Dear Ms. Reilly:

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I am Elaine Jones, and for the past eight months I have had the unique opportunity to work collaboratively with Donna Hale. She came to St. Joseph's Health Center as the Interim Manager of Surgical Services. Her presence was certainly received with some trepidation, however within a week, we knew that we have been introduced to a professional who had strength, intelligence, integrity, and the management and communication skills needed to transition our department to a heightened level of excellence.

I was employed as the Nurse Coordinator of the Operating Room and as my work alliance with Donna increased I realized that she was truly committed. For many hours, she worked tirelessly, attempting to learn the history and culture of our institution. She earned the respect of staff, surgeons and management. More importantly, she recognized and supported the talents and expertise of all levels of staff. She created an awareness that every individual deserved to be treated with respect. I am fortunate;my life has been influenced and changed through my association with her. Donna recognized some unique qualities and supported my ideas. She made me realize that opportunities and challenges create changes. I began to realize that, along with my staff, we could make a difference in the way we deliver patient care in our departments. I accepted the Manager's position in June. Since then, she has been my mentor, supporting me and sharing every aspect of her knowledge and experiences.

Our accomplishments have been many, we have been able to create a leadership team of excellence, promote and enhance unit and department team playing, create and implement a surgical value analysis committee with physician participation, improve supply chain management, institute a "Template for Change" for the Surgical Services Department; which will result in increased efficiency and cost effectiveness. I say "We", because I know Donna would have is said no other way…

My experience with your consulting firm has been such a positive one. Donna will leave us knowing she has made a difference in our future and the way we will deliver surgical care services in Warren, Ohio. The purpose of this letter is to share with you these thoughts and to offer this letter of recommendation for her. Please feel free to contact me any time.

Thank you.

Elaine Jones RN CNOR
Manager Surgical Services SJHC