Annette took over the GI Endoscopy department as interim nurse manager, unexpectedly, while a lot of changes were occurring and at the start of a pandemic. Annette has been a calming force within the GI department. She has taken the time to learn what GI is all about and to learn about the team members. Annette had many unexpected situations thrown her way, and she handle each one with calmness and grace. Annette has made herself available to the GI team and has listened to their concerns and thoughts, in a new fresh way. Annette has brought ideas to help improve the team and the flow of the schedule.

During this time, the GI department has started many new to the staff and hospital procedures, a new chief of the GI systems, new leases on equipment, new equipment being purchased and staff being educated on, and to top it off, the GI department has construction on a brand new department. Annette has been a driving force at ensuring all of these are taken care of properly, appropriately, and safely. Her insight on these situations has been unparalleled and truly appreciated. Annette has brought her expertise and professionalism to the department and has been an asset. Annette has strived to keep the team informed on changes during covid and elsewhere throughout the hospital. She has kept staff up to date and safe.

Mostly, Annette has been a calming force to me. She is the leader that I needed to see my potential and the potential of the department. Prior to Annette taking over I was on my way out of GI, as well as, the hospital. She has provided me support, information, and knowledge I needed to make myself better. She has shown me how to handle situations in a compassionate and professional manner. She has shown me the ins and outs of how certain aspects of the hospital work. Annette has provided me with a trusting relationship and the ability to ask really dumb questions. She has provided me a safe place to vent, stomp my feet, and have momentary breakdowns.

Our department and I have experienced a lot of changes this past year and she has been the backbone holding the department, and me, together. Annette has been a huge support and source of strength. Without Annette, I don't even know if I would still be a nurse, as I was at the point of burn out no return. She pulled me back up and trusted me and my knowledge in a way that I craved. The GI team and I will be forever grateful to Annette and everything she has done.