of the Year

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.