Stephanie Ellis, program manager

While rebuilding the medicine team at the Misericordia Community Hospital, program manager Stephanie Ellis fostered an inclusive environment where team members know they can always voice their opinions and she will listen to them. This approach has led to the creation of a trusting culture where members work well together and with external teams.

Stephanie assembled a diverse leadership team, each member bringing different clinical backgrounds and unique skills. Reports of longstanding workplace challenges have steadily increased, not due to new issues, but because staff trust that Stephanie will listen and take meaningful, timely action for the betterment of the team and patients.

She is having a positive impact on staff recruitment and retention. At a time of high-capacity pressures and increased acuity, her ability to create a respectful and supportive work environment decreased the medicine program’s team vacancy rate from 18.75 per cent in January 2024 to just seven per cent by December.

Her impact extends beyond staffing. She initiated the creation of the compassion room, recognizing the need for a space where families can gather during end-of-life care while honouring cultural and spiritual traditions. She also collaborates across departments to ensure safe staffing levels and improve patient placement.

Stephanie is a leader who is able to develop leadership in others. Many difficult conversations, overarching demands on her team, and constant change allowed her to demonstrate an outstanding amount of managerial courage and respect.