We all understand the fluidity of healthcare and are used to adjusting our leadership styles to ensure our teams remain aligned with organization goals. Dawn has been a team player from the beginning of her tenure at Jefferson Methodist Hospital in 2009. It is challenging managing the day-to-day operations of the operating room and even more daunting when taking on other responsibilities. When the APU/PACU/CPD nurse manager position was vacated, Dawn stepped up to lead and manage the units in addition to her responsibilities as nurse manager of the operating room. Dawn quickly learned the workflows of all departments and developed relationships with staff. She developed interprofessional relationships and worked closely with nursing to ensure continuity of patient flow and perioperative workflows; always placing the patients at the forefront of every decision. Dawn quickly learned the processes of CPD and helped transition the department to new management, while continuing to manage the messenger service.
Dawn never backs down from a challenge. She rallies her team together to ensure they understand why decisions are being made; motivating staff to deliver high-quality patient care in any and all circumstances. Her door is always open. She will always answer her phone, no matter the time of day or night, and is readily available when she is needed. Dawn takes the time to listen to staff concerns and values their opinions. She is a consistent and reliable leader; always making rounds on staff. She even works on weekends, ensuring patient's COVID test results are received prior to their scheduled surgical procedure. Dawn does all this and even attends graduate school to obtain her Master's degree in Nursing Leadership.
Dawn has an excellent work ethic as demonstrated by her uncanny ability to facilitate collaborative relationships with the interprofessional teams to determine what is best for patients in terms of quality and safety. I believe she can get any surgeon to do anything! Dawn is very strict in regards to proper OR attire and is the first to stop someone (including surgeons) from leaning on operating room stretchers or other perioperative equipment, remaining compliant with Joint Commission standards.
Dawn is a global thinker and always thinks about the whole hospital when making decisions. She always has a positive, uplifting attitude given her very busy schedule, promoting a workplace built on trust and respect. Dawn truly makes the workplace enjoyable. She is a leader by example and helps her staff learn and grow, professionally and personally. No one can deny the challenges Dawn faces daily. She successfully minimizes barriers and faces all challenges with grace. All the hard work Dawn does daily clearly shows how she is a DAISY Nurse Leader.