Robyn Lutz exemplifies the DAISY Nurse Leader attributes in her role as the administrative nurse manager of Grant’s labor and delivery unit.  Robyn fosters a culture of growth.  This is evident through the development and success of the women’s health team, specifically in professional development.  Examples of this include several nurses pursuing and attaining their MSNs and midwifery degrees, community health worker certifications, and formal leadership training of the informal leaders on the unit. Robyn is a lifelong learner herself and leads by example along with fiercely supporting individuals seeking growth opportunities.  Robyn has spearheaded a research project with a multidisciplinary team, encompassing attending physicians, resident physicians, and inpatient labor and delivery nurses, surgical technicians, and outpatient clinic nurses.  Robyn was pivotal in getting this research project off the ground and successfully moved through the IRB over the last year.  Robyn is also the key individual who pulled in unit staff to participate in this.  An additional growth opportunity that Robyn has fostered and enthusiastically championed is poster presentations at professional conferences.  This includes the Ohio Hospital Association Women’s Health Summit and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Neonatal Fetal Conference.  Robyn organized and assisted with five groups of poster presentations that consisted of women’s health staff nurses, clinical leaders, surgical techs, quality nurses, and educators.  Robyn has provided opportunities for her team that they have never experienced before.  This has allowed for unique professional development opportunities.

Through her continuous work on diversity, inclusion, and community connections, she has fostered a change in the culture of the unit.  In addition to professional development, Robyn also fosters an environment that enables the labor and delivery team to grow as individuals. This is done by connecting the team with community partners, along with facilitating a women’s health book club which focuses on historical and present cultural factors that impact our patient population. Through these connections and initiatives, Robyn’s team is better able to meet the needs of patients and provide more culturally compassionate nursing care. Robyn has developed the staff as exceptional stewards of culturally competent, patient-centered care. Through this work, Robyn has significantly improved the image of the unit to both internal and external partners, along with patients.

While Robyn continuously elevates her team to shine, she steps back and refuses to take the spotlight for her endless efforts. She is a humble leader who is dedicated and committed to her team.  It would be difficult to find another leader who exemplifies OhioHealth’s values, mission, and vision as well as Robyn does.

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While working with Robyn for the last couple of years, she has shown me her ability to lead with purpose, dedication, and grace. This year I am amazed by the effort that she has put forth for her staff and unit. These efforts include her openness and honesty with the staff, improvements in the culture of the unit, and inclusiveness and dedication to OhioHealth as an organization. She has written numerous Magnet stories not only for our unit but numerous other units here at Grant as well. While demonstrating a strong focus on improving the unit and helping the organization complete its goals, she has also shown me that she is able to value the worth of every individual.  I truly thank her for being such a great role model and helping me develop in my role and incorporate these positive traits into my career.