Leaders make a difference in patient care, by making a difference through their leadership. CJ's contributions have meaningfully impacted the structure and culture of Sentara Leigh Hospital. She motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients! CJ has a quiet confidence and leadership within her own hospital but also amongst her peers throughout the system. She most recently chaired the system Nurse Documentation User Council, NDUC, which aims to blend the ever-changing needs of nursing with IT development. She has championed many nursing initiatives that improve the clinical nurses' workflow and job satisfaction. She has been involved in the creation and development of an innovative project, the Patient Acuity Nursing Tool, which quantifies the nursing workload. She was instrumental in the system roll out to 11 hospitals and was recently published in American Nurse Today and Nursing Administration Quarterly.
She is a true role model, who not only leads by example but is the system vision of "every nurse a leader" no matter the venue. She is consistently professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. She supports and inspires others to "raise the bar" as professional nurses. One nurse commented, "CJ has not only been my professional mentor but a true friend. She encourages me to dream big, break down barriers, and maintain a work-life balance. She has taught me the importance of listening without expectations, engaging all areas in order to produce the best possible outcomes, and that data drives everything..."
CJ lives the Sentara Commitments on a daily basis. She exemplifies and encourages all safety habits. She treats all customers, including patients, families, and coworkers with dignity and respect. She promotes and enhances the image of nursing within the organization, the community, and the profession.