Lisa Galloway, clinical nurse manager in Soin Medical Center’s ICU, received the Employer Support Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. The award recognizes supervisors who demonstrate exceptional support for their employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve.
Lisa was nominated by two of her staff members, Katie Whitt and Caleb Boles.
“She has shown time and time again that she values and respects our service, and she provides us with the flexibility and understanding necessary to fulfill our duties both as civilian nurses and as proud members of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Katie, nurse in the hospital’s ICU and critical care nurse in the United States Army Reserve. “As I prepare for a deployment overseas next year, Lisa has offered flexible scheduling options, allowing me to schedule myself around deployment preparation exercises and training.”
Caleb Boles serves as a senior master sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve in addition to his role as a nurse in Soin’s ICU, and he acknowledged that while schedules can pose a challenge, Lisa handles it with grace.
“I do recognize that even though serving in the military has its honors and always sounds great, that does not make it any easier for managers when their core staff have to leave for weeks or months at a time. Lisa just has a way of encouraging and, and seems genuinely happy to help,” he said. “Her support extends beyond just time off; it is evident in the way she manages staffing and communicates with us, ensuring that we are always prepared for our dual responsibilities as both nurses and service members.”
Katie, Caleb, and members of Soin’s leadership team surprised Lisa with a special presentation for the award and treats for the unit.
“I’m humbled and always grateful to work alongside those who serve our country and do it with pride,” Lisa shared. “Caleb and Katie both are committed almost every other weekend to the reserves because they’re so dedicated to protecting us. I did not see this [recognition] coming, and it’s purely my honor to work with them.”