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