of the Year

OHSU Nurses Week
Innovation.
Compassion.
Excellence.
May 6 – 12, 2013
Celebrating
OHSU’s
Nurses
of the Year
2013

Jennifer L. Jacoby,
MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President/Chief Nursing
Officer, OHSU Healthcare
“Innovation, compassion, and excellence” is the theme for OHSU Nurses Week. These qualities are the very
essence of what attracts nurses into the profession – and what makes them special in the eyes of patients. The
ability to see many paths around an obstacle to care, to see the truth of suffering as a plea for caring, and to
seek the sacred in therapeutic relationships are these qualities in action.
Each year we seek exemplars from our nursing staff that represent their contribution to our profession, our
community and our patients and families. Every story was a special one and deserving of respect. We engaged a
wide variety of opinions from our shared governance groups to help us select the 11 winners.
I am in awe of the breadth and depth of talent in OHSU nurses that is displayed in the stories of each of our
awardees. They live and breathe professional practice in the way it is envisioned in our model. I hope you’ll
enjoy reading their stories. You’ll hear many innovative efforts to improve outcomes and bring greater health
to our communities, from work with congestive heart disease patients to efforts to improve pediatric pain
management. You’ll read about a C.N.A. who stays after her shift to hold the hand of a dying patient, and a
nurse who brings solace to many through animal-assisted therapy. Each of these stories is connected by a
bright passion for nursing excellence.
As I near the close of my 46 year nursing career, I am proud to share the title of “RN” with each of these nurses,
and excited for nursing’s future.
Congratulations to the awardees and nominees!
Thank you to all those who made OHSU Nurses Week 2013 possible:
2013 Nurses Week Planning Committee
Chair: Manda Buttitta
Members: Sally Bowman, Cathy Cromett, Deborah Eldredge, Marian Hart, Julie Johnson, Debbie Lamberger,
Denise Langley, Julia McDonald, Laura Riddell, Mary Stock, Bekki Witt, Miranda Yohn
7th Annual Nursing Research Showcase & Poster Display
Nursing Research Council
Accolade Book Photography
Daniel McClintick
With great appreciation for all of OHSU’s dedicated nurses –
bringing innovation, compassion, and excellence to patient care every day.
OHSU Nurses Week 2013
Innovation. Compassion. Excellence. http://o2.ohsu.edu/nursing-portal/news-events/nurses-week/

Jayne Mitchell, ANP-BC
Nurse Practitioner, Congestive Heart Failure
Manager: Judi Workman
Jayne’s extraordinary efforts have led to improved patient
outcomes that have afforded OHSU recognition on both
local and national levels. Her approach, which focuses on
identification of high risk patients, standardized education
across all settings, reliance on community partners and
utilization of available resources has led to decreased
readmission rates in this most vulnerable of patient
populations.
For the most acutely ill congestive heart failure (CHF)
patients in our community, Jayne established a relationship
I am honored and feel humbled to receive this award.
I have been at OHSU for 2 ½ years and each day I am
impressed by the energy level and excitement I see
for continued learning and innovation. I am in awe
of the intelligence, innovation, and compassion that
is demonstrated everyday throughout the hospital
and clinics at all levels.
What a great place to keep learning! Every change
implemented for our heart failure patients is the
result of someone asking if we “could” and “should” do something different. I have never once heard “that is the way we
do it here”. For example, when we realized our patients didn’t understand basic concepts of heart failure selfmanagement,
it was the nurses that led the way- fine tuning what the education should be. The nurses were the ones
who came up with the concept of daily teaching and teach back. I am and always will be their cheerleader.
Every positive change in this program is the result of hard work from many people, not one person. The providers,
nurses, and staff who care for the patients are constantly asking themselves “What can we do to make this patient
succeed at home?” We also have excellent community partners (the Area of Aging and Care Oregon), as well as the hard
work and support from our outpatient clinics (Cardiology, Family Practice and Internal Medicine).
I feel that it is a privilege to work at OHSU. I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by such a great force.
Jayne Mitchell
The Advanced Practice category is described as
“a role-based advanced practice nurse (CNS, NP, Midwife or RN Anesthetist) who exhibits excellence in providing care.
This nurse is a leader and guides practice in the advanced practice role.“

with Care Oregon that facilitated the development of
"hot spot teams", an interdisciplinary group of health
care professionals that support these patients with
frequent contacts, regular follow-up and home
visits. Recognizing that Oregon's case mix index for this
group of patients exceeds that of other states
significantly, she has also focused her efforts on creating
a support system for our lesser acute patients who still
possess multiple risk factors and complex needs.
Prior to discharge, Jayne insures that all patients are
provided a personal scale for use at home and that they
understand the importance of trending their daily
weight. This important addition to the discharge process
was recently featured in an Associated Press news release
that described her new plan for her patients as “Learning
by Doing”. She has made available to non-English
speaking patients discharge instructions in their native
language, and she continues to work tirelessly on
improvements to the After Visit Summary. Through her
efforts with nursing staff, she has standardized teaching
instructions and documentation, and established a clearly
understood standard of care that all of OHSU’s CHF
patients now receive.
In addition to these efforts Jayne also recently procured
ten "Health Buddies", telemedicine type devices that
prompt patients to enter daily information about their
health while also challenging them to a trivia game.
When abnormal parameters are detected by these
devices, a call is immediately generated to Jayne, so that
she can follow-up immediately with the patient and
perhaps reverse a trend that might be moving in the
wrong direction. She is currently providing these to 10
discharged CHF patients per month to discover their
impact on improved outcomes and possible decreased readmission
rates.
Most recently, this work was featured at the Robert
Woods Johnson event "Care About Your Care“ in
Washington DC. Meeting with health care leaders from
across the country, Jayne and the Oregon contingency
received accolades and repeatedly heard the phrase that
"things were more progressive and different in
Oregon". Different yes - our current all-cause readmission
rate for CHF patients is averaging about 17%
when rates from similar institutions nationally average
nearly 22%. This is a testimony to the health care
transformation that Jayne is leading for our CHF patient
population - and also to her exemplary level of dedication
and professional practice that establish her as a leader
within her field.
“Jayne is one of the most ‘get it done’ and positive
colleagues I have had the pleasure of working with. Her
caring for patients and quest to improve quality is deep and
inspiring. She is an outstanding APN in all components of
the professional nursing role.”
Ann Maylie, RN, Division Director

“Mrs. J was a patient that was being admitted at least monthly for almost a year. Jayne got involved,
made home visits, arranged for home health nurse to see the patient weekly, worked with the
Richmond Clinic and the nurses there, and worked with Care Oregon and the 'hot spot team'. Over
months Jayne and her team was able to build trust with the patient and her family, identify triggers for
readmissions and create a plan in response to those triggers. Over the course of months Mrs. J's
readmissions were fewer and farther apart, her quality of life and her relationships with her children
greatly improved. Jayne was able to change the trajectory of disease for this individual though her
constant presence, sense of humor and belief in her ability to be successful.
Jayne has taken what she has learned from working with individual patients and has created a system
response to helping manage these patients. She has initiated a team of providers who meet monthly
to create ways to increase the quality of care patients with end stage heart failure experience.
Through her leadership, the readmission rate for heart failure patients has significantly decreased,
they are being seen by their PCP within a week of discharge, and she has initiated an at-home
telemedicine program where she monitors these very fragile patients daily for a month. Through her
research, she discovered that the impact of home telemedicine decreases after a month.
Jayne has worked with nurses throughout the organization to improve the education that patients with
heart failure receive, a standardized approach is now utilized including documentation, provision of
equipment patient's need to monitor their own response to therapies. Through her efforts with the
nursing staff throughout the hospital there is decreased variation in practice from unit to unit and
increased quality of care provided,
Jayne exemplifies the advance practice role, clinician, leader, change agent, and transferor of
knowledge every day in her practice. She is a role model for advance practice nursing.”
Mary Denise Smith, RN, Palliative Medicine and Comfort Care

Jessica Jordan, BSN, RN, CPN
RN, DCH 9S Pediatrics Acute Care Surgical Unit
Manager: Janie Johnson
Jessica is a nursing profession role model who continually
contributes to the advancement of nursing on 9S and
throughout OHSU.
Jessica has been an active participant on the unit for 8 years,
beginning as a hospital unit coordinator while she obtained
her nursing degree at OHSU School of Nursing. In her six
years as a nurse, she has distinguished herself in numerous
roles: as an effective and efficient charge nurse, chair of 9S’s
unit-based nursing practice committee (UBNPC), magnet
champion, and as a member of the Pain Resource Nurse
(PRN) team.
As a PRN team member, Jessica’s leadership and scientific
inquiry resulted in improved PCA assessment and
documentation, increased utilization of nonpharmacological
methods for treating pain, and consistent use of
developmentally appropriate pain assessment scales. She
effectively brings this evidence-based practice on pain
control to 9S staff. She utilizes her increased knowledge of
pain management in her own practice, and is a mentor and
advocate for all unit nurses and patients. Her leadership has
transformed the culture of post-operative pain management
on 9S and throughout the hospital.
Jessica was a driving force in the unit’s development of their
patient experience signature moment, “Family Wise”, to
recognize families as the expert on the child, and worked on a
campaign to increase patient and families’ ability to
communicate with staff through dry erase white boards in each
room.
Jessica’s infectious energy and incredible follow-through make
her a “go-to” nurse to precept new nurses and students. She
has recently become an adjunct professor at Linfield College,
transferring her passion for nursing to the next generation.
“Jessica is a role model for the students she precepts and the
nurses she works alongside. Her commitment to excellent
patient and family centered care, and genuine caring shows in
her everyday work. I aspire to emulate the qualities that she
demonstrates both in her bedside care and as a change agent
advocating for excellence in nursing. Jessica is one of my
favorite nurses to partner with on PACS. She is professional,
team-oriented, quality-minded, visionary, caring, and fun.”
Kelly Klos, RN Peer
The Advancing & Leading the Profession category is described as “a nurse who leads and advances or
strengthens nursing, either as a profession or in the delivery of patient care within and beyond OHSU. In rolebased
practice, this nurse is a scientist who monitors and evaluates standards, measures expertise and practice
excellence, and links professional role with outcomes."

“I have always been a critical thinker with a bent for compassion.
My first jobs out of college were community service based, but in
my heart I knew something was missing. I had a moment of
clarity when I felt like God called me to return to school to
become a nurse. Honestly, I knew very little about the scope of
the profession until a few weeks into the program at OHSU. I
recall the moment where I gratefully realized that in the nursing
profession I had found my perfect match. This future lying before
me was the ideal combination of science and caring, of problem
solving and compassion, and of creativity and healing.
Like most new nurses, my first couple of years helped me gain
confidence in my skills and nursing basics. It was my participation
in the PRN program that lit the fire in me to realize that, even as a
young nurse, armed with a little evidence and a lot of creativity
and hard work, I could impact lasting change that would reach
beyond just the patients I personally cared for. I saw that
decisions driven by the PRN team directly improved pain
management for every single patient on my unit. By participating
in shared governance, my goal has been to incorporate the best
that every 9S nurse brings from his or her individual practice into
a team vision to drive the standard of nursing care on PACS. It
has been an honor to see this amazing staff come together to
ensure that every patient and family cared for on PACS receives
exemplary care augmented by our staff’s commitment to the very
best of knowledge, healing, caring, and service.
There are days when we see amazing result of our team’s efforts.
There are days when things don’t go as planned or when there
are frustratingly few resources. In those times, I’m unspeakably
thankful for my family and friends, namely my mom, the world’s
best husband Matt, and my two perfect boys Tyler (5) and Gavin
(2) who, even though it’s hard, willingly share their mommy
‘because she takes care of kids who are sick.’ Most importantly,
to the One who led me here in the first place: ‘Now to HIM who
is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,
according to the power at work within us, to HIM be glory.’
Ephesians 3:20.”
Jessica Jordan
“Jessica is a take charge person who is able to
present imaginative ideas to the staff with a
focus on patient care. She role models
providing compassionate care to our patients &
families and is frequently recognized by
patients and families as a nurse who they felt
provided excellent care.
She is able to creatively solve problems, is
honest in her communication, and uses sound
judgment when making decisions. When faced
with dire circumstances, Jessica is able to
confidently lead the team and carry them along
at every point. She also takes ownership and
responsibility when things do not go as
planned. She is a morale booster for the staff
when we have a busy day or when faced with
limited resources. She has demonstrated her
dedication to PACS and takes pride in her
leadership role. “
Janie Johnson, Nurse Manager
Jessica and her family

Maki Kato, C.N.A.
C.N.A. II and Hospital Unit Coordinator, 7A Trauma ICU
Manager: Tracy Neidetcher
Maki Kato works ceaselessly within her scope of practice to make
sure that the unit functions optimally. Her positive attitude and
compassion, energy, efficiency, and follow-through are cited by
many. She has a an excellent bedside manner, and is skilled in
developing rapport with even the most difficult patients.
Maki is currently a nursing student, and we look forward to
watching as her nursing career develops.
“Maki is the hardest working
C.N.A. that I have
witnessed…She has
excellent bedside manner
and develops rapport with
even the most difficult
trauma patients. Maki has
helped me in my bedside
education of medications on
several occasions due to her
ability to connect with her
patients and gain their trust.”
Greg Roberti, Pharmacist
“We only recently have had the luxury of having Maki join our team. She is definitely a
blessing to our unit and has made an impression on all very quickly. Not only is she
supportive to the staff, but she is so supportive to our patients and families.
On Thursday night, we had a patient who had been estranged from his family and was
dying. Maki stayed over after her shift to hold his hand so he would not be alone when
he died.
When we had the large bus accident, Maki was one of those who really helped to ease
the families that we encountered. Most of the families admitted to TICU were Korean and
although Maki is not Korean, she understood their culture well enough to help us greatly.
She immediately bowed to all of the family members as they entered our unit, helped
comfort them with the translators and just provided an added sense of security with her
actions.
Maki is the ultimate multi-tasker and can seem to make a million things happen at once.
She is currently in nursing school and I will do anything in my power to keep her in our
unit as a nurse after her graduation. It would be a huge loss to OHSU if she ever decides
to leave.” Tracy Neidetcher, Nurse Manager
The Ancillary Staff category is described as “a CNA, CMA, LPN, EMT, technician (surgical, telemetry, mental health, or other
specialty technician) or hospital unit coordinator who supports nursing with excellence in patient care."

“When Maki was on the floor, I
knew I would have a great day.
When I worked with her, we
discussed the care of patients and
plan for the day in the morning. In
addition, throughout the day she
was great about following up with
tasks she had completed and how
the patient has tolerated the task.
In one particular instance, for
several weeks the unit was caring
for a teenage boy with very
complex psychological and social
needs. I had been caring for the
patient for approximately two
weeks and due to his psychological
needs, he required a PSA. Maki
was the PSA and she went above
and beyond her PSA duties. She
was able to connect with this
patient in a way no one else could.
He went on a hunger strike and she
convinced him to start eating.
When he went on a personal
hygiene strike, she was able to help
him into the shower. She was able
to engage him in conversation and
get him to participate in his daily
care.”
Angie Casillas, RN
former co-worker on 13A
“Although I have always been fascinated with medicine and human
physiology, my story is not that of someone who always wanted to be a
nurse. My Initial training was in exercise and sports science and I worked
as the fitness director of a physical therapy clinic and found the work fun
and rewarding. I enjoyed working with clients and being part of their
recovery, and it was very gratifying to see them getting to return to the
activities they once enjoyed. When I lost my job at the beginning of the
recession in 2009, it gave me an opportunity to reflect on the things I
wanted to do in my life. I knew I wanted to continue to help people with
the challenging process of recovery from illness and injury and to be a part
of their rehabilitation process, but, at the same time, I wanted some
change in my life. That’s when I decided to obtain a CNA certification to
see if nursing is something I would enjoy as much as physical therapy.
Being a CNA may not be the most glamorous job in the eyes of the world
or health care community, and it sure is not on many days, but I could not
ask for a more rewarding job. When the patients say that I made their day
or I helped them to feel human again, it gives me a feeling that my work is
meaningful and important. Working as a CNA on 13A (Trauma and
Emergency General Surgery) taught me a great deal about teamwork and
achieving a common goal: the compassionate care for each individual. I
am extremely honored to receive this award, however, I couldn’t have
achieved this without the support of all the other members of the patient
care team. I think that’s another reason I enjoy my job - nursing is a team
sport. One person cannot effectively care for people in need, but with
everyone working together, I have witnessed incredible care and
subsequently amazing recovery in very ill patients.
I recently joined the TICU team on 7A. The TICU team is made up of
incredible nurses who truly care for their patients. They are my role
models for how I want to be once I obtain my RN license. I appreciate the
co-workers and friends who have nominated me for this award and been
supportive during my time at OHSU. All my co-workers’ daily commitment
and passion for patient care inspires me and allows me to learn more
about how to care better for people in need every day.”
Maki Kato

Lisa Bloker, BSN, RN
RN/Care Coordinator, Digestive Health Center
Manager: Meagan Schuette
Lisa Bloker is described as “the connector, the glue” that
holds the esophageal team together. Her extraordinary
knowledge of her patients means that she is often looked
upon as a resource for residents, surgeons, and ancillary
staff members to answer questions about patient
histories, insurance status, and any social issues that need
to be considered before, during, or after the patients'
surgeries. As care coordinator for eight years, she is
confident with the expertise of a seasoned veteran.
As care coordinator, Lisa assists patients and families as
they navigate through the OHSU health care system, and
then coordinates discharge planning back to the patients’
referring providers and community.
Lisa is instrumental to coordinating the service’s bi-weekly
multidisciplinary care conference for esophageal
malignancies. She develops educational material for the
patients, teaches them preoperative care, and provides
love, compassion, and understanding to each interaction.
Lisa is involved in role development and process
improvement, both with the Patient Care Team Model in
the Digestive Health Center (which includes the phone
operators, schedulers, medical assistants and nurse), as
well as development of the new care coordination role for
the ambulatory professional nurse. Lisa works closely
with the ambulatory professional practice leader and
other care coordinators within ambulatory care to ensure
that nursing is involved with the planning phases of this
important role.
Lisa contributes to OHSU’s discovery mission through
involvement in GERD research. She accompanies the
patients to the OR when required to assist with
interrogation of gastric stimulators, and follows patients in
the ambulatory setting to determine success or failure of
the procedure.
Lisa helped to lead many attending physicians, residents,
and fellows through the transition to Epic and OpTime
electronic health records, with great willingness to teach
how to use the system to its fullest.
Lisa uses the professional nursing model to impact patient
outcomes and is lauded for her abilities to work side by
side with the medical model.
The Clinical Care category is described as “a nurse who demonstrates excellence as a practitioner of direct care delivery in
any clinical setting. This practitioner directs and manages care in a therapeutic manner to inspire others to transform,
and to transform practice."

“My esophagectomy patients (I could name
50 of them) come to OHSU with one of the
worst diagnoses in medicine, esophageal
cancer, referred for one of the most morbid
operations in medicine, esophagectomy.
Needless to say, they are PETRIFIED when
they walk into clinic with their families.
Thanks to Lisa, and the whole DHC and
Knight Cancer Center team, these patients
leave the hospital 12 weeks later with a new
life in front of them, most of the time. During
these 12 weeks, and for 3-6 months beyond
the 12 weeks of active therapy, they have a
million needs and questions. Lisa –
tirelessly – takes care of each one of them
as if they were the only person in the world
she has to worry about. When I see them in
clinic, there is little for me to do, as Lisa has
taken care of them so well. BRAVO!”
John Hunter, MD
Chair, Department of Surgery
“Over the past 2 years, we have had a
dinner, which precedes our annual
Esophageal Cancer Research Retreat.
Each time, multiple patients have come up
to me and overtly commented on how
grateful to Lisa they are, both before, during,
after their immediate care by the
multidisciplinary esophageal cancer
team…Lisa Bloker is a gem to work with.
She believes in the missions of OHSU and
lives them every single day.”
Charles R. Thomas, MD
“She makes esophageal cancer treatment at
OHSU work, and, amazingly, she makes it
look easy.” Ken Gatter, MD
“When I was a student I only envisioned my nursing career in one light - acute care
nursing. I loved the feel of the hospital, the constantly changing environment, the
never ending list of technical tasks and procedures, and the diverse patient
population. I was young, energetic, and idealistic. For about 4 years I lived my dream
until I suffered an on the job injury. After a lengthy recuperation, I was advised that it
would be in my best interest medically to either leave nursing or find a position that
didn't require lifting. I struggled with the decision but eventually accepted my current
position within the Digestive Health Center. When I advised my peers of my decision,
the reaction was one not of support and congratulations but one of disdain.
Comments such as "So you're not going to be a real nurse any longer?" and "Why are
you giving up nursing?" occurred so frequently that I actually started to believe them.
How little did I know! My role as a Patient Care Coordinator has been more
challenging and more rewarding than anything I ever could have imagined and over
the last 8 years, I feel I've truly learned what it means to be a Nurse!
I've been blessed to work with an amazing team of physicians and staff who have
encouraged me to develop and define my nursing practice. Part of my role includes
working with a multidisciplinary team that focuses on the care of patients with
esophageal cancer. This is a patient population that I never thought I'd work closely
with but I've found that I love it and can't imagine working anywhere else.
Every day I am amazed at the strength and perseverance of our patients. Working
with them is both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking and I can't help but feel honored
to be a part of my patient's lives during this difficult time. To listen to their stories,
their fears, their joys, to laugh with them and sometimes cry with them is a gift from
God. They have taught me so much about life and living and I know I will ever be able
to return what they've given to me. It is my hope that if I can ease some of their fear
or make life a little easier by offering a word of reassurance, assistance with
navigating a test or procedure, answering a few questions, or simply sharing a smile I
might be giving some of what I've learned back to them.
Working in Patient Care Coordination and ambulatory medicine may have never been
my "dream job" but it is one I will be forever grateful for. I feel humbled and deeply
honored to have been nominated and selected for this award. Thank you!”
Lisa Bloker
The Clinical Care category is described as “a nurse who demonstrates excellence as a practitioner of direct care delivery in
any clinical setting. This practitioner directs and manages care in a therapeutic manner to inspire others to transform,
and to transform practice."

Linda Louise Tschida, BS, RN
RN, 5C Family Medicine
Manager: Megan Boyle
Linda’s commitment to community service is remarkable. In
the past years nurses have been recognized for the work
they have done on medical missions and outside of our
immediate community. Linda is a nurse who serves in her
own backyard. She thinks globally and acts locally. When
you think about the stories you are about to read, keep in
mind that Linda works full-time as a bedside nurse on 5C.
She does these remarkable tasks in addition to her regular
work schedule.
As I volunteer in a variety of settings, my desire is to be
available for people in ways that are meaningful to them.
I have not always known exactly where the adventure will
lead me, whom I will meet, or what the outcome will be,
but it has never failed to enrich my life.
Linda Tschida
Linda does not usually perform her community service
activities alone, but accompanied by one of her four-legged
helpers. Linda and her labradoodles, Laci and Becca, make
appearances at hospitals, schools, jails, nursing homes, and
homeless shelters. Laci and Becca are certified as Animal
Assisted Therapy (AAT) dogs that undergo rigorous training
and maintain bi-annual competencies. Linda describes how she and her dogs impact those in need:
During the months of December to March each year, our church combines efforts with other churches to coordinate and maintain an evening
shelter for up to 40 homeless people each night to provide volunteers, dinner, and a place to sleep with breakfast in the morning. Once a week
during this time, I take one of my dogs (Laci or Becca) and we go as a therapy team just to visit, play games, talk, and hang out with the people
staying there for the night and with the staff. Many people spend more time with my dog than with me (and I understand that – I think my
dogs are special too!) Recently when we entered the shelter, Becca paused and turned to the right, not the left as usual. I could tell she was on
a mission so I let her lead me. Without hesitation she went to two gentlemen on a couch. She looked at both men, gently got up on the couch
between them, and carefully leaned on the man sitting on our left. As she leaned into him, he leaned into her, and without saying a word he put
his arms around her and hugged her. He was silent and for the next 20 minutes neither he nor Becca moved. Tears started to fall from his face.
Other people from the shelter walked by and said that they were glad Becca was there because "John really was depressed". After 20 minutes,
John began talking to me about his family, his dogs, his past occupations, his fears about where he would go after the shelter closed, and ideas
The Community Service category is described as "A nurse who makes significant professional or voluntary contributions to
the community. Through community service, the nurse transfers knowledge in a manner that promotes dialogue, open
communication and interdisciplinary relationships within the community setting."

he had about getting back on his feet. Becca sensed an
individual's need, went to the person and was available to meet
the need. I was fortunate enough to be on the other end of the
leash.
Because Linda and her dogs are active with AAT
certification, they are also allowed the privilege to be
involved with the Canine Crisis Response groups. Linda
describes her community service activities as they relate
to the Crisis Response Group:
• Through this group, I am involved in the Washington
County Sheriff Department Chaplain program. We
coordinate with the Chaplain's program to provide weekly
AAT visits for inmates at the jail. These visits provide a time
for the inmates to connect with the dogs and with us.
Having the dogs present helps people become more relaxed
and they are able to be someone other than an inmate.
They may talk about their frustrations, their favorite dog,
family, or what they want to do in the future. The Sheriff's
department has also utilized this Crisis Response group
when there have been suicides in the jail or in the
community.
• Through the Cascade Crisis Response Group we worked
with Providence Healthcare at Camp Erin. This is a summer
camp for young people who have experienced the loss of a
loved one. As a Crisis Response group we are available for
campers and staff. During one experience, I was working
with a camper who did not feel comfortable sharing her
feelings with the group. I noticed she spent time playing
and talking with my dog Laci. Laci loved fetching sticks,
wading in the water with the girl, and playing on the creek
bank. I realized that all the while, the girl was telling Laci
about her loss and about her feelings. I felt very contented
that Laci and I were there and that Laci was able to provide
something for this girl that no human had been able to do
during the trip.
Linda donated two of her Labradoodle puppies, Hope
and Heidi, to be trained by the Autism Service Dogs of
America to become service dogs for autistic children:
After donating Hope and Heidi, I had the privilege of
volunteering time to participate in their training. Hope and
Heidi have recently been placed in families with Autistic
children. Heidi lives on the college campus at Irvine, California
with her boy and his family. Hope is living in Dallas, Texas
with her boy named Gray. Hope's family has established a
website called "Hope for Gray" to help raise awareness about
Service Dogs for autistic children and raise funds for families
wanting to obtain a Service Dog for their autistic child.
Through her work with the autism training, Linda found a
new skill which she then transferred to training other
service dogs.
I know a couple, Paulie and Chuck. Chuck as early Alzheimer's
disease and his physician thought a Service Dog could be
beneficial. They adopted an adult Cocker Spaniel named Dakota
from a shelter. However, they did not know much about the
dog's background and asked if I could help them work with the
I have been working with Linda for the past 2 years. Recently we have worked closely together on the Nurses Improving
Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) leadership training program. During this program I had the privilege experiencing
Linda’s compassion for the elderly community. During the NICHE application process, Linda stated “it is also important to
be aware of factors that influence the patient and their health such as family dynamics, support systems, previous living
situations and possible changes that may require changes in living situations - either temporarily or permanently.” This
statement demonstrates Linda’s ability to care holistically for her patients both inside and outside the hospital. Linda takes
this view with her when she works within the community. It is individuals like Linda who make such an everlasting impact
on those she becomes in contact with. Her contributions to the community have impacted many lives, and it is time for
Linda to receive the recognition she deserves. Sarah Strom, Professional Practice Leader

Linda and her dogs do great and important work
for the community, but the impact of Linda’s
volunteerism does not stop with the
community. Linda brings all her experiences
with her every time she comes to work on 5c,
giving her a unique perspective and ability to
care for the patient population that 5C serves. I
can’t think of a RN who is more deserving of the
Community Service Nurse of the Year award
than Linda Tschida.
Megan Boyle, interim Nurse Manager
dog to train it to be Chuck's Service Dog. One of their
short-term goals was to be able to fly out of state to visit
family with Dakota staying in the cabin of the plane and
behaving in a calm, appropriate manner. I spent time
evaluating the dog's temperament, her responses in
different situations and environments, and her owner's
skills and knowledge. We spent time doing such things as
walking in neighborhoods with traffic and dogs barking.
We helped Dakota develop her obedience skills and boost
her confidence and connection with her owners. Because
Dakota often reacted to other dogs, I involved Becca in
Dakota's training because Becca is a very non-reactive and
non-threatening dog. We even got permission to go
behind the scenes at the Hillsboro Airport so that Dakota
could experience some of the noises, vibrations, and wind
gusts associated with airplanes and helicopters. Dakota is
still growing in her role as a Service Dog but she did go on
the airplane in the cabin with her owners to visit family.
That was a wonderful accomplishment for both Dakota
and Chuck and Paulie.
Linda has also volunteered with the Oregon Zoo for 13
years with special events, animal husbandry, animal
observations, educational activities and Zoo Lights.
Beyond the animal community, Linda volunteers at a foot
clinic providing free foot care such as nail trimming, foot
soaks, and foot massages. Because of her expertise as a
nurse she often provides other services such as blood
pressure checks. She describes the clinic:
This foot clinic has a special place in my heart. This is a time that
I can do something very tangible for others that they cannot do
for themselves. The way this clinic is physically arranged it
provides a wonderful time of interaction, laughter, and sharing
among those receiving foot care and those giving the foot care.
Many of the participants have known each other for many years
and this becomes a time of catching up, checking in, and
reaffirming of one another's worth. It is also great to see family
members enjoying this time together, whether it is couples or
adult children with their parent(s).
Linda is an exceptional nurse who selflessly gives from
her heart.
Above: Linda and Becca. Becca is a certified
Animal Assisted Therapy dog and crisis
response work certified. Right: Linda saying
goodbye to Heidi, the service dog she trained
for an autistic boy in California.

Kathryn Conway, BSN, RN
RN, 7A Trauma ICU
Manager: Tracy Neidetcher
Kathy is a passionate, expert critical care nurse with over 20
years of experience in OHSU’s Trauma ICU. She has an
incredible knowledge base in critical care and is always willing
to go above and beyond to help out a patient or a fellow RN.
The unit’s Critical Response Nurse (CRN) program has
benefitted from Kathy’s expertise. She was one of the first
nurses involved in the program, and she continues to work
towards making it strong and proficient. She has helped to
create a new CRN job description, orientation process and
helped plan an education day, recognizing that we must create
a program that develops strong nurses if OHSU is to maintain
credibility within the state trauma system.
Kathy is involved with unit quality improvement and process
improvement projects to improve patient safety. She actively
performs audits of the CRN charts, and has brought to light
needed documentation improvements. She is always willing to
be present to ensure the process changes run smoothly. One
recent example was a change in Massive Transfusion Protocol
and how blood bank blood is accessed during a major trauma
protocol. Kathy came in to do mock trials on her day off to
ensure that everyone on the unit knew the process and potential barriers.
“As a Critical Response
Nurse at OHSU I am
proud to be part of a
team of nurses, doctors,
paramedics and other staff who share a common goal
to provide Oregonians with world-class trauma care.
Much of the success of this team is due to the
excellent and compassionate care that our nurses
give to the injured patients. The CRN role takes me
to many locations in the hospital where I am inspired
by our well-educated and engaged nurses throughout
the continuum of care. From the Emergency
Department to the Trauma ICU to the Trauma ward
on 13A - nurses do make the difference!
I truly appreciate being awarded this honor. I equally
appreciate the opportunity of working in a caring,
supportive environment where nurses’ participation
is encouraged and valued.”
Kathryn Conway
Kathy has been a nurse for a long time, but is not “burned out”. She has the same passion that new nurses have. She
embraces change and loves what she does. She plays an integral role in the Trauma ICU, educating new nurses, assisting
with Releasing Time to Care performance improvement efforts, and serving as the unit’s Magnet Champion.
The Distinguished Nurse category is described as "An expert role-based nurse who has been in practice more than 15 years.
This nurse has taken the lead through innovative leadership, fostering involvement in the profession, or forming and
engaging partnerships within the community."

Jennifer Fox, MSHCM, RN, CPN
Nurse Manager, 9N Pediatric Acute Care Medical
Manager: Ruby Jason
Jenn began at OHSU as a new nursing graduate. A natural
leader, she has transitioned through the roles of charge
nurse, nursing practice education coordinator, and now
serves 9N as nurse manager.
The recent fire event in Doernbecher, which garnered
“As a person who has grown up at OHSU (staff nurse,
national attention, was a prime example of Jenn’s leadership educator, NPEC, manager) being a manager has been
and capability. She was there on a Saturday to make sure an the most challenging experience of my career so
employee received their evaluation. Because she was there, far. Though it is a roller coaster, the highs are so
she was one of the responders, bringing the patient to the rewarding. During the lows, it is truly the team I work
floor, rolling out the flames and getting the patient the help with every day that keeps me going. I am so proud to
she needed. She then saw to the safety of her staff and the say I am a part of the PACM team. As a manager, my
emotional toll this had on everyone there. She talked to
role is to help move the team forward. I don’t pick
parents, called the appropriate hospital administrator staff, the direction; I guide the team along the path, so we
provided counseling and comfort opportunities and did not never get stuck.” Jennifer Fox
leave until she was sure that every staff member was ok. In
the ensuing days with the media attention, the fire marshal’s inspections, and the CMS survey Jenn’s openness and
leadership were cited over and over as being a major source of evidence that the staff did all they could to prevent this
injury from becoming worse. She never lost her confidence in her staff, in their abilities, and in their intent to care for this
patient and all the other patients on 9N.
But one incident does not make a leader: Jenn continually shows her leadership and managerial expertise. Other
departments in the hospital seek her out to be a member of their committees due to her balanced approach, her clinical
expertise and in her expertise in Epic documentation issues. Her passion for the patients, her passion for the staff and
The Management category is described as “a nurse who demonstrates exceptional management of nursing or patient care
services in any setting. This nurse manages the role and application to ensure that practice standards are upheld and that
the environment is designed to support the nursing professional role and nursing practice."

her management of where the two integrate have
demonstrated that Jenn is a manager and a leader, a
combination that not all managers possess. The
organization can make you a manager, but only your
staff can make you a leader. Jenn has earned the
respect of her staff. She is of a different generation
than the majority of her staff but the widely publicized
“generation gap” in nursing does not exist in her
relationship with any of her staff members.
Jenn is committed to patient experience. Several times
a week, she rounds with families to learn about any
concerns or complaints. She then tackles systems and
“I appreciate that when I go to Jenn with concerns or complaints
about some issue I've come across, she finds the right balance of
giving me a moment to just vent followed by engaging me in
discussion and problem-solving. If it's a systems issue, then I can
count on Jenn either passing my thoughts on to the appropriate
work group or brainstorming with me about what steps I can take
to start tackling the problem myself. I love that my boss doesn't try
to solve all of my problems for me but challenges me to get
engaged in solutions.”
Melanie, 9N RN
communication issues to ensure that her staff have
what they need to provide excellent care.
Communication is important to her, and she is skilled
at inviting discussion on important topics and
encouraging staff engagement in problem solving. Jenn
welcomes change, and 9N has taken the role of pilot
unit for multiple performance and quality
improvement initiatives. On a daily basis, she is aware
of the unit “pulse”, and is efficient, decisive, and
thoughtful in her decision making.
Jenn exemplifies the Nurse Manager needed in today’s
healthcare environment.
“When I look at Jenn, I see
a future CNO”
Jennifer Jacoby
VP/Chief Nursing Officer
“We are given the environment to grow and challenge ourselves intellectually and develop our own ways
to improve the nursing profession… I love how Jenn lets her employees be a part of the solution and the
development of 9N. Change is seen as a positive and potentially a groundbreaking instance, rather than
as another thing on the already long list to do.”
Jess, 9N RN

John Elliott, BSN, RN, CPN
RN/Staff Educator, Nursing Resource Management (Pediatric Float Pool)
Manager: Peggy Woolf
John Elliott epitomizes the professional nurse. Whether he
is working with patients directly, leading organizational
projects, as a scientist looking at evidence-based practice,
or transferring knowledge to his peers, patients, or
leadership team, John does it in the finest way. John’s
good heart and desire for patient-centered care, staff
appreciation and organizational success makes him a
highly engaged leader in Nursing Resource Management.
As chair of the NRM’s unit-based nursing practice council
(UBNPC) John has improved UBNPC efficiency, with timed
meeting agendas, rethinking of retreat dates to allow for
better planning, and helping to organize NRM’s
Professional Practice Day.
John is committed to patient safety and quality
improvement and part of a group dedicated to fall
reduction. He keeps dialogue on fall prevention alive, and
communicates fall trending and creative prevention
approaches to float pool members.
As staff educator for the Pediatric Float Pool, John
collaborates on orientation for new hires, mentors and
advocates for them, and assures that Pediatric Float Pool
RNs are up to date on competencies. He also enjoys
precepting nursing students, and seeks the opportunity
whenever he can.
John has been key in developing and monitoring the
group’s signature moment patient experience project,
“Face Time”, and spearheaded last year’s “Hit the
Breaks” project to ensure that float pool nurses receive
breaks. He consistently encourages ongoing
professional certification and continuing education
with his peers and provides them with the tools to
accomplish it.
John’s influences reaches beyond OHSU: he was
instrumental in forming a local chapter of the Society
of Pediatric Nursing.
John wrote the lyrics to OHSU Nursing’s Magnet video
“The Dream is Alive in Portland”,
which spoofed the infamous Portlandia video.
View the video on the Magnet web page
(search 02 for “Magnet”).
The Mentoring category is described as “a nurse who provides positive professional influence, guidance, and support of
other nurses in any setting. This nurse inspires others to transform service and care.”

I am humbled to receive this honor. I don’t know if it is
that mentoring is something that comes naturally or if I
just like to talk a lot. I think it’s more often the latter.
Hopefully, though, when I talk I share thoughts, ideas,
and useful information that benefits the hearer.
There have been many individuals placed in my path over
the course of my education and career who have served
and (continue to serve me) by sharing what they know
and by motivating me to grow, develop, learn, and to
share myself. One of the first phrases I remember
hearing in nursing school was from my clinical instructor
who constantly repeated, “See one, do one, then teach
one.” I sincerely believe that we are held accountable to
the knowledge that we are blessed with and we are all
indebted. We pay back that debt by sharing what we
have learned to those whom we recognize can best
utilize the information and benefit themselves and
others by it.
It’s more than transfer of knowledge though. My
philosophy is that we also need to encourage one
another. We put up with a great many details and
“John can be counted on 1000% to
get the job done.”
Peggy Woolf, Nurse Manager
inconveniences in our workplaces. But we are here for a
nobler purpose. And we are individually inadequate to
the task. We are not a rock or an island.
I recently returned from a conference and one of the
speakers said something I didn’t expect to hear. Most
nurses, when prompted, will mechanically respond that
(of course) the patient is the most important person in
healthcare. It’s been drilled into us over and over again.
But this speaker said, “The most important person in
healthcare is YOU. Because if YOU are not there, where
IS healthcare? Who will provide it? What happens to
the patient?” In order to be there to meet the needs we
must encourage, prod, remind, and lead each other
toward the place where all the elements of great
healthcare intersect.
So, one more thing: if you have not already done so I
encourage you to make your own statement of
commitment to excellence and get certified in your
specialty.
John Elliott
“He is an encouragement to me in my role
and I have learned from him in the way that
he conducts himself in his RN role. In
essence he is a mentor to all he encounters.”
Kathy Buhler,
Professional Practice Leader

Jessica Jones, BSN, RN
RN, South OR
Manager: Rayna Tuski
Jessica (often called “Jessy”) began her nursing
career in OHSU’s South OR, where she had previously
served as a surgical technician. She’s a department
star, described as kind and a genuine team player.
Jessy led the nursing care and coordination of the
newly established Thoracic Robotic program. She
traveled to other states for additional training, came
in on days off to assist with robot-assisted cases, and
has ensured that operating rooms are ready with the
appropriate equipment and that staff is kept up-todate
on case flow. She helped to create a thoracic
surgery cart with the most common equipment and
supplies that are needed for these cases. Circulating
nurses who are not familiar with the procedures,
equipment, or supplies now have one central place
to access what is needed for the cases. This has
decreased confusion and increased efficiency.
Jessy is a competent clinical preceptor who guides,
direct, encourage, and supports perioperative interns
and orientees. She is greatly appreciated by those
she precepts for her patience, kindness and
individualized attention.
“She demonstrates a level of
competence and confidence that is
many years beyond her current level
of experience.”
Dan Werle, NP
“She is extremely knowledgeable about the new
techniques and dependable. We know that if Jessy
is in our operating room we won't have to worry
about delays.”
Laura Shula, PA-C
The Nightingale category is described as “a role-based nurse who has been in practice less than 18 months. This nurse
exemplifies outstanding and caring leadership and professionalism as a beginning practitioner.”

“I always knew I wanted to have a career in the
healthcare field but wasn’t sure where I’d end up.
After high school I went to college and become a
certified surgical tech. I instantly fell in love with
surgery and knew this is where I wanted to be.
However after several years as a tech I decided to go
back to school and further my education.
In 2011, I received my bachelor degree from Linfield
College in nursing. During school I visited several
different areas of nursing but ultimately came back
to the operating room. I was nervous and excited to
return and make the transition from a tech to a
nurse. Everyone was so helpful and willing to help
me learn this new role I was in. In all areas of nursing
you work as a team, which is one thing I love the
most about this field as well as the variety you have
in it. Every day I come to work and it’s new and
different.
One of the reasons I went into nursing is to have
more interaction with patients and their family.
Having had several loved ones that have had surgery
I know how hard it can be on the other end. I never
want families to feel like their loved one isn’t being
well taken care of or not get updated throughout
surgery. Talking to patients and their families,
knowing that I’m doing my best every day while
taking care of their loved ones, is extremely
rewarding and keeps me motivated.”
Jessica Jones
“Jessica Jones stands out amongst her
peers as a leader in our
department. She is enthusiastic about
her work and highly interested in
learning and expanding her knowledge
and skill sets. She continues to be
eager to get involved in acquiring new
information about thoracic surgery and
is highly valuable as the primary point
person for this service.”
Rayna Tuski,
Nurse Manager

Rhea Geelan, RN
RN, Center for Hematologic Malignancies – Bone Marrow Transplant
Manager: Jorge Gitler
The Center for Hematologic Malignancies (CHM) infusion clinic is a
community. Clinic nurses see these patients multiple times each week.
They get to know patients and their families, and listen to their fears,
hopes and dreams. Some patients do well, receive many treatments,
get their disease into remission and move on with their lives. Others
persevere through treatment after treatment, battling until there are
no other options but hospice or palliative care.
Rhea leads and coordinates this difficult process. Frequently patients
call the clinic’s triage line seeking advice for potentially life-threatening
conditions. Rhea speaks with them empathetically, giving them her
fullest attention and the assurance that they need to advocate for
themselves. Her advice is clinically accurate and compassionate. She
has dedicated time and effort to increase her and her co-workers
knowledge and confidence in working with patients and families who
are in the midst of transitioning through various levels of cancer care.
Rhea works hard to ensure that the patient and their family are
comfortable. She is kind and gentle and knows exactly what to say,
when words are hard to come by. Rhea goes out of her way to
accommodate patients:
• While Rhea was working as the triage nurse, she tried to call a
patient who lived alone at the coast . Unable to contact him, Rhea
called the police to do a home safety check. He was not doing well
and was transported to OHSU and admitted. While he was in the
hospital he was told there was not much more that could be done
about his disease and he was placed on “comfort care”. The only
thing he cared about during all of this was his dog, Geronimo, and
he desperately wanted to see him. Rhea made it possible for the
patient to spend time with his “best friend”, Geronimo, before his
passing.
• Rhea recently helped facilitate a much needed palliative care
discussion with a patient whose disease had progressed. The
patient was in denial about her situation and would miss
appointments and then call the triage line with a list of
complaints. The patient’s significant other/caregiver was very
overwhelmed and could not handle the stress of all that was
going on. He alluded to the fact that he was suicidal one day.
Rhea called the social worker to help deal with the situation so
she could deal with the patient’s issues. She made sure that
the patient had a ride set up so she could get to clinic to receive
the care she needed. Throughout the whole process, Rhea was
there to help, with encouragement, a comforting heart and a
warm smile.
• Rhea worked with a patient that had gone through multiple
cycles of chemotherapy, only to relapse a few months after
finishing her last chemotherapy regimen. The patient was a
feisty lady. She was not ready to give up and was given the
option of palliative care so she could continue to receive blood
transfusions. Rhea worked hard to make this happen so the
patient’s life could be prolonged. Before her passing, the
patient was able to share in the celebration of her new
granddaughter’s birth.
Anyone that comes into contact with Rhea knows that she is “one
of a kind”. She goes the extra mile to make sure that all the
patients’ needs are fulfilled. She celebrates life with a special zest.
The Virginia I. Sznewajs award was created by the Sznewajs family to recognize an OHSU nurse who consistently demonstrates
excellence in supporting patients and their families through a life-threatening disease and death of a patient. The award is to
recognize professional excellence and to support the staff member's continued professional development in the area of palliative
nursing. Recipients receive a $1500 scholarship to further his/her palliative care education.

“Rhea is consistently
gentle and kind to
patients. She seeks out
patients in need of
palliative care so that
she’s become the ‘go-to’
person in her unit.”
Erik Fromme, MD
“Rhea constantly amazes
me with the way she will
step out of the box in
supporting our patients
that are in the process of
passing away.
Unfortunately, in our field
this is something that all of
us are touched by, losing
patients we have come to
know and care about
deeply. There is nothing
worse than the feeling that
you cannot help someone
any longer, but Rhea
teaches us constantly that
care doesn’t stop just
because we can’t fix
things anymore as we are
taught to do as
providers. ”
Carol Jacoby, ACNP
“I was 35 years old and a stay at home mom caring for 3 young boys and never even
considered a career in nursing. I was content being a mom. My life changed when I was able
to care for my grandfather during his last days of life while on hospice.
My grandfather was 90 years old, tired and felt his quality of life had changed because he could
no longer do the things that he loved doing, such as woodworking. He was spending most of his
days sitting in his easy chair with a clear mind but a body that would not work any longer. He
got pneumonia and made the decision that he did not want to take antibiotics to treat it. He
made the decision that this would be the end of his life. He orchestrated what he wanted at the
end of his life. He was on hospice at home surrounded by his family, friends, music and
laughter.
Little did I know that as I was going thru this process at his side, I realized my passion. The
moment he took his last breath, I knew I wanted to go to school to be a nurse. To care for
families and patients who are going thru this process. Understanding the peace that the patient
and family has when you know the patient is doing it the way they want. He gave me this gift.
I started working on the bone marrow transplant team 15 years ago and now work in triage in
the Center for Hematologic Malignancies Clinic. I am called "mother" Rhea in the clinic because
I treat all patients and their families like they are my own. I watch over them and try to help
them while they are going thru their courageous battle of bone marrow transplant.
Over the past 15 years I have witnessed many patients, whose treatments were no longer
working, die in the hospital, or worse, at home without support or hospice/palliative care. Our
patients have special needs with low blood counts and receive platelet and blood transfusion
regularly. They fear stopping the transfusions at the end of life because of comfort and
the possibility of bleeding to death.
I have a dream and vision for OHSU regarding caring for our patients at the end of their lives. I
want to build a relationship with home palliative and hospice teams, possibly having a contract
between OHSU and home palliative care/hospice (hospice will not pay for blood
transfusions) that would enable our patients to get the blood products at the end of their life
and yet get a hospice/palliative care team in their homes earlier to help them find their way to
peace and grace. We have palliative care at OHSU that is great, but we need to have a team in
the home with eyes and ears looking for problems, so that we can avoid crisis at the end of life.
Bottom line, if we were able to get data looking at how much money we spend at the end of life
with hospital stays, tests etc…we would consider thinking outside the box. We would probably
save money for everyone and meet our patients’ needs better at end of life. It is a win-win.”
Rhea Geelan

I feel so honored to
receive this award. I
think many of us go
into nursing to help others and make a difference in
their lives. However, learning how to be a nurse is
not that easy. It can be demanding, stressful,
intimidating, and overwhelming… all in the same
hour. I distinctly remember being brand new to the
profession and seriously questioning if I had what it
takes to endure. Thanks to my preceptors and other
nurses, their support and guidance helped me to
gain confidence; focus on what was most important;
and remember why I was pursuing this career.
Today, that is what I try to do for others entering
into nursing. I always say, ‘If you are really here to
serve this population, and want the best for every
single patient, we can work the rest out.’ I love to
learn together with students and nurses, knowing
we share a common mission and goals.
April Thompson
April Thompson, RN
RN, 14K Bone Marrow Transplant unit
Manager: Debra Harris
One of April’s co-workers states:
“I think that fostering the seeds that you see in someone, and
having faith in their ability lies at the very core of teaching. That
is exactly what this award category is all about. April was my
preceptor during my final term of nursing school, and every day
I learned more than I ever thought possible, and every day I had
fun. Cancer is serious, difficult stuff, but April finds a way of
connecting with her patients and co-workers in a way that
relieves some of that tension. She sets an example of lightness
without levity, and compassion based in knowledge.
All term long, she pushed me. When I had questions she didn’t
know the answer to, she said “I don’t know, let’s look it up!”
and we did. When I was questioning the timing of a medication
(a diuretic at bedtime) she had me go talk to pharmacy
personally and get the dosing changed to morning. It might be a
small example, but she was making me become a patient
advocate right from the start. She taught me that a nurse has
just as much, if not more, say in a patient’s care than any
doctor or pharmacist.
Being a new nurse and a human being, I made many a mistake
that April was witness to. She let me err, but she never let me
fall on my face. And each time, we’d go back over what had
happened and discuss all the possibilities. April never once
made me feel stupid or embarrassed. One time I approached a
patient’s central line without gloves on. Luckily April stopped
me before I got there, but she did it in such a way that the
patient still trusted me. She knew I was dying inside, she knew
how terrible I felt, and she did what she could to alleviate those
The Teaching category is described as “a nurse who contributes significantly to the education, professional development or
long-term learning of other nursing professionals. This nurse is a teacher who helps others to learn practice.”

(continued) feelings while also setting the standard.
Patient safety came first, but the mental health of her
pupil came second. April understands that people don’t
learn, that people can’t learn when they feel attacked or
under duress. April gives her students the same
compassion and fostering care that she does her patients,
and that is what makes her such an effective and exciting
teacher. Even though I am no longer her student, I
continue to aim for her bar.”
In addition to her continuing joy in precepting, April is an
integral part in 14K’s communication and knowledge transfer.
April heads a branch of the unit’s communication tree, and
often personally reviews UBNPC news with her peers one-onone.
April is an active member of 14K’s UBNPC. She has served as
interim UBNPC co-chair and as a Skin Champion. She is 14K’s
Magnet Champion, and prior to the Magnet survey, played a
key role in preparing staff. Through creative education and
one-on-one meetings, April ensured that staff understood the
survey and how their work exemplified Magnet readiness.
“April Thompson was my nurse preceptor during my
last semester of nursing school. What I appreciated
the most about April was her ability to stay calm,
focused and create a relaxed teaching environment
for me regardless of how complex or hectic our
shifts together were. She took the time to seek out
teaching moments, encouraged me to research the
disease processes we were encountering and then
discussed that research and found ways to apply it
in our nursing interventions. This was very influential
to me as a new nurse because I found it easy to
revert back to the "tasks" of the day, medication
passes, dressing changes, etc. I remind myself of
her practice on a daily basis, to slow down, think
about the patient, the disease process and plan my
nursing interventions based on this larger picture.”
Co-worker
“April’s energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude are
contagious and she is a positive force. We are
fortunate to have April on the 14K Team!”
Lori Ellingson, Division Director
“I often put students and new employees with April for their experiences on 14K. Just this week, I am having a new
float pool RN orient with April. I feel that April is an excellent teacher of new students and nurses because she is
patient with them, but also because she is a big picture thinker and that is so important to demonstrate to new nursing
learners. She also has a true joy of nursing and connects so well to patients (she is a frequent patient favorite) which is
a great thing for new staff to see. In the past, we have had some students who have struggled, and April’s response
has always been, ‘Give them to me! I love a challenge!’ .
Another way in which April promotes learning is through her interactions with our interdisciplinary team. She frequently
asks questions in our weekly rounds to enhance her own learning and the learning of others, even if the question or
answer is not critical to performing her daily work. I often overhear conversations she has with the pharmacy or our
NPs and PAs to learn more about the condition she is treating. “ Debra Harris, Nurse Manager

THE AWARD PROCESS
Any OHSU employee may submit a
nomination. Nominations are
judged on the following criteria:
exemplifies award characteristics,
influenced outcomes, nomination is
compelling, and exemplifies OHSU’s
professional practice model. The
following groups review
nominations and designate awards:
Advanced Practice Nurse Council:
Advanced Practice Nurse
Professional Development Council:
Mentoring, Teaching
Magnet Champions:
Ancillary Staff, Community Service
Research Council:
Advancing and Leading the
Profession
Palliative Care Department:
Virginia I. Sznewajs Award for
Palliative Care
Patient Care Executives:
Management
Practice Council:
Clinical Care
Quality and Safety Council /
Quality Assembly:
Distinguished Nurse, Nightingale
ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE:
Wendy Domreis, MS, RN, CPNP
Karen Ellmers, RN, CNS
Christine Ernst, DNP, FNP-BC
Erica Jones, ACNP
Jayne Mitchell, ANP
ADVANCING AND LEADING
THE PROFESSION:
Laura Bax, BSN, RN, CCRN
Serena Elder, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Erica Jones, ACNP
Jessica Jordan, BSN, RN, CPN
Miranda Yohn, RN
ANCILLARY STAFF
(WITHIN NURSING SERVICES):
Andrew Asagra
Ebony Correa, C.M.A.
Seth Dominguez
Jessamae Felisario, C.N.A.
Ashley Heslop, C.M.A.
Maki Kato, C.N.A.
Alisha Mack, C.M.A.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Konnette Etheredge, MSN, RN
Jennica Harris, BSN, RN, CCRN
Lori Moss, BSN, RN
Linda Louise Tschida, BS, RN
CLINICAL CARE:
Lara Adams, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Lorri Aldridge, RN
Alissa Augustus, RN
Lisa Bloker, BSN, RN
Scott Campbell, BSN, RN
Tami Chauncey, BSN, RN
Kayley Cook, BSN, RN, CPON
Holly Cooper, BSN, RN
Toni Debois, BSN, RN, OCN
Leontine Eskola, BSN, RN, CCRN
Becky Flores, RN
Karmen Galman, MN, PMHNP
Colleen Howard, BSN, RN
Shawna Hruby, BSN, RN
Ellen Kline, BSN, RN, CCRN
Julien Laborde, RN
Maeve Long, RN
Lisa Martin, BSN, RN
Joanna Mielczareck, CPN, RN
Wendy Montgomery, RN
Samantha Paramore, BSN, RN, CCRN
Andy Paulson, RN, PCCN
Erika Peterson, RN
Rachael Postman, BSN, RN
Mateleine Ranes, BSN, RN, CCRN
Kirsten Ribanszky-Rogers, RN
Freedom Richardson, BS, RN
Suzanne Scott, RN
Patricia Shoun, BSN, RN, CCRN
Kenzin Spoffard, BSN, RN
Valancy Stricklin, RN
Diane Truong, BSN, RN
Jennifer Zeigler, MSN, RN

DISTINGUISHED NURSE:
Kathryn Conway, BSN, RN, CCRN
Catherine Cromett, MSN, RN
Sue Pastor, RN
Patricia Shoun, BSN, RN, CCRN
Joan Wallace, RN
MANAGEMENT:
Jennifer Fox, MSHCM, RN, CPN
Lisa Ledsworth, BS, RN, CCRN, CNRN
Tracy Neidetcher, MBA, MSN, RN
Sandra Randall, MSN, RN
Tammy Sebers, RN
Janet Whalen, BSN, RN
Peggy Woolf, MSN, MBA, RN, NE-BC
MENTORING:
Scott Campbell, BSN, RN
Monica Chapman, BSN, RN
John Elliott, BSN, RN, CPN
Dianne Haaland, RN, BSN, CNOR
Shay Lykins-Brown, RN, MSN, CWOCN
Brian Marshall, RN, BSN, CCRN
Laura Oetzel, RN, BSN, TNCC, CEN
Chelsea Rasmussen, RN, BSN
Jessa Sweany, RN, BSN, OCN
NIGHTINGALE:
Yelena Bulek, BSN, RN
Jennifer Goodman, BSN, RN
Jessica Jones, BSN, RN
OHSU Nurses Week 2013
Innovation. Compassion. Excellence.
TEACHING
Stacy January, RN
Melanie Sanders, BSN, RN, CPN
April Thompson, RN
VIRGINIA I. SZNEWAJS AWARD FOR PALLATIVE CARE
Jamie Arruda, BSN, RN, CCRN
Alyssa Augustus, RN
Rhea Geelan, RN
Ellen Kline, BSN, RN, CCRN
Stephanie Milstein, RN
Allison Neuschwander, RN
Kathleen Orrick, RN