Debra Bradshaw is a visionary leader, recognized for her creative energy, enthusiasm and impressive outcomes. Her units' mission statement is "Excellence in Action," and her own actions support excellence as well.
For 13 years, she's managed a 24-bed CICU and a 40-bed CIU. Her responsibilities include overseeing a diverse group of 240 employees. Her leadership success is reflected in how she communicates and organizes, involving staff in decisions about their work environment. She promotes risk taking and persuades her staff to live the unit's mission every day, encouraging an environment where the highest quality of care is provided and expected. Recently, she embraced AACN's Healthy Work Environment standards. Debra's been involved in many initiatives celebrating nursing's accomplishments. As our "Magnet" manager representative, she worked to assure Magnet designation for our hospital. Today, she promotes these standards as a champion of certification. Coordinating a certification challenge, she collaborated with AACN to establish a local certification test site. 37 RNs participated and the units achieved an outstanding pass rate.
Debra believes in quality and the importance of process. Hospital initiatives for prevention of VAP and CVL infections show her units achieved near-perfect scores. Debra's an advocate for best practice and research-based implementation plans. Her passion for nursing and quality led to a hospital initiative titled "Back to the Basics, a Culture Change for Nursing." She's the voice behind positive change. For instance, since she promoted changes in the hospital's visitation policy, family members are now included in the care of critically ill patients. She and her staff visit waiting rooms, establish relationships with family members and prepare them to be comfortable in the critical care environment. The key is in the relationship: promoting trust and respect. The experience has been rewarding for staff and families alike.
Debra's personal style is a testament to her belief in nursing. Through her commitment she has inspired many others and is a positive voice for the challenges of our profession.
