[Sharon]

Tell us about a great healthcare leader that you know and what it is about them that makes them such a great leader?

[Courtney]

I had the pleasure of having a few different consolidation preceptors and they were all amazing. They all had their own way of doing things but at the end of the day they were all amazing nurses. My main preceptor was also the wound lead and auditor lead at the long term care home I was at, so I got to learn so much from her. The other great thing about being with a few different was nurse was that they all taught me different things, they all had different perspectives and they all were patient and kind with me. All of them were very knowledgeable, knowing exactly what their job entailed, knowing how to interact with the residents and were all valuable teams members. Thanks to being with them I feel I had a great well rounded consolidation that has better prepared me for the transition from student to nurse.

[Rose]

Hello Courtney,
It sounds like you had an incredible experience with your preceptors! It’s great how each one brought their own unique perspective and strengths to your learning, and I can see how their different styles helped shape your growth as a nurse. I agree that having a well-rounded consolidation experience is so valuable, especially when you get to learn from different nurses who have expertise in various areas. The fact that they were patient, kind, and knowledgeable really shows the impact they had on you. It’s inspiring to hear how they helped you feel better prepared for your transition from student to nurse!
Thanks for your great post.
Rose

[Tara]

In my 20+ years in healthcare I was lucky enough to come across numerous individuals that were great leaders and I was fortunate enough to have learned many tools and principles that I carry with me now. One thing they all had in common is their patience and ability to guide others in their journey. A good leader is one that is able to effectively communicate and give constructive feedback without any demeaning context or making one feel lesser. They are strong in handling conflict and can offer resolutions.

[Emma-Leigh]

I got the opportunity to witness a code blue situation. The leader I have chosen is the lead of that emergency situation. The RN had the ability to delegate and assign tasks with total calmness. The leader showed effective communication skills and expertise knowledge on the situation presented.

[Antoinette]

A leader I have come across as a nurse was my preceptor when I was consolidating in the PN program. She was patient and always willing to share her knowledge with me and other nurses on the unit. She was very kind with patients. I noticed that many people trusted her and approached her for help and I believe this was because of her friendly and supportive attitude.

[Patrice]

I have admired some great healthare leaders throughout my work experience in the healthcare setting. I have admired an RN who I have worked with in the hospital setting as a great leader. I noticed how he always demonstrated genuine care and empathy towards his patients and the team members on the unit. It was evident that the safety of each patient and the quality of care provided were of paramount importance to him. He also communicated effectively with the patients, their families, and the team members; he treated everyone with kindness and respect. Consequently, such leadership style promoted improved patient care and outcomes as well as, fostered unity and trust.It was always a pleasure for me to work with such a great healthcare leader.

[Brittany]

I would definitely have to name my consolidation preceptor. I completed my consolidation on a cardiology ward. I was coming from placement in a Peterborough hospital. When I arrived to the high traffic short staffed cardiology ward in Scarborough I was not prepared. My preceptor demonstrated work ethic unlike i’ve ever seen in these other hospitals. She had found the balance of addressing pt.’s needs while not killing herself in the process and this is what she taught me. She taught me how to save time with my skills safely, she taught me the critical thinking of prioritizing and triaging, but to me most importantly she demonstrated the importance of a team player. The multidisciplinary team worked together for each individual patients best interest and the communication between all staff was intertwined yet seperate to each individuals scope. My preceptor as well as the whole team set me up for success by identifying the multi hats I need to wear as a nurse and how to wear each one effectively.

[Erika-Joy]

Tell us about a great healthcare leader that you know and what it is about them that makes them such a great leader?

A great healthcare leader I recently encountered is the Chief Nursing Officer at a public health unit. She was the one to orientate another student and me for our current final practicum. In summary, what makes her a great leader is her humility and integrity. I was impressed that someone at her level made time to orientate students. Also, her ability to develop a workplace in which leadership and staff live by the values, policies, and procedures that the organization stands for tells of strong leadership.

[Amber]

An amazing healthcare leader that I had was one of my professors. As we all know, nursing school can be quite a challenge and she had the best pep talks when some of us were at the highest points of anxiety. She was a Nurse Practitioner and was not only a professor but was a member of different committees. Her time was valuable and limited but she never once made any of us feel we were a bother. What made her a great leader was she was approachable, invested in our success and took the time to actively listen to any of our concerns or questions.

[Adetutu]

During my semester 2 placement on older adult,I had a very good facilitator,she was willing to teach,she sacrificed every single time to each student.
I learnt so many things from her including putting us through school assignment.
Till date I have never met a good teacher like that.

[Judith]

During my Semester 4 placement on the med-surg unit, Lakeridge. I had the opportunity to work with this amazing preceptor, who was very willing and ready to impart knowledge to his students, he made me fall in love with this profession and also made me see reasons why everything you do must be done right. he gives care with empathy and compassion. He is humble and gives a listening ear to every one of his students.

[Adeola]

Tell us about a great healthcare leader that you know and what it is about them that makes them such a great leader.

A great healthcare leader I have chosen is my program coordinator. Despite having a doctorate in Nursing, she brings along with her some positivity, listens to the concerns of the students and goes out of her way to ensure that the nursing students are not stressed about the program. She is always willing to hold tutorials for courses that we find challenging or connect the students with other professors who can help.

[Christiana]

I had 2 great clinical instructors in semesters 2 and 3. They were very kind, patient, and approachable. I learned so much from them. They made us work a lot, but we were happy to do it because we were gaining knowledge and skills.

[Coleen]

A great healthcare leader typically possesses a combination of strong communication skills, empathy, integrity, and a clear vision for improving patient care and outcomes. They inspire and motivate their team members through their actions and words, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. They are also adept at navigating complex healthcare systems, advocating for patients and staff alike while effectively managing resources and driving organizational success. Great healthcare leaders lead by example, prioritize patient safety and quality care, and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

[Shannon]

I recently just finished my consolidation, and had a great preceptor. she was very patient, knowledgeable and a great teacher. I believe that because of her patients, i was able to learn more then i thought i would be able to. a teacher can defiantly make the student.

[Paige]

To be a great leader involves being someone who upholds integrity and honesty in their practice. One of my favorite leaders I have encountered, embodied these key factors. A leader should be someone who communicates with honesty and involves everyone along the way.

[Adriana]

During my education I had the opportunity to have leaders as a preceptor in clinical placements which they knew it how to use tools regarding conflict resolution/de-escalation, effective/therapeutic communication and how to work as a team at all times.

[Brianne]

One of my co-workers is a great healthcare leader, as she is always looking to the newest and best practices that we could be doing in our nursing field. She is always trying new things and is bettering herself by going and doing more educational courses.

[Julian]

I met a nursing leader that is charge nurse most of the time, she would be polite and respectful. Also, she would help solve issues on the unit with the help of the assigned nurse, in addition she would remain calm when a large amount of tasks were assigned to the staff with multiple admissions at the same time. This professional conduct encouraged the writer to ask the leader for help more often improving the quality of care.

[Kerisha]

Vimbayi Makwaira is a great healthcare leader. She manages to incorporate her many years of experience and leadership in nursing into teaching and empowering nursing students like myself. She is patient, kind, a good listener, a problem solver and a motivator. Such qualities in a nurse make them a great healthcare leader.

[Nicole]

I have had the pleasure of working with multiple great healthcare leaders throughout my career. Most notably, I worked with a Charge Nurse who went above any beyond for the nursing staff and clients alike. She worked closely with nursing staff and the interdisciplinary team to ensure that she always knew what was happening on the floor. She motivated the nurses to advocate for their patients and themselves, shared her vast knowledge base, and stepped in to help when needed. Her communication skills changed based on the scenario and the person she was talking with. In the future, I hope to be half the leader she was.

[Ngan]

As a new graduate nurse at my first nursing job I had the pleasure of working with an RN who I would classify as a great healthcare leader. This nurse whether she was charge for the day or not was someone who was always open to help in any way; education, assisting, review, and organizing. There was never any judgement or “stupid” questions, they welcomed all inquires and provided insightful resources. They made the unit feel like a family.

[Yanique]

A great healthcare leader in long-term care that many admire is Dr. Barbara McCulloh, a long-term care physician and advocate for aging populations. Dr. McCulloh has made a significant impact on improving care for residents in long-term care facilities through her compassionate leadership and advocacy for quality of life.
What makes her such an exceptional leader is her deep commitment to person-centered care

[Janecia]

I have the privilege of working alongside an exceptional RPN at my current job. I deeply admire her resilience and emotional intelligence, as well as her unwavering patience and genuine compassion for her work. Her dedication to providing quality care and her ability to handle challenges with grace inspire me every day.

[Gagandeep]

One of the best healthcare leaders I’ve met is a nurse trainer at my long-term care facility where I did my 400 Hours placement training. She always advocating for both residents and staff while staying calm under pressure. She’s approachable, listens to concerns, and finds solutions that benefit everyone. Her leadership makes the work environment supportive and encourages continuous learning.

[Nancy]

I had preceptors who inspired leadership. However, the person I worked with last semester was amazing. She is an example of what a nurse should be. She was knowledgeable, caring, patient, and always advocated for the patients and coworkers. When working at night, she was pointed as the charge nurse; everybody always looked for her to ask what to do when they did not know what to do. For me, she is the model I need to follow.

[Wafaa]

During my consolidation on the medicine floor, my preceptor, who is also the charge nurse, demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that greatly impacted my learning experience. She has an amazing ability to balance clinical expertise with compassionate leadership. She remains calm and composed, even in high-pressure situations, which creates a reassuring environment for both staff and patients. What really sets her apart is her approach to mentorship. She takes the time to explain complex concepts, provide constructive feedback, and encourages questions, which greatly enhanced my understanding of patient care.

[Rose]

Hello,
During my nursing internship last year, I had the opportunity to work with a senior nurse who truly stood out as a great leader. During a particularly busy flu season, our unit was overwhelmed with patients, and resources were stretched thin. Despite the chaos, she remained calm and quickly reassessed patient needs, reorganizing the team and redistributing the workload to ensure no one was left behind. What made her an exceptional leader was her ability to adapt to the situation and make quick, effective decisions while maintaining high-quality patient care. She didn’t just give orders from a distance; she actively supported us by working alongside the team, offering guidance and encouragement. Her leadership created an environment of trust and teamwork, allowing us all to stay focused and do our best under pressure. This experience taught me that adaptability, hands-on support, and a calm presence in a crisis are key traits of a great leader, and it inspired me to bring those qualities into my own nursing practice.
Thank you for reading my post!
Rose

[Audrey]

During my clinical at the hospital, my preceptor always keeps us on our toes, especially when it comes to the administration of medication to patients. We had to know why; what is their diagnosis? What are the side effects of the radiation on the patient’s condition. This helps me to identify a medication without having to go and do a research. This, I know, is a great foundation for me, which I cherishheartedly and that helps me in my job today as a nurse.

[Sheryl]

Aside from my preceptor i would like to speak about my advance practice nurse in the unit during my consolidation. I really appreciate her for involving the student in their staff meetings, trainings and competencies in wound care and pressure injury. I benefited a lot in terms of learning and experience during this time because she supported so much of student nurses.

[Mary]

During my consolidation as an RPN student, I had the opportunity to work with two incredible healthcare leaders who greatly influenced my learning and perspective on leadership in nursing. My assigned preceptor was not only responsible for providing direct patient care but also played a key role in organizing the work schedules and shifts for PSWs, ensuring adequate staffing and continuity of care. She also managed the long-term care IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) supplies—like wipes, gowns, and masks—and ensured staff compliance with infection control protocols.

When my preceptor was not available, I worked closely with a dedicated RN who also stood out as a strong leader. She took on the role of an educator, regularly planning and delivering training sessions on IPAC measures and best practices for managing residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. What made both of them exceptional leaders was not just their clinical knowledge, but also their ability to guide, support, and educate others while ensuring high standards of care. They led by example, communicated clearly, and were deeply committed to teamwork and resident well-being. Their leadership helped create a positive and safe care environment, and they inspired me to grow both professionally and personally.

[Diana Ampate]

One great healthcare leader I admire is a nurse manager I worked with during my clinical placement. Her ability to lead with compassion and competence made her stand out. She treated every team member respectfully, listened to concerns without judgment, and made thoughtful decisions prioritizing patient care and staff well-being.

What impressed me most was how she led by example. Even during high-stress situations, she remained calm and solution-focused. She supported continuous learning by encouraging staff to pursue educational opportunities and regularly shared updates on best practices. Her leadership style was collaborative, empowering the team rather than micromanaging.

Her emotional intelligence, clear communication, and commitment to excellence created a positive work environment and ultimately improved patient care quality. She inspired me to develop my leadership skills and showed me how impactful nurse leaders can be in shaping healthcare outcomes.

[Sara]

During my consolidation, I had the opportunity to work closely with a charge nurse on the unit. She demonstrated exceptional clinical competence, confidence, and professionalism in her role. Observing her leadership, communication, and decision-making skills inspired me to further develop my own leadership abilities as a nurse.

[Jessica]

A good leader I know is a nurse on my unit. She is a strong leader because she is always offering a help and support when needed. In high stress events she always has a calm manner to help control the environment and team. She also ensure everyone understands their roles and the importance of the task.

[Amarpreet Kaur]

A great healthcare leader has strong communication skills, empathy, and integrity, and is committed to improving patient care. They support and motivate their team, promote teamwork and innovation, and ensure patient safety and quality care while continuing to learn and grow professionally.

[Ochuko Bridget]

One great healthcare leader I have had the opportunity to learn from is Lisa Dellazizzo, who was my clinical preceptor during my 4th semester in nursing school. What made her stand out as a leader was the way she taught with patience and kindness. She corrected mistakes in a supportive and respectful way, which made it easier to learn without feeling discouraged. Instead of focusing on what was wrong, she took the time to explain things clearly and guide us step by step.

Lisa also gave us early exposure to leadership by allowing students to take turns being “in charge” of our peers each week. This helped build our confidence and gave us a glimpse of what it feels like to take on responsibility in a clinical setting. She was always approachable, and whenever I was unsure about something, I felt comfortable going to her for help. She had a way of breaking things down into simple explanations that made everything easier to understand. Because of her teaching style and support, she remains one of the best professors and preceptors I have had, and she has had a lasting impact on my growth as a nurse.

[Harmanjyot]

Thank you for sharing your experience with Lisa. She sounds like a great leader and mentor. I really liked how you highlighted her patience, kindness, and supportive teaching style. These qualities are important because they help create a safe learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning from mistakes.
I also think it was valuable that she gave students opportunities to take on leadership roles during clinical. This helps build confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills. It is clear that her guidance had a positive impact on your growth and development as a nurse.

[Harmanjyot]

I have had the opportunity to work with different types of healthcare leaders, including managers and charge nurses, and I have learned something valuable from each of them. One manager I worked with was very empathetic and always took the time to actively listen to staff concerns. She created a supportive environment where staff felt heard, respected, and comfortable asking questions or discussing challenges. Her leadership style helped build trust and strong team morale.
My current manager has a different leadership style. He is very strong in problem-solving and communication and is more direct and to the point. I appreciate how efficiently he handles difficult situations and provides clear expectations and guidance to the team. His approach has taught me the importance of being decisive and organized in leadership.
Although their leadership styles are different, both have been great healthcare leaders in their own way. Working with them has shown me that effective leadership can look different depending on the person, but qualities such as communication, support, accountability, and problem-solving are all important in creating a positive healthcare environment.

[Melissa]

I work in a large, busy long-term care home, and I must say that my unit manager is fantastic. From the very beginning of her taking on her new role as a resident care manager, she has been consistently kind, compassionate, and extremely supportive towards all staff members, residents, and family members. She goes above and beyond to ensure that our unit is an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, valued, and safe. She is truly one of a kind!

[Yi]

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I agree that a supportive unit manager can make a big difference in a busy long-term care home. When a leader is kind, compassionate, and approachable, staff feel more comfortable asking questions, reporting concerns, and working together as a team.

I also like how you mentioned that your manager supports staff, residents, and family members. In long-term care, families are often closely involved in residents’ care, so strong communication and respect are very important. A good leader helps create a safe and positive environment for everyone.

Great post!

[Ednah]

Throughout my nursing journey, I have had the opportunity to meet and worksite alongside many nurses that I consider leaders in practice. One notable figure that I often think about happens to be one of my nursing professors. The characteristic that I admire about her the most is her desire to see her students succeed and train the next generation of nursing leaders. While it may sound cliché, she truly puts her heart and soul into her students – mentoring, motivating and guiding them on their individual pathways to success. Often times, leaders, especially in healthcare, may become lost in the nuances of the job, forgetting to build and develop their team however this professor in particular always has her team, or in this case, her students at the forefront because as she says “your success is my success.”

[Manjot]

One great healthcare leader I worked with during my semester 4 placement was my preceptor. He consistently demonstrated a calm, organized, and respectful approach, even in high-pressure and stressful situations.

From week 3 to 7, he trusted me to do most of my nursing tasks under his supervision. He always supported me, answered my questions, and gave helpful feedback without making me feel nervous.

What made him a great leader was his calm attitude, good communication, and the way he guided me to become more confident and independent in my practice.

[Yi]

Subject: A Great Healthcare Leader in Long-Term Care

A great healthcare leader I know is a nurse manager I worked with in long-term care. What makes her a great leader is her kindness, patience, strong communication skills, and ability to stay calm during stressful situations. Long-term care can be very busy, and residents often have complex needs, but she always supports the staff and focuses on resident safety and quality of care.

She is a good leader because she listens to staff concerns, gives clear directions, and treats everyone with respect. She also supports new nurses and students by answering questions and providing guidance without making them feel embarrassed or nervous. This helps staff feel more confident and comfortable asking for help when needed.

Another quality I admire is that she leads by example. She follows policies, communicates professionally with residents and families, and encourages teamwork among nurses, PSWs, and other healthcare team members. Her leadership helps create a positive and safe environment for both residents and staff.

In my opinion, a great healthcare leader is not only someone with knowledge and experience, but also someone who can motivate, support, and guide others. This type of leadership is very important in long-term care because it helps improve teamwork, staff confidence, and resident-centred care.

[Yetunde]

A great healthcare leader I’ve worked with is my clinical preceptor during placement. What makes them stand out is how calm and organized they are even during busy shifts.She always prioritize patient safety first, but also take time to teach me in the moment. Instead of just telling me what to do, She explain the “why” behind decisions, which really helped me build critical thinking.
She also communicate well with the interprofessional team whether it’s nurses, doctors, or physiotherapists and very respectful but confident when advocating for patients. Because of that, the team trusts her judgment.
Overall, her leadership stands out because they combine strong clinical knowledge with patience, clear communication, and support for learners.

[Anna Marie]

I have had the privilege of working with several clinical instructors and preceptors throughout my clinical placements who embodied strong leadership qualities in healthcare. One healthcare leader who stood out to me was a clinical instructor who consistently created a supportive and respectful learning environment while still encouraging accountability and professional growth.
What made them such a great leader was their ability to lead by example. They demonstrated professionalism, compassion, strong communication, and patient-centered care in every interaction with patients, families, and the healthcare team. They remained calm in stressful situations, prioritized patient safety, and always took the time to teach and support students without judgment.
I admired how they encouraged critical thinking and confidence by allowing students to become more independent while still providing guidance when needed. They also promoted teamwork and collaboration by ensuring everyone felt heard and respected. Their positive attitude and dedication to mentoring students inspired me to continue growing both personally and professionally as a future nurse.
This experience showed me that great healthcare leaders are not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also supportive, approachable, and committed to helping others succeed.

[Author]

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