“I’ve worked as a travel nurse and have seen how many different managers work and I can’t put into words how amazing Abbey is as a manager!” she wrote in her post to a private Facebook group for nurses.
“... never have I seen someone work as hard as her to help lead a team,” she said.
Abbey joined Ascension Via Christi as an after-school teen volunteer who in her senior year at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School was one of several students studying at Wichita hospitals. In May 2018, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wichita State University and began serving as a behavioral health staff nurse. A year and a half later, she was promoted to a nurse manager role; today she is responsible for the adult behavioral health units and the team of mental health protection workers whose role is to keep patients and associates safe. Abbey also took on additional duties as the interim manager for the Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph senior behavioral health and adolescent units and as a house supervisor.
Abbey is widely described by her team and other Ascension Via Christi associates as a high-energy individual with an upbeat attitude and passion to serve. Several hundred members of the Facebook group liked Victoria’s post, with dozens more adding their own praise for Abbey.
Hospital President Robyn Chadwick, who serves as executive leader for Behavioral Health Services for Ascension Via Christi, said Abbey has done a phenomenal job in the role and was not at all surprised by the post or reaction to it. But Abbey was.
“After the post, I kept getting texts and I had no idea what they were talking about,” said Abbey, who was surprised by all the attention. “I am humbled and honored to be in this role because the nurses on these units are the ones who taught me how to be a nurse.”
While Abbey has since seen the posts, her hope is that they will help draw attention to behavioral health and the incredible team serving in all of the behavioral health units at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph.
It just might do that and more given the endorsement by Victoria, who concluded her post with this message: “If you are looking for a job, you should come work with us at [Ascension Via Christi] St. Joseph! You’ll have the greatest boss ever.”
Photo: Victoria Daley, RN, left, and Abbey Cotter, RN.