Neuro Stepdown Nurse Leads with Compassion
After 19 years working in Neuro Stepdown at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Registered Nurse Sara Baz wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. A 2006 graduate of Kent State University with a BSN, she’s always been fascinated by neurology. “There are so many diseases affecting the brain and nervous system,” she says. “I enjoy helping people and I feel with neuro, the patients rely on you. They need a lot of rehabilitation, and I think it suits me well.”
Her passion for neurology is deeply personal: when her older sister was just one year old, she contracted encephalitis, which resulted in cognitive issues. “I always wanted to understand more about it and what she went through. That was one of my inspirations.”
Award-Winning Compassion
Sara’s deep connections with patients recently earned her a prestigious DAISY Award, an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. She was nominated by the daughter of a couple that Sara cared for, both of whom suffered from strokes several years apart. The daughter, a Cleveland Clinic caregiver herself, was so impressed with Sara’s care that she nominated her for the award. “It was humbling,” Sara says.
The Heart of Bedside Care
While other nurses may consider going into management or pursuing a different career specialty, Sara remains committed to bedside care, where she finds true fulfillment. “Part of the reason I haven’t left bedside nursing is because I love making people comfortable. I think the art of nursing has faded a bit. But doing holistic, direct care – like bathing someone — really makes a difference,” Sara says. “The other nurses tease me and call me the ‘bath queen.’ But when you bathe someone, their body temperature drops, and they’re able to sleep. I like being able to provide that comfort.”
Stronger Together
Sara’s responsibilities go far beyond providing comfort to patients. As a nurse on the Neuro Stepdown unit, she performs in-depth assessments to catch even the slightest neurological changes that may occur. “If we do find any kind of mild fluctuation, we notify the team right away so they can intervene quickly and potentially save brain function,” she says.
Sara also collaborates closely with a broad team of caregivers, including doctors, independent practitioners, speech, physical, and occupational therapists, case managers and nurse aides.
“There are just so many deficits with neuro patients, and they need a lot of help. So, we work really closely together,” Sara says.
Sara also is quick to acknowledge her supportive leadership team. “I’m really lucky. My managers are always there for us and make sure everything is running well.”
And she never forgets the Clinical Technicians and Patient Care Nurse Assistants (PCNAs). “To me, they are the backbone of this organization. I can’t do my job as well without their assistance. They do so much for us.”
Dedicated to Progress
Despite a busy schedule both at work and at home, Sara still finds time to lead and advocate. She serves as a Magnet® Ambassador – promoting readiness and preparedness – leads as a Shared Governance Council President and represents her peers as a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Round Table representative.
A Package Deal
Sara is also an ideal advocate for working at Cleveland Clinic. “Oh, it’s the best decision I ever made. I think it’ll be the best decision they’ll ever make. It’s one of the best hospitals in the world. There’s so much growth potential. And Cleveland Clinic really is like a family. Everyone is just so nice. When patients come here, they say, ‘Oh, my gosh. Everyone’s so nice.’ And it’s true.”
In addition to the incredible work culture and professional opportunities, Sara and her husband, Almanfel (an Assistant Manager Pharmacy Operations at Fairview Hospital), are especially grateful for Cleveland Clinic’s outstanding benefits package. Their two children, ages 12 and 10, both have type 1 diabetes, and Cleveland Clinic provides full coverage for their medical supplies and medications. “We have amazing benefits. When your family is sick, they’re really there for you,” Sara says.
After 19 years working in Neuro Stepdown at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Registered Nurse Sara Baz wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. A 2006 graduate of Kent State University with a BSN, she’s always been fascinated by neurology. “There are so many diseases affecting the brain and nervous system,” she says. “I enjoy helping people and I feel with neuro, the patients rely on you. They need a lot of rehabilitation, and I think it suits me well.”
Her passion for neurology is deeply personal: when her older sister was just one year old, she contracted encephalitis, which resulted in cognitive issues. “I always wanted to understand more about it and what she went through. That was one of my inspirations.”
Award-Winning Compassion
Sara’s deep connections with patients recently earned her a prestigious DAISY Award, an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. She was nominated by the daughter of a couple that Sara cared for, both of whom suffered from strokes several years apart. The daughter, a Cleveland Clinic caregiver herself, was so impressed with Sara’s care that she nominated her for the award. “It was humbling,” Sara says.
The Heart of Bedside Care
While other nurses may consider going into management or pursuing a different career specialty, Sara remains committed to bedside care, where she finds true fulfillment. “Part of the reason I haven’t left bedside nursing is because I love making people comfortable. I think the art of nursing has faded a bit. But doing holistic, direct care – like bathing someone — really makes a difference,” Sara says. “The other nurses tease me and call me the ‘bath queen.’ But when you bathe someone, their body temperature drops, and they’re able to sleep. I like being able to provide that comfort.”
Stronger Together
Sara’s responsibilities go far beyond providing comfort to patients. As a nurse on the Neuro Stepdown unit, she performs in-depth assessments to catch even the slightest neurological changes that may occur. “If we do find any kind of mild fluctuation, we notify the team right away so they can intervene quickly and potentially save brain function,” she says.
Sara also collaborates closely with a broad team of caregivers, including doctors, independent practitioners, speech, physical, and occupational therapists, case managers and nurse aides.
“There are just so many deficits with neuro patients, and they need a lot of help. So, we work really closely together,” Sara says.
Sara also is quick to acknowledge her supportive leadership team. “I’m really lucky. My managers are always there for us and make sure everything is running well.”
And she never forgets the Clinical Technicians and Patient Care Nurse Assistants (PCNAs). “To me, they are the backbone of this organization. I can’t do my job as well without their assistance. They do so much for us.”
Dedicated to Progress
Despite a busy schedule both at work and at home, Sara still finds time to lead and advocate. She serves as a Magnet® Ambassador – promoting readiness and preparedness – leads as a Shared Governance Council President and represents her peers as a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Round Table representative.
A Package Deal
Sara is also an ideal advocate for working at Cleveland Clinic. “Oh, it’s the best decision I ever made. I think it’ll be the best decision they’ll ever make. It’s one of the best hospitals in the world. There’s so much growth potential. And Cleveland Clinic really is like a family. Everyone is just so nice. When patients come here, they say, ‘Oh, my gosh. Everyone’s so nice.’ And it’s true.”
In addition to the incredible work culture and professional opportunities, Sara and her husband, Almanfel (an Assistant Manager Pharmacy Operations at Fairview Hospital), are especially grateful for Cleveland Clinic’s outstanding benefits package. Their two children, ages 12 and 10, both have type 1 diabetes, and Cleveland Clinic provides full coverage for their medical supplies and medications. “We have amazing benefits. When your family is sick, they’re really there for you,” Sara says.
