Letters from Le-Ann Harris: Celebrating the difference you make

Le-Ann Harris, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, is the Regional Chief Nursing Officer for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic and Holy Cross Health in Maryland, and Interim President for Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital.

One of the greatest privileges of serving alongside you is witnessing the extraordinary compassion, skill and commitment that our colleagues demonstrate every single day.

In health care, it is often the difficult moments that demand our attention: quality, safety, staffing, operational priorities and the work still ahead. While those conversations are important, they should never overshadow something equally important: celebrating the lives you touch and the difference you make.

Every day, patients and families take the time to recognize exceptional care. They remember the nurse who stayed after a shift to offer comfort. The environmental services colleague who brightened a difficult day with a smile. The physician who patiently answered every question. The transporter, registrar, therapist, technician, dietary colleague, volunteer or security officer who made someone feel safe, seen and valued.

Those moments matter.

This month, I want to celebrate some of the incredible stories shared through our DAISY Awards, Colleague of the Month recognitions, and patient letters of gratitude. These stories remind us why our work matters and how every interaction, no matter how small it may seem, can leave a lasting impression.

“Most likely I’ve had over 1,000 nurses from 2007 until now, and Steve is in the Top 5 nurses that I’ve ever had. His care is from the heart—not just a job. No matter what, he is right there for you. He doesn’t talk down to you—he talks to each patient like they’re a person.” – Steve Ray, RN, St. Mary Medical Center

“Shanelle consistently cares for her patients with compassion while providing quality care to enhance outcomes. She is not just an exceptional nurse, but she is a kind and compassionate coworker. She has touched countless lives through her exceptional care, empathy and commitment to nursing excellence.” – Shanelle Debose, RN, Nazareth Hospital

Respiratory Care Services department “received a letter from a patient describing Carole’s commitment to the program and to ensuring patients receive the necessary resources and education they need to cope with their disease and have quality of life.” – Carole Martin, RT, Holy Cross Hospital

“I would like to express my gratitude, respect, and support to our Clinical Director Channa Lidie on the first day of Nurses Week. Ms. Lidie shows exceptional leadership with love, care and support to her staff. I have never seen any manager like Ms. Lidie in my 29 years of nursing. She is very accessible, empathetic and supportive. I personally feel ‘she carries angels in her’.” – Channa Lidie, Director, Holy Cross Germantown Hospital

“Since Anna first started in her role, she’s made an immediate and region wide impact, ensuring thousands of referrals get to their intended destination. In addition to her hard work and positive outlook she brings each day, she has become a trusted resource for departments that the medical group partners with. Recently, someone from the therapy department at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital reached out with the following comment after Anna assisted with an issue: ‘As always, thank you! It’s so awesome we have someone to contact for referrals, and you’re so reliable and diligent! You have no idea how much you are appreciated by our department!’” – Anna Cooper, Medical Receptionist, THMA Medical Group

“His actions taught me one very clear thing about his character. When action calls, he answers without hesitation. His actions also showed me that the training we provide is effective and most evident when it truly matters.” – Sgt. Mar’Keith Allen-Campbell, Saint Francis Hospital (Speaking of Public Safety Officer Marquise Clemment, who, along with his security squad colleagues, helped an unconscious patient in the parking lot get immediate care.)

As you read these words, I hope you see more than recognition. I hope you see the ripple effect of kindness, excellence, teamwork and compassion. One interaction can change someone’s experience forever.

Whether your work takes place at the bedside, behind the scenes, in our clinics, or throughout our ministries, please know that you matter. You are making a difference, even on the days when you may not realize it.

Thank you for bringing your talents, your heart, and your commitment to our Mission each day. Together, we continue to strengthen our profession, care for our communities and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we are privileged to serve.

Until next time,
Le-Ann