I received more letters than fields provided and combined them all into one document:

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1 I received more letters than fields provided and combined them all into one document: Submitted by Manny Castillo When I transferred from MMH to OMC, what initially struck me about Lucy was her ability to know her employees by name and their abilities. Back then, I thought she knew a lot about me more than I know about her during our first face-to-face encounter. I believe and sense her genuine liking for people which is a very important quality especially when you work with people who are strong-willed, employees and physicians alike. Lucy is impeccably honest, and communicates openly, forcefully and effectively which inspires her employees to seek and achieve positive results because she makes her expectations clear. She willingly displays her sense of humor as appropriate, which further enhances the great teamwork and exciting dynamics of the department. She never fails to praise and recognize employees for the excellent work that they do. Employees do not always want material gifts or monetary reward for their achievements. She tickles them with her constant Thank you s and Keep up the Good Work. As the manager of the Perioperative Services, she is a great planner and thinker. Her physical stamina and mental endurance is enviable considering that she is at the forefront of her department s fiscal performance and resource allocation. After all, the surgical services are not only a huge revenue producer for the hospital but also a big spender as well. She is definitely a big contributor to continued success and growth of OMC and AHS as a whole. Lucy also puts a considerable premium on her employees professionalism consistent with the organization s PRIDE values and expectations. Her concerns for high standards on professional conduct are at a level and recognition that gives OMC a competitive edge for quality work. Lucy is fair and firm, but she is also sensitive to the feelings of others. She is tactful and never fails to give sound and practical advice when sought. And lastly, she has a great and amazing eye for talent; otherwise, we, her coordinators will not be in a position where we are now.

2 Submitted by Grace Gildea On the first day our new manager was to begin in the OR, it was my responsibility to assign her a locker. It was then that I first got that good feeling about Lucy Duffy. In my thirty-one years as a nurse, I can truly say that Lucy has been the best manager I have ever had. I can best describe her as being cool, calm, and confident. The pride she takes in her staff is amazing and heartfelt. She shares our victories and comforts us in times of defeat. She supports our interests both personally and professionally and brings out the best in her staff, whether that means going on mission trips or nominating one of her nurses for an award. Lucy is also full of surprises; it is the little things she does that make a big difference, such as giving Dunkin' Donuts gift cards, knitted scarves, and baby blankets to her staff along with notes of appreciation for their hard work. Six years later that good feeling has grown even stronger. Lucy is an inspiration to us all, as well as a blessing to the Overlook Medical Center operating room. Grace Gildea BS RN CNOR

3 Submitted by Karen Pemberton To whom it may concern, I would like to nominate my Manager Lucy Duffy for Nurse Manager of the year. About one year ago the manager of Central Sterile Processing suddenly passed away and it was a shock to the Central Sterile Processing department. The staff was devastated by the lost and Lucy decided to step in and take the initiative to manage that department as well as the other 11 departments she already manages. The staff was all appreciative of Lucy s decision to take on another department. Lucy came to the Central Sterile Processing department and let everyone know she was there to assist if needed. Two weeks later Lucy held a staff meeting and announced she would be managing the department officially. We were all thrilled because Lucy has an exceptional reputation in regards to managing departments. Lucy came in and saw what the department was lacking and made positive changes. The department is working more efficiently as a result of her changes. Lucy recognizes her staff when they work hard by nominating them for awards as well as letting them know when they have done a great job. Lucy does not shy away from giving the staff positive feedback. Lucy keeps the staff informed about all changes that will be implemented and is always open for suggestions. Lucy is very approachable because she maintains a positive attitude as she continues to strive for excellence. Recently I was told she would have to take on another office that the hospital acquired. Lucy would come in on her personal time to make sure that everything is running smoothly because she is dedicated to her job. I admire her resilience and I am amazed at the work she has done. No matter how busy Lucy may be, she still has time to meet one on one with staff to go over all the personal issues they may have. Lucy is very much deserving of the nurse manager of the year award as a token for all that she does. I do hope that you consider her for this prestigious award. Thank you, Karen Pemberton

4 Submitted by Jillian Dellavecchia June 19 th 2014 To whom it may concern: Which hat does she have on today? Lucy Duffy OR manager of the Year Nomination There is not enough time, energy or paper to give every reason why Lucy Duffy deserves to receive recognition for manager of the year. If one were to compare all the hats she wears in a given day, one could see how the characteristic and qualities of each of these hats completes and compliments each other. Let s look at all of them individually. There is the mentor hat. This hat brings concern, strength, recognition, empathy, humor and creativity. The manager hat shows the business savvy side. Lucy is the type of manager that promotes communication and fosters a great working environment. The final hat is the nurse hat. This hat is made up of many little hats. First and foremost, Lucy is a nurse. She is willing to dive in and do whatever is needed in order to promote a safe outcome for the patients. She is driven by safe care and patient satisfaction. Lucy represents the nurse and above and beyond represents a consummate professional at all times. She is caring, loving, and compassionate. She treats her employees as if they are her family and is always pushing them to strive to do better. Without Lucy, many people, including myself, would not be where they are today without her support. Lucy is and always will be manager of the year. Sincerely, Jillian DellaVecchia RN, BSN

5 Submitted by Judy Tracey July 16, 2014 OR Manager Conference Attn: OR Manager of the Year 4 Choke Cherry Road, 2nd Floor Rockville, MD Dear OR Manager Committee: I am endorsing Lucy Duffy, Perioperative Services Manager at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, N.J., for the Manager of the Year Award. She exemplifies the very best in leadership and professionalism. Lucy hired me into the new position of Perianesthesia Nurse Educator four years ago. I am a seasoned, proficient PACU nurse with little managerial experience. Lucy s instructions to me were to make the job my own. She has supported me with many new initiatives including several successful evidence based projects. She is a strong proponent of best practices, and encourages staff to get involved in their own practice and education. Mentoring has been Lucy s focal point. She initiated taking one of our patient care techs that had graduated from a nursing program, and shepherding her in the PACU to become a very successful member of our staff. She encouraged taking a med-surg nurse from the floor that showed promise and mentoring her in our specialty. Each presented different challenges. Lucy gave me all the tools including unlimited time and creative budgeting to accomplish this. Lucy sets the bar high to encourage and enable professional growth. She has also been a support with fostering a balance between work and personal life. I can always count on her, not for the answers, but for the direction I need. The measure of her success is the success of her coordinators, educators, and staff. I am proud and fortunate to have Lucy Duffy as my manager. Sincerely, Judith Tracey BSN, RN, CAPA Judith Tracey BSN, RN, CAPA PeriAnesthesia Nurse Educator Overlook Medical Center

6 Submitted by Vivian McDonnell OR Manager Year Award As one of the OR Coordinators that had and is currently working with Lucy Duffy, Manager OR/SDS/CSPD/ENDO/PREOP/PACU, I am in full support of nominating her for the OR Manager Award. As a head of the multiple departments and several hundreds of staff under her, Lucy remains focused and always prioritizes the daily challenges and needs of each department. She makes sure to follow up and obtain the best results on any projects, issues on a consistent and timely manner. Considering the immense responsibilities she faces daily, Lucy manages to be superbly organized and calm. Her excellent ability to maintain and handle the huge financial needs and budgeting of the multiple departments she has, is much to be admired. Lucy knows how to engage her staff, tap their potentials and acknowledges when needed. She also handles any issues on staff or doctors very well and with optimal professionalism based on our guidelines and policies. One of the other outstanding qualities she has is being a quick thinker and a solution finder. She will not stop until she finds an answer to issues. We have heard and seen Lucy stop to assist patients directly and anybody when the need arises. As an overall, Lucy never fails to shows her deep commitment, passion, love, hard work in the job she has right now. Her honesty, integrity and her wholeness as a person displays the true value of our system P-R-I-D-E! For this reasons, I truly believed that Lucy Duffy is a very deserving recipient for an OR Manager Year Award. Submitted by: Vivian McDonnell, Anesthesia/OR Clinical Coordinator

7 Submitted by Kyle Dellomo and Karen Miceli June 25, 2014 OR Manager Conference 4 Choke Cherry Road, 2 nd Floor Rockville, MD To Whom It May Concern, It is with great pleasure that we nominate our manager, Lucy Duffy as the recipient of the 2014 OR Manager of the Year Award. Last fall, Lucy offered us the opportunity to attend the OR Manager Conference in National Harbor, MD. This is just one of the many examples on how Lucy encourages the growth and leadership within her management team and staff. As manager of 12 units in the hospital, and over 350 employees, Lucy still finds the time to know everyone in some way. Lucy is always looking for opportunities to enhance the growth and development within the hospital and is committed to the delivery of excellent patient care and experience. She instills the Pride values of the Atlantic Health organization in the work she does and the example she sets. On a personal note, Lucy takes time from her limited free time and volunteers on mission trips with Healing the Children, most recently on a trip to Peru this past March. As you can see, there are many reasons why Lucy is so deserving of this award. Please consider our nomination for Lucy Duffy as OR Manager of the Year, so we can honor the efforts and work she does to make Overlook such a rewarding place to work! With Sincere Appreciation, Kyle Dellomo RN Clinical Coordinator Main Operating Room Overlook Medical Center Karen a Miceli RN Clinical Coordinator Same Day Surgery Overlook Medical Center

8 Submitted by Irene Rimback June 24, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to nominate Lucy Duffy for the OR Manager of the Year Award. Lucy has been my Manager for the past six years and I have always found her to be an outstanding leader. Her commitment and dedication is unsurpassed. Her commitment to PRIDE and clinical/customer service excellence, her ability to pay close attention to detail and her extraordinary communication skills were essential factors to the success of her departments as Manager. She takes on difficult projects and sees them through to successful completion. I have seen her resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. She continually encourages her staff to succeed by promoting their growth and development. Lucy clearly derives enjoyment from her duties and her enthusiasm has contributed to the fun and professional working atmosphere in our departments. I believe these characteristics represent all that is good at Atlantic Health, and I am pleased to nominate her for the honor of OR Manager of the Year. Sincerely, Irene Rimback

9 Submitted by Elizabeth Mirbach OR Manager Conference Attn: OR Manager of the Year 4 Choke Cherry Road, 2nd Floor Rockville, MD Dear Committee I am nominating Lucy Duffy, OR, Endoscopy and Central Supply Manager of Overlook Medical Center for Manager of the Year. She has a tremendous amount of responsibilities, but there always seems to be time for her staff. Over the last six years, I have been very lucky to have worked with Lucy for so many reasons. I started my new role as perioperative educator, shortly after she had started at Overlook. On a personal note, I was able to accomplish things I never thought possible through her support and encouragement. Besides being responsible for the education of our own department, she felt that I should get involved in educating other departments on aseptic technique and other areas of our expertise, in departments such as Maternity, Interventional Radiology, and the Breast Center etc. She felt that this information was something that the OR was more knowledgeable about than other departments and it was our responsibility to share that information with the other departments who needed help in doing cases where aseptic technique, in particular, was essential. These classes have been ongoing for the last few years and continue. I feel that they have made a very positive difference in the care of our patients throughout the hospital. Here are just a few things that Lucy has done over the years: I came to Lucy one day about a new nurse who was struggling. She had confided in me that her husband was abusive, and she was living a life of fear. I spoke to Lucy about her (I later told the nurse that I had broken her confidence). Lucy spoke to the nurse, and asked her if she could bring in support people in the hospital who deal with abuse issues, which she agreed. Lucy was there for her and made every effort to make sure that she and her children were protected. She made one of the nursing assistants, a coordinator. She did not just give him the job she coached and guided him to make him successful in his new role. A box of suggestions was placed in the lounge, every few weeks Lucy would go over the suggestions in the box, discussing them with a few select people, helping to figure out resolutions. One of the nursing magazines had a contest for nurse of the year. Lucy nominated one of the operating room nurses who precepts new employees every day. She really felt that this person should be recognized. In order to win the title, Lucy encouraged everyone everyday through s, text messages, etc. any way she could get the reminder out. Finally, at the end of the competition, the nurse was recognized as Nurse of the Year for this magazine, and a lot of the voting had to do with Lucy s perseverance. Lucy put together a party, where she brought bags of candy and had special qualities of the nurse written on them. A Passion in Action Award is a monitory award in our hospital where someone is thanked for something special they do. Lucy frequently gives them out herself, but also encourages the coordinators to do the same. I could write so much more about how she has made a difference in my life, and others. She leads by example. I am very blessed to be able to work for a manager with a passion and commitment in making a positive difference in life. Elizabeth Mirbach RN, BSN, CNOR Perioperative Educator Overlook Hospital Summit, New Jersey