Tammy Pfeiffer, unit manager

As unit manager, Tammy led her team through the creation of the inpatient COVID-19 ward (Unit 44) at Grey Nuns Community Hospital. She demonstrated integrity by challenging the plans and practices during the planning phase. During implementation, she liaised with many different stakeholders and continued to adapt and change practices based on the evolving COVID-19 response. She was able to adapt processes and make adjustments after analyzing what went well and what didn’t. She was not satisfied with status quo, and she always strives to make the best possible environment for her staff.

Tammy has created an open and safe environment on her unit. Whenever there is a patient safety issue or staff concern, she always follows through. She ensures any education gaps are filled when these types of events occur, and ensures there is adequate follow-up support for her team. She goes the extra mile for her team.

She responds to her staff members, colleagues, patients and families affected by the changing circumstances of the pandemic response with openness and transparency. She demonstrates integrity when she assists patients and families who are navigating the shifting essential visitor restrictions, the fear of COVID-19, and being a patient on a COVID-19 ward. She demonstrates integrity by working with others to find the best solutions for problems, and she is willing to listen and speak out when needed to address any ethical conflict. Tammy is an integral part of the medicine program at Grey Nuns. Her heartfelt, genuine approach to management and leadership has made her a respected leader and source of knowledge at Covenant Health.