Jennifer Howser
February 2025
Jennifer
Howser
,
BSN, RN
Medicine Clinics
Nebraska Western Iowa Veterans Affairs
Omaha
,
NE
United States
When you have a leader like Jen Howser, you see her put patients first, and that absorbs into her staff and they want to do the same- it’s true leadership and the feeling of genuine safety that brings out the best in people.
The following are collective reflections regarding Jennifer Howser and her leadership abilities. These statements are from members of her team, and we would like to thank you in advance for considering our manager for the prestigious DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
***
I have had the privilege of working with Jennifer Howser for more years than I can remember. Our first meeting was at Bergan Mercy Medical Center, where she still had her maiden name, and I was orienting her to her new position in the inpatient oncology unit. The years have flown by, and now I find her to be my nurse manager at the VA. Some things haven’t changed over the years: Jen’s dedication to patients first, her kindness, her willingness to pitch in, and her organizational skills.
***
As a manager, Jen holds high standards for her department and employees, and I feel as a team we all rise to these expectations. Jen is fair, flexible and understanding. She makes her self-available to talk as needed. I appreciate her thoughtfulness to not only your professional life and goals but your personal life as well. It is without hesitation and many accolades that I nominate Jennifer Howser for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
***
Jennifer Howser is an incredible leader who truly cares for the veterans and her team. She’s always approachable and supportive, which makes work less stressful and more enjoyable while also helping us achieve great results. She deserves recognition for all she does to make our team and workplace better.
***
Not only is Jen our manager but she is also a case manager. She is working in the trenches of direct patient with us and we know she would never ask us to do anything that she wouldn’t do herself. She is fair, honest, and reliable. Jen has made it very clear that our standard of care is always doing what is best and safest for our patients and we know she holds herself to the same standard. Jen checks in with her staff every morning to see if there is anything we need from her and continues to do so multiple times throughout the day. Unless she is in a meeting, her door is literally always open. She is always willing to assist her staff with whatever is needed. We work hard for her because we know she works hard for us. Her follow-up is impeccable. She never lets a meeting agenda item, issue, or concern go unaddressed or unresolved. She encourages and promotes staff recognition, educational opportunities, professional growth, and fun team-building activities. She is the best manager I have ever worked for.
***
Jen is constantly an advocate for our veterans. When lab work was taking over an hour to result, Jen spoke up for veterans and staff. A delay in labs is a delay in care. I greatly appreciated her speaking up for all of us.
***
My nursing manager, Jen, exemplifies what it means to be a supportive leader at the VA. Her unwavering encouragement and warm, inviting nature creates a nurturing atmosphere where every team member feels appreciated and motivated. Jen consistently goes above and beyond to assist others, whether it's providing guidance during challenging situations or simply offering a listening ear. Jen’s dedication to fostering collaboration and camaraderie among our staff not only enhances our morale but also strengthens our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.
***
Jen is always a great resource when I have a question and an excellent teacher with patients and MDs. She is the first Nurse Manager that I have been happy to work for. When my personal life suddenly made it so I needed additional time off, not only did she work with me on my schedule but she was a sympathetic ear to listen to me about my difficulties. I have never had a manager with that much understanding and compassion to where she helps with a proper work life balance.
***
When you have a leader like Jen Howser, you see her put patients first, and that absorbs into her staff and they want to do the same- it’s true leadership and the feeling of genuine safety that brings out the best in people. Her caring nature makes you feel like you not only can confide in her regarding both professional and personal situations, but that you TRUST her. When you have a manager that you trust, it collectively radiates a peaceful work environment that directly affects patient care in a positive manner.
***
She is an amazing boss and an excellent multi-tasker.
***
Jen cares and listens to our concerns with authenticity.
***
Jen has a way of making everyone feel like family.
***
Jen has excellent follow-through. We know that our concerns will be validated and resolved in a timely manner. No one feels inadequate after sharing a concern.
***
Jen Howser is a phenomenal boss. She carries all of her roles and responsibility at the VA with grace and compassion. She cares about us as people, not just employees. I’m proud to be part of her team.
***
I have had the privilege of working with Jennifer Howser for more years than I can remember. Our first meeting was at Bergan Mercy Medical Center, where she still had her maiden name, and I was orienting her to her new position in the inpatient oncology unit. The years have flown by, and now I find her to be my nurse manager at the VA. Some things haven’t changed over the years: Jen’s dedication to patients first, her kindness, her willingness to pitch in, and her organizational skills.
***
As a manager, Jen holds high standards for her department and employees, and I feel as a team we all rise to these expectations. Jen is fair, flexible and understanding. She makes her self-available to talk as needed. I appreciate her thoughtfulness to not only your professional life and goals but your personal life as well. It is without hesitation and many accolades that I nominate Jennifer Howser for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
***
Jennifer Howser is an incredible leader who truly cares for the veterans and her team. She’s always approachable and supportive, which makes work less stressful and more enjoyable while also helping us achieve great results. She deserves recognition for all she does to make our team and workplace better.
***
Not only is Jen our manager but she is also a case manager. She is working in the trenches of direct patient with us and we know she would never ask us to do anything that she wouldn’t do herself. She is fair, honest, and reliable. Jen has made it very clear that our standard of care is always doing what is best and safest for our patients and we know she holds herself to the same standard. Jen checks in with her staff every morning to see if there is anything we need from her and continues to do so multiple times throughout the day. Unless she is in a meeting, her door is literally always open. She is always willing to assist her staff with whatever is needed. We work hard for her because we know she works hard for us. Her follow-up is impeccable. She never lets a meeting agenda item, issue, or concern go unaddressed or unresolved. She encourages and promotes staff recognition, educational opportunities, professional growth, and fun team-building activities. She is the best manager I have ever worked for.
***
Jen is constantly an advocate for our veterans. When lab work was taking over an hour to result, Jen spoke up for veterans and staff. A delay in labs is a delay in care. I greatly appreciated her speaking up for all of us.
***
My nursing manager, Jen, exemplifies what it means to be a supportive leader at the VA. Her unwavering encouragement and warm, inviting nature creates a nurturing atmosphere where every team member feels appreciated and motivated. Jen consistently goes above and beyond to assist others, whether it's providing guidance during challenging situations or simply offering a listening ear. Jen’s dedication to fostering collaboration and camaraderie among our staff not only enhances our morale but also strengthens our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.
***
Jen is always a great resource when I have a question and an excellent teacher with patients and MDs. She is the first Nurse Manager that I have been happy to work for. When my personal life suddenly made it so I needed additional time off, not only did she work with me on my schedule but she was a sympathetic ear to listen to me about my difficulties. I have never had a manager with that much understanding and compassion to where she helps with a proper work life balance.
***
When you have a leader like Jen Howser, you see her put patients first, and that absorbs into her staff and they want to do the same- it’s true leadership and the feeling of genuine safety that brings out the best in people. Her caring nature makes you feel like you not only can confide in her regarding both professional and personal situations, but that you TRUST her. When you have a manager that you trust, it collectively radiates a peaceful work environment that directly affects patient care in a positive manner.
***
She is an amazing boss and an excellent multi-tasker.
***
Jen cares and listens to our concerns with authenticity.
***
Jen has a way of making everyone feel like family.
***
Jen has excellent follow-through. We know that our concerns will be validated and resolved in a timely manner. No one feels inadequate after sharing a concern.
***
Jen Howser is a phenomenal boss. She carries all of her roles and responsibility at the VA with grace and compassion. She cares about us as people, not just employees. I’m proud to be part of her team.