Tufts MC True Blue Recipient: Mary Beth Williams, MN, RN, Executive Director of Patient Care
Services
Nomination from Professional Development Manager Heather Kennedy:
“Authentic leader. Patient and family advocate. Value-driven. These are words that embody what Mary Beth represents. In my 15 years as a critical care nurse I have learned about core leadership values, and as I have advanced professionally I have tried to keep at the forefront the attributes of being truly authentic. It was not, however, until I met Mary Beth that I began to really see in action an authentic leader.
“Mary Beth is such an amazing role model for all the nurse leaders. She mentors the professional development managers and clinical nursing directors at the Tufts Medical Center, and meets with us one-on-one to hear our concerns and help us develop plans that put patients first and promote safety. She is someone I trust to lead us in the right direction. She is open and approachable. It is important to her to recognize individuals for their strengths and contributions and I have seen her do this on numerous occasions. She has come up to the PICU to thank a nurse for a safety report she completed and on another occasion to recognize a nurse for favorable comments in a Press Ganey report. I have never encountered a nurse leader at Mary Beth’s professional level who takes the time to recognize nurses in such meaningful ways.
“When Mary Beth attends or leads meetings, she recognizes the talents of her team members individually and as a whole. What I don’t think she recognizes is that she is the one who makes it possible for all of us to lead so well. No matter what issue we bring to her, she makes sure we ask ourselves the following question, ‘What is the right answer for the patient?’ She is committed to patient safety, the patient experience and to family centered care. This I believe is her passion and mission.
“Every day that I come to work I am proud to work for a nurse leader whose values are consistent and uncompromising, who is trustworthy and committed to service and quality, and who is genuine and authentic in all that she does. There are few leaders who lead with the grace, poise and objectivity that Mary Beth exemplifies in every interaction she has with colleagues, patients and families. Her sphere of influence impacts patient, unit and organizational levels and extends into the health care system as a whole.”
