Gina Hatlestad
May 2026
Gina
Hatlestad
,
LPN
CentraCare - New London Clinic
New London
,
MN
United States
She has the ability to discern in a conversation, either in person out in the community or by phone, those people that need immediate same-day action.
OK, so this nomination is far, far overdue. Gina and I have worked together for 28 years. She is deserving of this recognition for many reasons; here are a few:
LifeSaver- Gina has saved numerous lives over the years. Certainly, many were symbolic, being a listening ear and an empathetic voice. But also, several quite literally. She has the ability to discern in a conversation, either in person out in the community or by phone, those people that need immediate same-day action. Like the person with a AAA that needed to be in the OR yesterday, or the STEMI patient that called with vague symptoms and sounded "not themself or just off," or that person with depression at risk of self-harm; all leading to an acute evaluation, expedited care, and a life saved. So many examples.
Life Softener- This might not be a term, but it should be one. Gina has greeted at the door and prepared for a visit all of those people that need a soft touch. Perhaps they just learned of a life-changing diagnosis or just parted with a loved one or just embarked on the toughest mental challenge of their life. In her own unique way, she softens the edges of the world that can be sharp, painful, and sometimes downright cruel. This is a quality possessed by some and mastered by only a few. It is hardwired into Gina.
Life Guider- Gina has mentored, taught, and guided many new nurses, students, and new colleagues alike. Always done with a balance of patience, competence, and support to help them do the work correctly while supporting and respecting their humanity.
Life Resource- Gina is a resource for all of us. She takes time, often personal time, to learn new protocols, new skills, and the always new vaccination schedule. She approaches each new concept or idea with a fervent focus on facts and solid information.
Life Completer- We all have those days when we wonder, "did I call everyone or finish all the important tasks". For 28 years, I have had the luxury of knowing that, at the end of a long day or a grueling week, we are, in fact, done when Gina says we are done. Each person has been helped.
Life Balancer- This might be the most important. Gina knows when and how to balance the times when we need hard work, efficiency, and a get-moving mentality to help everyone who needs it, against the times when 5, 10, or 15 more minutes are demanded of her to provide the right care for the fellow human in front of her. I am not sure how she does this, but it is perhaps what patients notice most.
LifeSaver- Gina has saved numerous lives over the years. Certainly, many were symbolic, being a listening ear and an empathetic voice. But also, several quite literally. She has the ability to discern in a conversation, either in person out in the community or by phone, those people that need immediate same-day action. Like the person with a AAA that needed to be in the OR yesterday, or the STEMI patient that called with vague symptoms and sounded "not themself or just off," or that person with depression at risk of self-harm; all leading to an acute evaluation, expedited care, and a life saved. So many examples.
Life Softener- This might not be a term, but it should be one. Gina has greeted at the door and prepared for a visit all of those people that need a soft touch. Perhaps they just learned of a life-changing diagnosis or just parted with a loved one or just embarked on the toughest mental challenge of their life. In her own unique way, she softens the edges of the world that can be sharp, painful, and sometimes downright cruel. This is a quality possessed by some and mastered by only a few. It is hardwired into Gina.
Life Guider- Gina has mentored, taught, and guided many new nurses, students, and new colleagues alike. Always done with a balance of patience, competence, and support to help them do the work correctly while supporting and respecting their humanity.
Life Resource- Gina is a resource for all of us. She takes time, often personal time, to learn new protocols, new skills, and the always new vaccination schedule. She approaches each new concept or idea with a fervent focus on facts and solid information.
Life Completer- We all have those days when we wonder, "did I call everyone or finish all the important tasks". For 28 years, I have had the luxury of knowing that, at the end of a long day or a grueling week, we are, in fact, done when Gina says we are done. Each person has been helped.
Life Balancer- This might be the most important. Gina knows when and how to balance the times when we need hard work, efficiency, and a get-moving mentality to help everyone who needs it, against the times when 5, 10, or 15 more minutes are demanded of her to provide the right care for the fellow human in front of her. I am not sure how she does this, but it is perhaps what patients notice most.