My favorite boss was the nurse manager I was assigned to while working as a nurse educator at a large trauma center. She was caring, had a sense of humor, attended to details, a great problem solver, knowledgeable, a advocate for patients and staff, optimistic, a hard worker, an effective communicator, compassionate, and even tempered. We both retired from the medical center at the same time.
Dr. Susan Bower Ferris, PhD, RN. She was the Director of the Neuro/Ortho/Psych/Rehab Division (total of 13 units) at Columbia Presbyterian when I worked there as manager of the medical-psych unit in the mid-1980's. She was fair, calm, organized, listened well, gave her managers a lot of independence, expected a lot and would not let us give less than our best. She taught all of us about good management and supported our decisions. Susan was also not afraid of innovations and encouraged them in all of us. She had vision, a great sense of humor and appreciated irony, all of which which were probably her saving graces, as we were a "wild and crazy" bunch. Demanded all of us get more schooling no matter what degree we already had, and supported class schedules so we could make it work. She ran a tight, no-nonsense ship with high expectations and we loved - LOVED - her!
My current boss is my favorite. She has been super patient and kind as I have settled into this position the past month. She also asked me what my pronouns are so that she could present a report to the higher ups. I've never been asked and I found that really touching and sweet.
I have been blessed to have numerous "favorite" bosses! My first 2 were Pediatricians that spent the time to educate as well as make the office a very fulfilling environment. The last 3 were compassionate, caring and "hands off". I thrived under their guidance and minimal direction.
AnnArtkop was the best boss ever. She was a role model nurse that was wonderful, and taught me so much in the real nursing world right after I was out of RN school.
