of the Year

Recommendations

Info

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."
Page 1 and 2: OHSU Nurses Week Innovation. Compas
Page 3 and 4: Jayne Mitchell, ANP-BC Nurse Practi
Page 5 and 6: “Mrs. J was a patient that was be
Page 7 and 8: “I have always been a critical th
Page 9 and 10: “When Maki was on the floor, I kn
Page 11 and 12: “My esophagectomy patients (I cou
Page 13: he had about getting back on his fe
Page 17 and 18: her management of where the two int
Page 19 and 20: I am humbled to receive this honor.
Page 21 and 22: “I always knew I wanted to have a
Page 23 and 24: “Rhea is consistently gentle and
Page 25 and 26: (continued) feelings while also set
Page 27: DISTINGUISHED NURSE: Kathryn Conway

of the Year

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?