Sarah is the leader that everyone should have. She leads by example, is dedicated beyond words, is compassionate, empathetic, a good listener, thinks outside the box, and is supportive. Some have been fortunate enough to work with Sarah since she arrived at our organization in the ED several years ago, seeing first-hand for quite some time how she supports her staff and ensures the highest quality of care for patients. However, this past year, watching her lead the nursing staff of the organization through a pandemic, significant health system growth with a brand change, and countless other challenges, has been nothing short of amazing to witness. Did we mention that she has done all of this during her first year in the role of CNO?

The night that Tidal Health Peninsula Regional admitted their first Covid positive patient was recalled. It was late in the evening and there were challenges and delays around the recognition of the positive test result. Sarah joined her nurse leaders, in returning to the hospital that Friday night as they stayed past midnight to support staff, make notifications, and plan the next steps. This was a very scary time for the nursing staff and Sarah supported everyone that night and every step of the way over the past year. She worked countless hours both in the organization and after she went home, ensuring that nursing staff had the resources needed to be prepared for anything that the pandemic threw our way.

Many thoughts were shared when we asked what Sarah was most admired for. It was said that she would never ask her nursing staff or nursing leaders to do something that she would not do herself. Having been a nurse for many years and practicing in just about every role that a nurse can hold, she understands the value of each position and never hesitates to dive right in. She was also recognized for valuing the people that she leads. No one is just a number or a title. She truly cares about all of us as individuals. Sarah does not just go out of her way to support those who directly report to her. She regularly takes the time to send personal notes to frontline staff regarding a sick loved one, their own injury, words of support, and acknowledging personal accomplishments.

Sarah’s door is always open, and it is comforting to know that we can stop in at any time and feel welcomed. This quote by Ronald Reagan truly symbolizes Sarah’s leadership, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He (she) is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”

Thank you, Sarah, for choosing to be our leader, we are proud to present you with the organization's first DAISY Nurse Leader Award.