May 2011
Linda
Groenendyk
,
RN
Cardiac Rehab
Pella Regional Health Center
Pella
,
IA
United States

 

 

 

Nomination for Linda Groenendyk

1. Concern for Humanity
Linda Groenendyk has been a nurse for many years and has worked in the rural hospital setting for most of those years, including working as a house supervisor for several years. Currently she is working in the Cardiac Rehab area of Pella Regional Health Center (PRHC). In daily cardiac rehab or in diagnostic testing, Linda can put either a timid senior citizen of a tough old farmer at ease. She has learned when hand-holding or strong verbal encouragement is needed.
In the past year, Linda also took her skills on a medical mission trip to Romania, taking herself out of her comfort zone in order to help others. This was Linda’s first mission trip, but she quickly “jumped right in” and became a great addition to the team. Linda and one other nurse triaged all the patients that presented at the clinic, an average of 80 per day. Linda’s broad nursing knowledge and cardiac background was a great asset in triaging. Linda also participated in “Agape Runs” which was visiting the homes of the poorest of the poor as identified by the mayors of the towns they visited. Linda’s demeanor was always welcoming and accepting of these people, no matter what squalor they were living in. Linda also used her own money to buy flowers for the clinic, and then planted them; in order to make the clinic look more welcoming.

2. Significant contribution to the nursing profession
Linda has been instrumental part of making a small rural hospital’s cardiac rehab department provide many of the services found in metropolitan areas. She has served on Shared Governance councils and assisted with policy writing; thereby, helping improve patient care throughout the entire facility.

3. Leadership through mentoring and serving as a role model
Linda has demonstrated leadership by fostering teamwork within the Cardiac Services department. She helped bring positive change by learning and building the cardiac rehab portion of the medical record. In day-to-day planning she helps all team members get involved in the decision making.
Linda also serves as a role model, in that after many years out of school, she has returned to the class room in order to achieve her BSN

4. Specific event that prompted nomination
Linda has recently moved her youngest child to college and is planning a wedding with another son. While being busy at home and at work, Linda has begun her course work for her BSN. When asked why she wanted to go back to school, she said that she thought it would help her contribute more to her team at work.