Meet Sarah Wellsandt, MSN, RN, an exceptional assistant nurse manager at the University of Iowa Health Care
campus’s Burn Treatment Center. She has recently been honored with the prestigious DAISY Nurse Educator Award for her unwavering commitment to empowering her team through education and collaboration.
What began as a volunteer experience in a hospital sparked a profound transformation for Wellsandt. Initially aspiring to attend medical school, she found her true calling in nursing after witnessing the compassionate care and strong connections nurses formed with their patients. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for nursing, and now, she stands as a beacon of leadership and innovation within her unit.
As an assistant nurse manager, Wellsandt has established herself as a driving force in fostering teamwork and excellence. Her dedication to mentoring nurses and developing educational resources is second to none. From real-time instruction during rounds to creating practical orientation manuals and instructional guides, she ensures that her team has the tools to provide the highest quality of care. Wellsandt’s innovative “boot camp” days, featuring hands-on wound care simulations, exemplify her commitment to equipping nurses with real-life practice.
“Caring for the patient takes a whole team,” she emphasizes. “You’re never alone as a nurse.” This philosophy is at the heart of Wellsandt’s leadership style, as she continually strives to cultivate an environment where nurses feel supported and confident in their roles.
Her proactive approach extends to creating care carts filled with essential tools, enabling nurses to act swiftly and efficiently when patients arrive. Wellsandt’s commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in wound care and treatment techniques ensures that her team is well-prepared to deliver exceptional patient care. “I enjoy diving in and learning about new topics, then finding fresh ways to present that information to our staff in a way that is clear but also memorable,” she shares.
Despite her managerial responsibilities, Wellsandt remains closely connected to her patients, often rounding and stepping in to assist when needed. “I see it in the staff that they really have so much compassion and empathy for their patients, and they truly care about what they do,” she reflects. “That’s what I hope I can instill in them and model for them.”
Sarah Wellsandt exemplifies the essence of a true nurse leader, combining expertise with compassion and a steadfast commitment to education. Her remarkable dedication makes her deserving of the Nurse of the Week honor, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence in patient care. Join us in celebrating Sarah and her incredible contributions to the nursing profession!
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