Inspiring mentor helped Ascension nurse find her leadership path

Sara White, RN and PAT/Preop/PACU/Endo Manager at Ascension Seton Williamson, has been a nurse for 13 years and has served in many roles in IMC and ICU, as House Supervisor and now in Perianesthesia, with increasing responsibility. “I work with staff that were my peers before and have seen growth in both the hospital and people, and now I’m involved in department stewardship.”

About opportunities for growth, Sara said, “Ascension paid for leadership training and when my manager said I should get a bachelor’s degree, the organization’s tuition reimbursement helped with that.” Sara also got a nurse endowment and scholarship and is currently in the master’s program.

Sara talked about the influence of Gillian “Gidge” Lukes, her manager in her first job at Ascension Seton Northwest. “Gidge made positive changes in our ICU and in our culture,” she said. “She encouraged me in goal setting and pushed me in a positive way to realize my potential. She also encouraged me to go back to school and wanted me to succeed.”

Sara’s and Gidge’s paths would cross again years later. “We worked at the same site and she still had mentoring moments with me, helping me work through problems. She continued to nurture my leadership abilities and encouraged me to get a master’s in leadership and administration,” she said. “Through her example, she has shown me how by being forward thinking, dedicated and consistently doing what’s right for patients, you can be successful. She continues to be an inspiration and mentor and has lifted me up to succeed.”

When asked about her proudest patient care experience, Sara talked of a patient four years ago who was a victim of a car accident. “He had a young family and stayed in the hospital for about three weeks. He came back multiple times to try and save his limb but couldn’t,” she said. “I gave comfort to him and his wife. It was devastating for him but we tried to keep him positive. At the hospital on Valentine’s Day, he was sad he couldn’t get his wife a gift. I arranged for one of our techs to go to the gift shop and get some flowers for his wife and a card he could give her. After they left, they nominated me for the Daisy Award and sent me flowers. I had influenced their experience and I was acknowledged for providing care and compassion,” she said. “It refueled my tank – so many things wear us down and just a simple thank you would have been enough, but I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers.”

About working at Ascension, Sara said, “The broader reason I like working here is that I’ve made friends with work colleagues throughout our network. After being here more than 13 years, I now see people in different roles but they still feel like family. The relationships I’ve built have helped me have a positive influence on my staff and that creates a cohesive and collaborative environment,” she said.

“I have a sense of family and community at Ascension Seton Williamson. It’s outstanding – there is great collaboration between departments. Leadership is all approachable and will work issues out without resentment,” she said. “It’s a great environment especially for nurses that are interested in pursuing growth within their career in specialties such as critical care, trauma, spine and med surg. The patients are technically challenging and there are resources in different departments that can contribute to the excellent care we provide our patients. Physical therapy, nurses, doctors and surgeons all want to contribute to patient success.”