Rebecca Smith, MNSc, RN, RNC-NIC
Clinical Services Manager, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Please join the Center for Nursing Excellence in congratulating Rebecca Smith, MNSc, RN, RNC-NIC, Clinical Services Manager, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), for being selected as the July 2024 UAMS DAISY Nurse Leader Award recipient! This award expresses gratitude for courageous leaders fostering an environment where compassion and courage can thrive.
Rebecca is a Clinical Services Manager, in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) 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.
Becky collaborates with org development and her Clinical Specialist to host annual professional development workshops for her team leads and RN IV/V Managers and Clinicals. Becky meets regularly with the group to facilitate professional growth of the team members that they lead. Staff members regularly praise Becky for maintaining their confidence with sensitive information. In addition to monthly staff meetings, Becky has hosted several unit town halls to address staff questions, staffing challenges, supply issues, unit concerns, etc. This open communication allows staff a voice with nursing leadership to address rumors and potential barriers in providing excellent patient care.
Motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients and families.
Becky has worked in the NICU for over 30 years in various roles. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes and staff satisfaction. She is attentive to staff concerns, delegating them as needed for resolution. Most recently, Becky helped advocate for new IV pumps in the NICU and met regularly with a workgroup to ensure a smooth implementation of the new pumps. Becky meets regularly with the unit council co-chairs to discuss staff concerns and items which she would like to have staff input on.
Promotes and enhances the image of nursing within the organization, the community and the profession including engagement, recognition, and retention.
Becky and her Clinical Specialist meet frequently with new hires during their orientation period to address concerns and discuss opportunities for learning. They collaborate several times per year to discuss opportunities for staff recognition such as 40 under 40 and nursing excellence awards. Becky communicates certification and degree achievement, hospital awards, unit recognition, etc. regularly through staff meeting minutes or emails. She also maintains the unit certification plaque. Each year Becky and unit leadership celebrate certified nurses with treats on National Certified Nurse’s Day and provide ice cream for all unit nurses during National Neonatal Nurses Week.
Thank You, for demonstrating the true values of a DAISY Nurse Leader!