Methodist's Hospital's Pam Haschke honored with The DAISY Nurse Leader Award

The DAISY Nurse Leader Award honors nurse leaders who work to foster a positive environment where skilled and compassionate care thrives. This award recognizes nursing directors, managers, assistant managers, coordinators, educators, preceptors and many more leaders in the nursing arena. Over 5,400 organizations worldwide work with The DAISY Foundation to recognize deserving nurses. Learn more about The DAISY Nurse Leader Award here.

Congratulations to Pam Haschke, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, a service executive for Patient Care Administration at Methodist Hospital, for being honored with The DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She was nominated by Crystal Smith, DNP, RN, NE-BC, who is also a service executive for Patient Care Administration at Methodist Hospital.

Smith wrote:

"I am honored to nominate Pam Haschke for this award in recognition of her exemplary practice, operational leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence within surgical services. Pam consistently demonstrates resilience and unwavering commitment, stepping into complex workplace challenges with clarity, steadiness and solutions-oriented focus. Her ability to support multiple teams through unexpected workplace pressure – while keeping patient care and staff well-being at the center – sets a high standard for professional leadership and operational excellence.

"Pam creates an environment where staff feel supported through clarity, communication and high standards. Her approach emphasizes mutual respect, accountability and professionalism. She sets clear expectations, ensures that processes are followed and supports ongoing professional development, fostering a culture where team members feel equipped to perform at their best. She has actively mentored a new leader by providing steady guidance, clear expectations and real-time coaching – building their confidence, sharpening their judgment and accelerating their ability to perform at a high level.

"One of the most defining examples of Pam’s leadership was her role in the QGenda rollout. Her attention to detail, thorough preparation and methodical approach helped ease the pains of a highly complex transition. Pam made herself consistently available to staff, walking them through each step, troubleshooting issues and ensuring that everyone understood the changes. When things weren’t going as planned, Pam spent countless hours understanding concerns and seeking resolution. Her efficiency and clear communication significantly reduced frustrations and allowed the team to transition to the new system.

"Pam’s effectiveness was equally evident during the PACU noxious smell incidents and the Women’s Hospital flooding events. These situations required rapid decision-making, clear communication and coordination across multiple departments. Pam stepped into this role with urgency and precision. She served as a clear and reliable communicator between frontline surgical services staff and the various teams involved, ensuring that accurate information was shared quickly and that operational impacts were addressed promptly. Her ability to remain organized, focused and solutions-driven under pressure helped maintain stability during unpredictable circumstances.

"Pam motivates surgical services staff through her strong work ethic, her commitment to doing things the right way and her ability to envision and execute improvements that benefit both staff and patients. She mentors by example – demonstrating critical thinking, accountability and a streamlined approach to problem-solving. Colleagues value her accessibility, her responsiveness and her consistent follow-through.

"On a personal level, I appreciate that Pam is approachable, is helpful and infuses FUN into work. Whether it’s hiding sound machines, bringing gingerbread men or showing you the latest funny meme, she makes time to connect with people and help them feel welcome and included.

"For these reasons – and for the meaningful difference she makes every day – Pam is truly deserving of this recognition."

Do you know a nurse who is deserving of The DAISY Award? Nominations can be submitted by patients, family members, colleagues or “anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary compassionate care being provided by a nurse.” To nominate a Methodist nurse for The DAISY Award, click here.