2024 Health Care Champions Nurse: Lacey Gates

Although she leads a staff of more than 80 people in her role as medical intensive care nurse manager at Mercy Hospital Springfield, Lacey Gates sees herself as being not on top, but right in the middle of things.

“I see my role as pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of health care services within the medical intensive care unit,” she says.

In the 23-bed ICU, she oversees nursing staff, coordinates patient care and works to manage resources efficiently.

“My role contributes to the delivery of high-quality care, patient satisfaction and positive health outcomes in the Ozarks community,” she says.

She adds that in her role, she priorities teamwork, communication and patient-centered care to ensure that every aspect of health care delivery aligns with best practices as well as local needs.

“In essence, I’m a key player in promoting the health and well-being of individuals in the Ozarks through effective leadership and management in the medical intensive care setting,” she says.

Marsha Ballard, executive director of nursing for Mercy Hospital Springfield, says Gates demonstrates an exceptional level of clinical skill, compassion and attention to detail in her role.

“She consistently delivers high-quality care to our most critically ill patients, often under challenging circumstances,” Ballard says. “Her knowledge of critical care nursing, combined with her quick thinking and sound judgment, enables her to provide timely interventions that significantly impact patient outcomes.”

Gates also demonstrates compassion to patients and their families, Ballard notes.

“She possesses the rare ability to connect, offering comfort, reassurance and support during a patient’s most vulnerable moments,” Ballard says.

As nurse manager, Gates says she ensures that the unit operates with adequate staffing levels and that all nursing staff are appropriately trained and adhere to protocols and procedures.

She also works to ensure that equipment, supplies and medications are available and accessible for patient care, and she is always on the lookout for opportunities to improve the quality of care in the unit to enhance patient outcomes and safety.

Gates’ role also includes care coordination, which means facilitating communication and collaboration among interdisciplinary team members. An additional focus on patient advocacy helps to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed by their health care team.

“By fulfilling these roles, I contribute to the well-being and recovery of MICU patients in the Ozarks community,” she says.

Gates notes that Mercy priorities community involvement and volunteerism.

“By fostering a culture of volunteerism, we strengthen our connection with the community and fulfill our commitment to compassionate care beyond the walls of our facilities,” she says.

Gates has served as a Salvation Army bell ringer and food pantry volunteer, and she has also fed and supported members of the homeless population at Harbor House.