Hello fellow SSM employees. My name is Pat Giffin. I work at St. Francis Hospital & Health Services in Maryville, MO as the Nurse Manager of our Emergency and Respiratory Therapy Departments.
I don't see myself as a courageous leader. But there have been several courageous leaders that have helped me along my journey in life to become the person I am now. Each new step I took at St. Francis, there was at least one person who was ready, willing, and able to give me the help and support that I needed to succeed.
This started with Gertie Reynolds, LPN and Dr. Byland who helped me as a new grad survive in the ICU world. From them I learned that it doesn't matter what your title or job is, anyone can be a leader if they set a good and consistent example for, and are helpful to others.
During my years working in the physicians' office, Joyce Ware showed me how managing others can be much like caring for your family. When you truly care about the employee, they in turn are more concerned about living up to your expectations while at work.
As I took on the role of House Supervisor there were those who showed confidence in me, like Cathy New, those who helped me to learn this new role, like Susie Eckstein, and those who worked hard at their jobs every day and made my job easier. I found that being willing to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand doing whatever needed to be done helped to gain the respect of the staff.
The next step for me was as I became a department manager. Again there were those who encouraged me to take this step and those who helped me succeed, like Kathy Brand and Cathy New. One of the first things I read as a new manager was that the main reason employees leave their job is their manager. I did not want to be the reason anyone left their job, so I became determined to become the best manager I could possibly be.
Through all of my life experiences there have always been two constants; my family and God. As I faced new career choices, I not only ask for my family's input and support, but God's guidance. I frequently ask that he help me to be the best that I can be at whatever I am doing. This is where my courage to lead comes from.
Everyone here can be a courageous leader, no matter what your title or position is. Just be determined to do the best you can at everything you do and with everyone you meet. Remember, it is through our hands that we reveal the Healing Presence of GOD!
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