As my mentor, Leslie plays an integral part in shaping my learning, providing encouragement and feedback, and ultimately molding me into a dedicated nurse, able to advocate for my patients, collaborate with others and be grounded as a lifelong learner.
Through her role modeling and support I strive to continue her vision of treating the critically ill patient as not just someone with tubes coming out of their body, but as human beings with their very own set of fears, hopes and ideas.
Leslie embraces lifelong learning and encourages me to do the same. She continues to support me by referencing articles, texts and unit-based guidelines, and she reliably quotes and refers to research and the latest AACN guidelines to foster my clinical inquiry skills. Leslie models what true, valuable leadership is and should be. She is highly regarded in the unit and has a way of leading in a calm and unassuming manner. She generates innovation by being open to change, is hardworking and has been honored at our hospital for her significant contributions to professional development.
Leslie is passionate about her career and profession. She is eager to share that passion with others, including student nurses, peers, new employees and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Having Leslie as my mentor has given me a strong ideal to emulate. Quite possibly my greatest reward is that she now views me as a peer. I will always look upon Leslie as the mentor who successfully shaped my career, providing me with advice, feedback, leadership and most importantly friendship. For all of these reasons she embodies the essence, spirit and vision of AACN, and it is with great honor that I nominate Leslie for the Circle of Excellence Mentoring Award.
