Paoli DAISY Nurse Leader didn’t let uncertainty hold her back

"Be scared and do it anyway."

That quote from a mentor has stuck with Kelly Zink, RN, a board-certified Ambulatory Care nurse who has seen how wide-open the nursing field can be over her 14-year career, and she encourages other nurses to be open to trying something different.

For example, this DAISY Nurse Leader Honoree didn’t let uncertainty hold her back when she moved into her first leadership role.

“I have been through a community leadership course, as well as the IU Health Emerging Leaders program, which gave me the confidence to say yes when Sara Hawkins [IU Health Paoli Hospital Director of Clinical Operations] reached out to me about filling in as interim manager for my two departments [Infusion and Visiting Specialist Clinic] while she was also filling an interim role.”

Her nomination form says, “Kelly has inspired confidence in her fellow co-workers by her knowledge, skill, caring and her love of nursing. We have watched her progress in leadership classes and transition to interim manager with great confidence in her ability to lead and assist. We are very proud of her.”

During her time as an interim manager, Kelly continued to care for patients while also supporting her team as a leader. Her nomination form says:

• “She listens to our questions and issues, and she either helps us come up with a solution or gives a solution to the question or issue at hand.”
• “Kelly stays optimistic and enthusiastic even when delivering bad or stressful news. She truly cares so much about each individual and puts 100% effort into her team.”
• “Her loving and compassionate nature comes out vividly when she is caring for patients.”

“I love my team and this facility and this community so much,” shares Kelly. That’s why it’s essential for her to connect with her team, patients and their loved ones, and make them feel seen, heard and important.

Supporting the future of nursing is also close to her heart.

“Kelly is a role model to those she works with on a daily basis and the future nurses that come to Paoli to intern and job shadow at the Visiting Specialist Clinic and Infusion,” says her nomination form. “She has inspired many future nurses in their career paths.”