We have worked with Sarah Hanak for a various number of years, from new co-workers to very experienced PCAs and nurses. The majority of that time she has been the nurse manager over the neurology floor. She then took on Neuro-Trauma ICU and worked her magic there as well. Recently Sarah promoted to Nursing Director yet no one would ever know if she was tired or over worked. She is a hardworking Christian woman that sets a great example of professionalism, compassion, teamwork and dedication. We've all told stories about her wonderful gift for motivating others, staying positive, and making every employee interaction a personal one. Here are some comments that attest to these facts.
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"Sarah is always available if any one of us needs her; she comes in early in order to talk to everyone on night shift and asks how things are going. She will always jump in to help if a patient needs to use the restroom, or if a new admit needs an IV started. She truly goes above and beyond for everyone on the Neuro staff, even holding am and pm huddles so no one feels left out."
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"Sarah's empathy for her staff is extraordinary; no matter what the concern or problem is, whether work related or personal, she is always approachable, always listens, always advocates for her staff, and always works to find a solution. She just has a way of making you feel like you are a priority and she never does anything half-way. Another great thing about Sarah is that she knows how to make any moment a teachable one. She doesn't judge anyone but works to empower others to also be leaders in our profession."
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"I have never, ever seen Sarah favor any one person. She serves and leads all of us equally and demonstrates love and care for everyone. We always feel like she will have our back. She is one of the main reasons many of us choose to continue working in Neuro."
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Sarah has an amazing ability to foster teamwork. Several staff members described the challenges of working with Neuro patients; the complexity of their care can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. One charge nurse mentioned how important it is to have a leader that sets the tone of the unit by her example, and how Sarah teaches everyone to be honest and ethical with each other because that is how she lives her life. We all agree that the Neuro team is legendary for exceptional teamwork.
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"Teamwork here is amazing. Neuro can be a very demanding work environment but Sarah has created a team that helps each other. None of us would be able to make it through a shift if we didn't work together."
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"Sarah implemented our own Neuro SBAR system for bedside reporting with staff input; she always asks for staff input on decisions that affect us because she cares about each of us and our work. She taught us how to respect cost and supply usage and implemented our feedback for resolving lost revenue."
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"Even though she is a great leader, Sarah makes time to appreciate her staff. She gave all of us a little gift at Christmas just to show her appreciation for us. We all know she didn't have to do that but that's just who she is. We highly respect her and we want to make her proud of us."
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Sarah's flexibility with staff scheduling needs is well known. She keeps a smile on her face and will work to accommodate our requests for school commitments, military commitments, or a sudden home life adjustment. She is always willing to move things around to help us with our busy lives.
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Sarah Hanak is our inspiration to strive for excellence. She is absolutely one-of-a-kind and a true example of everything a Mercy leader should be.