Melinda Daily, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, NE, BC
Assistant Director of Nursing, IMSL
Please join the Center for Nursing Excellence in congratulating Melinda Daily, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, NE, BC for being selected as the July 2022 UAMS DAISY Nurse Leader Award recipient! This award expresses gratitude for courageous leaders fostering an environment where compassion and courage can thrive.
Melinda is an Assistant Director of Nursing, in the Integrated Medicine Service Line and was nominated by a UAMS co-worker. The comments below are taken from her nomination which speak to each characteristic as an outstanding nurse leader.
“Creates an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and support.
Melinda is a trustworthy and compassionate manager who role models the core values of our institution and promotes them in her daily interactions with staff. She takes time to mentor the managers that work under her, sharing knowledge and experience creating an environment of trust. Melinda holds confidential information as such and has earned the respect of her team. She is quick to cover for a team member needing a vacation, and does so with little fanfare or recognition, “she has your back.” Melinda trusts her team members to make good decisions, and discusses any differences of opinion, encouraging autonomous evaluations. Melinda has empowered her team to challenge assumptions and the status quo, respecting diversity of thought.
Motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients and families.
Melinda quietly motivates others to do their best, offering support and encouragement when she sees the team struggling. Melinda is committed to quality and is always ready to answer or validate a data concern. She is extremely knowledgeable in value-based care and is at the forefront of monitoring those primary care metrics. She can identify practice issues and works with key players to ensure progress is being made on these fronts. Melinda is the primary person who runs the safety huddle. She always makes time for questions and collaboration within the group.
Promotes and enhances the image of nursing within the organization, the community and the profession including engagement, recognition, and retention.
Melinda provides a professional nursing image. She is always calm and responds rather than reacts. She is thoughtful and thinks through possible responses to make sure the best one is given. I have witnessed her deal with very frustrating situations, and she does so without becoming visibly upset, keeps a calm voice, open body language, and measured words. This helps the service line with professional engagement and retention. Melinda participates in hiring activities, and isn’t afraid to voice concerns, ensuring applicants are thoroughly vetted. She is appreciated for her quiet, calm presence. Melinda does not seek recognition for the time and effort she invests into others, but she is fully deserving of this award.
Thank You, Melinda Daily for demonstrating the true values of a DAISY Nurse Leader!