. Her actions reflect a deep understanding of the emotional and professional challenges her team faces, and her efforts to provide support and create a positive work environment exemplify her commitment to ethical and compassionate leadership.

Upon starting her role, Amy quickly identified that charge nurses were overwhelmed by their extensive responsibilities, including managing staff assignments and handling patient reports. To address this, she collaborated with the team and preop to develop a more efficient and safer process for patient transfers. This collaborative approach not only streamlined operations but also ensured that patient care standards were consistently met.
Amy is proactive in supporting professional development and continuous improvement. She encouraged staff to propose and implement system improvements, such as enhancing the patient report process between preop and the unit. By actively involving staff in problem-solving, she fosters a culture where team members are empowered to address issues, such as room turnover time, with practical solutions. This hands-on approach not only enhances care quality but also builds staff confidence and competence.

Amy’s commitment to professional growth is evident in her support for staff pursuing further education and development. She personally recommended leadership classes and guided staff, including myself, through projects aimed at improving patient care. For example, she helped me develop a turnover project and assisted me in submitting an abstract for a presentation at a conference. Her encouragement extended to other team members as well, helping them get their work accepted at the ONS conference and providing personal support during these events.

Amy’s leadership is characterized by her ability to balance maintaining high standards of care with fostering an environment of professional growth and problem-solving. Her support for staff development and her recognition of their contributions make her an exemplary leader who significantly impacts both patient care and staff satisfaction.

Amy excels in promoting teamwork and resilience while consistently recognizing and appreciating her staff’s contributions to patient and family care. One notable example of Amy's leadership was during a challenging case involving an 18-month-old pediatric patient who required multiple procedures from different services, including a specialized pulmonary procedure from a Cornell MD at MSK. When it was discovered that the child's mother had inadvertently administered something that could delay the procedure, the situation became stressful for everyone involved. Amy stepped in decisively, helping our endo staff to coordinate with the various teams to reschedule the procedure to a safer time. She also provided crucial emotional support to the patient’s mother, reassuring her and ensuring that she felt cared for during the difficult situation.

Amy’s approach to this incident not only facilitated the smooth execution of the procedures but also strengthened the team’s cohesion. By effectively managing the crisis and supporting both the patient and staff, she fostered a sense of unity and pride among the team. Moreover, Amy regularly acknowledges and appreciates the hard work of her staff. For example, after the successful coordination of the pediatric case, she highlighted the team’s efforts in the quarterly newsletter, publicly recognizing their dedication and skill. Her genuine appreciation for the team’s work is evident in her everyday interactions, as she remains approachable and supportive, whether at work or outside of it.

Amy’s leadership style is characterized by her commitment to building a strong, resilient team. She fosters an environment where staff feel valued and supported, ensuring that they can provide the best care for patients and families. Her ability to celebrate successes and offer support during challenging times makes her an outstanding nurse leader who significantly enhances both team morale and patient care.