An Emerging Leader, Emily's Impact is Already Felt by Patients, Peers & Leaders
Emily exemplifies the very definition of a Rising Star in nursing. Her growth, dedication, and compassion within her first two years of practice distinguish her as an emerging leader and a caregiver whose impact is felt by patients, peers, and leaders.
Emily started on NCCU as a nurse extern while attending Western Michigan University. She immediately demonstrated curious and committed to learning. After transitioning into her RN role, she continued to build an impressive foundation of clinical excellence. Within her first two years of practice, Emily earned both her Emergency Neurologic Life Support (ENLS) certification and her Holistic Nursing certification, reflecting her commitment to advancing her clinical knowledge while caring for the whole person mind, body, and spirit.
Emily consistently goes above and beyond in advocating for her patients. One particularly meaningful example was when she brought in a graduation cap and supplies to celebrate a patient’s graduation while the patient was hospitalized. This thoughtful act transformed a difficult hospital stay into a moment of joy, dignity, and normalcy—an experience the patient and family will never forget. Emily is a very talented musician who has played with various groups in the Kalamazoo area. On Christmas Emily brought in her violin to play for a patient, using music as a powerful form of healing and connection during the holiday season. These moments reflect her deep compassion and creativity in patient-centered care.
Beyond the bedside, Emily actively contributes to unit-based improvement and quality initiatives. She played a key role in researching and organizing data for our A3 problem-solving work focused on the prevention of ventriculitis. She worked to bring best evidence-based practice to the work that NCCU RN’s do every day. She continued this work by presenting it with our manager to our Neuro and Spinal PI forum. Her engagement in this work highlights her desire to improve outcomes not just for individual patients, but for the system as a whole. She also is involved in Professional Governance here at Bronson as a member of the regional collaborative council she seeks to bring together work that is done in one area to the rest of the Bronson system. Emily has also joined the research council, communicated to providers in Neuro Morbidity and Mortality, and presented multiple Journal Clubs in the last year.
Emily is currently training to serve as charge nurse, an opportunity she has embraced with enthusiasm, accountability, and professionalism. She is highly teachable, receptive to feedback, and consistently seeks guidance to grow into her role. As her leaders, we have witnessed her maturity, reflective practice, and steady progression into leadership responsibilities. Her colleagues frequently recognize her willingness to assist others, and she is often acknowledged for stepping up to help when floated to other units.
Emily was nominated for a DAISY Award this year from a patient as well who said “Emily was an amazing nurse. She made my sudden stay bearable and made sure my family was knowledgeable and well aware. We all greatly appreciate it”.
Emily is also driven by a clear vision for her future in healthcare. She aspires to attend CRNA school and is working to prepare herself academically, clinically, and professionally to achieve this goal. She seeks out opportunities to be mentored by other RN’s who have stepped into this role and actively embrace their recommendations. Her motivation, discipline, and resilience speak to her long-term commitment to excellence in nursing and advanced practice.
Emily is a rising star not only because of what she has already accomplished, but because of the integrity, compassion, and leadership potential she brings to everything she does. She embodies the values of nursing and serves as an inspiration to peers at all levels.
