Paula Olson
January 2022
Paula
Olson
,
RN
Care Management
Essentia Health St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes
,
MN
United States

 

 

 

She always leads with natural care and compassion.
Her compassionate leadership involves positive role modeling, personal-centered care, and compassion towards the staff and not just the patients. Paula shows compassion within her leadership role, by helping staff improve new ways to develop ideas, improve ways of completing things and sharpen their skills. She continues to do this while supporting patients and their families.  She always leads with natural care and compassion.

Paula makes rounds every night to touch base with the charge nurse to get a one-to-one report.  She then will ask the floor if there is anything they need and makes it very clear if there is anything they need to not hesitate to reach out to her.  If there is a problem that arises such as between two departments, Paula is quick to offer a simple way to improve communication between departments. She encourages staff to take advantage of these opportunities to ask questions, get clarification and discuss patient goals with providers.   She listens to staff, respecting that they have an understanding of what the patient needs to staff accordingly.

Paula is able to focus on what matters most.  Even when the night is very busy, we could have traumas, code blues, etc. and the night can still feel calm.  She makes sure everyone is working together.  You know that she is passionate about nursing and loves what she does.   If she knows that you were involved in “tough” trauma or code she will touch base with you to see how you are holding up or if there is anything you need.  Paula puts patients and staff's needs before her own when she is at work.  

Paula provides excellent care because she is very hard-working and works hard shifts.  She works long hours that require a commitment to work beyond the call of duty.  She has the ability to diagnose a medical problem quickly and make quick decisions on the next step.  As a leader she is prepared for emergencies, trauma cases, and awkward moments.  She has to think of so many possible solutions while keeping communications open with patients, nurses, doctors, administrators, families, and technicians.  I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of this award.