Julie Swann is the epitome of an extraordinarily compassionate nursing leader. She truly cares about each and every Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital patient, family member, and team member. She is a role model who inspires others to strive to achieve the highest quality practice and outcomes possible. She inspires others to want to reach for more, and she consistently moves practice and outcomes forward.
Our CEO said, "Julie has taught me the true meaning of teamwork through her unwavering belief in shared governance and her commitment to gaining the voice of the clinical team in every decision that is made at ESJH."
Julie brings practice and care to the table in every discussion. When she interacts with nurses in council meetings as well as at the point of care, she can often be heard asking "What is best for our patients?" She often speaks of the power of touch, she reminds team members that patients need our touch as much as they need our skill and expertise. She leads with a vision of clinical and professional excellence without losing sight of the compassionate art of nursing.
She feels personally responsible for our patients, they are all "her patients". She also feels responsible for all of our nurses.
As CNO Julie has to juggle many difficult and challenging situations. Care and compassion are the words that come to mind in describing Julie's fundamental nursing and leadership philosophy. She demonstrates these daily through her actions which are often just little things like giving a hug, taking a walk with a fellow leader or nurse when she can tell they need a break. She can be found on units personally aiding the nursing teams when they are busy or in need of extra hands. She has tremendous courage and is able to stand up for others. She is an incredible advocate of her team and all the employees, physicians, and patients of ESJH.
Julie believes in the Mercy Philosophy with all of her heart. She even involves her family in outreach activities in our communities for the homeless. One example of her caring for others came recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of our long term and very sick COVID patients did not have any family to care for him or to make decisions for him. Julie stepped in with the guidance of the medical team and the ethics committee to help make some very difficult decisions about the end of life. Ultimately the team agreed that the withdrawal of care was necessary, and Julie made it her mission to be with him at the end of life, so he did not die alone.
Julie's compassionate, definitive leadership has shined during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She was onsite and visible from the very first case. She has worked tirelessly to ensure team members have everything they need to care for themselves and our patients. She has been adaptive, scientific, and resourceful and she has had a sense of humor when we needed it most. Self-care and resiliency has been her mantra and that has helped the entire team not just survive but to thrive in these challenging times.
She is passionate about the role of the nurse in professional practice, research, and the provision of excellent care.