May 11, 2021

Nurse and Healthcare Colleagues Awards

Central, Rural Health

Outstanding Achievement in Care Management

Dee Hennings, RN, Case Manager, St. Cloud Hospital

A nurse demonstrating a commitment to care management, a collaborative interdisciplinary practice supporting the achievement of optimal patient outcomes including health and access to care across the continuum.

Dee brings her knowledge and expertise in bedside nursing to assist in the care and coordination that she provides to patients as an RN Care Manager. She sees the big picture, recognizes barriers quickly, and is not afraid to tackle them. Dee appreciates working as a team and works to help providers understand barriers, while bringing forward thoughts and ideas on how to make a realistic path for the patients. She shows up each day with a “can do” attitude and works hard to achieve her best.

Outstanding Achievement in Transformational Leadership

Alicia Groth, CentraCare Ambulatory Educator

A nurse who has engaged in teamwork as a team player and team builder by transforming attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. In addition, uses/applies, promotes, and demonstrates evidence at the bedside.

Alicia stepped into the role of Interim Director of the Neurosciences, Neurosurgery, and Pain Management clinics to support the departments as they sought new permanent leaders.  During this short tenure, Alicia worked to improve the quality and safety of patient care delivery and started work to develop a shared governance committee structure to bring frontline staff and provider input into decision making. Her leadership presence influenced the work culture through transparent communication, application of evidence to practice, and seeking input to changes that were made.  

Excellence in Staff Engagement

Lisa Bershok, Suicide Prevention Program Manager

A staff member who casts a shadow of influence and displays enthusiasm, innovation and creativity while promoting employee engagement.

Lisa is a strong leader in supporting staff well-being during our COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts around resiliency and its impact on improved engagement has been key. Lisa and her team did tremendous work putting staff well-being at the forefront during our most challenging times during our spring and winter surges.

Outstanding Achievement in Collaborative Practice

Patricia Dumonceaux, RN, Infection Prevention Lead

A patient care staff who consistently collaborates with other disciplines to best serve patients and improve care and outcomes across the continuum.

Patricia has been phenomenal working as part of the COVID IC and has been part of many projects to help keep our patients, visitors and staff safe. She has remarkable knowledge, is open to sharing it with staff, and is very approachable when others have questions or concerns. Patricia helped with PPE, patient/staff education, vaccinations, testing, AGP, clinical pathways/JAS, and continues to be involved in these efforts. Patricia helps to identify any “fs”  with any project and is very thorough and reliable.

Excellence in Culture of Safety

Nicolette Leaders, RN, Medication and Vaccine Safety Nurse

A patient care staff that continually advocates for patient and staff safety. Is proactive and applies evidence to impact change to prevent or reduce the risk of harm.

Nicolette has been a key stakeholder for the work related to the COVID -19 vaccination efforts for staff and our communities. She supports the work by training nurses to safely vaccinate and works closely with MDH in monitoring practice and data related to vaccination efforts. She provides enthusiasm and support in a way that everyone appreciates. Nicolette is willing to answer questions and offer research that supports safe vaccine practices across CentraCare. Her work exemplifies the importance of safety.

Outstanding Achievement in Mentorship

Rose Lisson, RN, Center for Surgical Care

A nurse preceptor or mentor committed to fostering professional growth and development of students and peers. This nurse advises, encourages, and supports other nurses, faculty, and students to continually build skills and behaviors required to meet patient needs.

Rose has been a preceptor on our unit for many years. She happily volunteered to do the mentorship program, as well. She is a natural teacher and leader and one that many staff go to with questions. New staff often asked to be mentored by her due because of her easy going and friendly nature. 

When COVID first started and members of our unit were sent elsewhere, Rose was a sounding board for those feeling lonely and isolated. She always helps hold the unit together. She is kind and thoughtful and a great example of the standards we should all set for ourselves. 

Her patients love her soft and soothing voice and never go into surgery having any questions. They are confident they had the best care prior to going into the operating room.

Outstanding Achievement in Community (population) Health

Stephanie Delfino, Social Worker

A patient care staff member committed to improving the health of our population locally, regionally, and globally.

As a social worker, it is a responsibility to assist patients with barriers to their psychosocial needs. In order to do this, a social worker has to be willing to meet with patients, truly assess their situation, obtain their trust and understanding, and have a desire to seek out resources that can help those in need. This is the true definition of Stephanie Delfino. 

As the social worker that supports FBC/PEDS/NICU of St. Cloud Hospital, Stephanie is presented with a large variety of issues and barriers for infants, children and adults. She has taken it upon herself to grow and learn the best way to work with the population she serves. This is evident by immersing herself in the unit, so staff are familiar with her and feel comfortable to work with her with a team approach. 

Stephanie involves herself in the clinic atmosphere so that she is able to know the resources to connect her patients with once they leave the hospital. In addition, she serves on committees and organizations throughout Stearns and surrounding counties to improve collaboration with county social workers, police, attorneys, and others. 

Stephanie has attended state and national webinars and educational offerings to increase her awareness of the resources that exist for her unique population. She has also taken the time to research and learn more about what she can provide and offer, such as social security benefits, and disability benefits. Most recently, Stephanie took the time to reach out to the CentraCare foundation to secure funding for resources for her population on 3rd floor, providing kits for mothers that are in the hospital for long term stays and clothing for young families that are not able to afford necessities. 

Stephanie not only makes herself aware of these resources, but she teaches others so they are able to assist their patients in need, as well. 

Thank you, Stephanie, for all that you do!

Outstanding Achievement in Performance Improvement

Kristi Patterson, Performance Improvement Clinical Consultant

A nurse committed to performance improvement, by applying rapid cycle tests of change to positively influence an outcome.

Kristi has assisted the Home Health/Hospice department with system level integration by facilitating leadership discussions and guiding teams through project implementations to improve efficiency and outcomes. Her expertise and approach to performance improvement work has helped all participants feel heard and valued while contributing to a positive outcome in our department. 

Kristi is mindful of the personality types in the group and often adjusts her approach to produce optimal outcomes. She seeks feedback and is intentional about noting any lessons learned from each project. Her work related to our integration was critical to the success of our workflow changes that fostered a smooth transition into a new, centralized leadership structure.

Outstanding Achievement in Evidence Based Practice

Mallory Mondloch, Nurse Clinician

A nurse demonstrating a commitment to leading innovative evidence-based practice changes.

Mallory was the nurse leader, in collaboration with Jen Watson, on developing the Suspension of Independent Double-Check for SubQ Insulin. Mallory reviewed the best practices and collaborated with patient safety to assure the practice change was safe and effective. She was a champion who rounded and supported staff and has continued to monitor the change for success and opportunities. 

Mallory has been instrumental in paving the path for nursing to trust the technology and change our way of thinking about how we can do Independent Double-Checks differently.

Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Excellence

Lori Gardner, RN, Case Manager

A nurse with more than 10 years of experience who commits to nursing excellence, optimal patient outcomes through Our Purpose and application of Quadruple Aim.

Lori Gardner is well-known throughout CentraCare.  An employee since 1987, Lori has devoted countless hours to the nursing profession in a variety of roles but found her true passion of nursing through the role of RN Case Manager. 

Through her case management time, Lori has assisted several units in the St. Cloud Hospital, bringing her nursing and case management skills to each patient and family she has assisted. Currently, she supports some of our more critical patients within the MPCU, where she works each day to assist patients, families, nursing, providers and other members of the team with the progression and coordination of very complex patients. 

However, Lori’s passion does not stop with helping patients of the MPCU, she also takes the time and energy to involve herself in projects, committees, and various trials of new strategies that have the aim of improving patient care and outcomes, as well as meeting the needs of the organization. Working on such projects as Team Pink, the care of the respiratory patient, projects surrounding readmissions, CHF patients, LOS initiatives, enhancements of order sets, and Care Management PI are just a few of initiatives she has supported. 

As a certified nurse in Case Management, Lori makes it her goal to be aware of, involved, and a provider of the best care possible, along with those she works with. The multi-disciplinary team never hesitates to seek out Lori for her assistance, collaboration and guidance. 

Lori is a strong advocate for her patients and will do her best to find ways for their needs to be addressed and met. She is a respected and cherished member of the Care Management team and beyond. For those who know Lori, her passion for nursing shines through each day. Plus, one those days when you need it, one can always count on getting a smile with Lori’s contagious, vociferous laugh. 

Thank you, Lori, for all that you do and the years of service you have provided!

Excellence in Coordination of Care

Laura Smith, RN, Clinical Lead, Redwood

A nurse who consistently anticipates discharge needs and develops a proactive interdisciplinary transition plan involving the patient and family.

Laura has a dual role of clinical lead and patient care coordinator (PCC), and has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth discharge planning process for patients and families.  She provides education and works closely with the social worker to ensure the patient and family’s clinical and psychosocial needs are met. Laura also has been part of the EPIC team as a super user and credentialed trainer, and has worked with the long-term care facilities to ensure they are getting the adequate clinical information needed during discharge. Her positive attitude is extremely important as she navigates the complex discharge planning process.

Excellence in Shared Governance

Nicole Hubbard, RN, St. Cloud Hospital

A nurse, actively involved in committees, who uses their expertise to impact patient care and nursing practice. The nurse, promotes clinical inquiry, application of evidence and enhances collaborative efforts.

Nicole is actively involved in the CICU/CVTU ROE committee and is on the CCHVC Nurse Practice Committee.  She engages, volunteers for projects (e.g., participating in reviewing/updating the patient admission education information) and brings a “Can Do” attitude to the table.  Nicole effectively brings forth staff concerns, patient situations, and grounds the committees in the needs of bedside personnel.

Excellence in Professional Growth

Jess Thoma, CICU Educator

A nurse committed to improving processes to promote an ongoing culture of learning, professional growth and development.

Jess Thoma was instrumental in creating annual competencies that follow the Donna Wright Model and changing our initial orientation checklists to a tiered skill acquisition model. These two large projects helped to truly identify what a competency is and which competencies need to be met upon admission, as well as ongoing. The previous orientation checklists were old and outdated and not user friendly for staff. By identifying the competencies needed and also creating smart phrases, preceptors know which competency they are evaluating. 

These projects also promote better on-going learning and competencies on the unit (what is new, what has changed, what is problematic, what is high risk) and also make annual performance appraisals more meaningful.

Outstanding Nursing Student Award in Evidence Based Practice

Katie Schulz, RN, Director of Education

A nursing student affiliated who demonstrates a commitment to leading innovative evidence-based practice changes.

Together with Jess Thoma, Katie Schulz was instrumental in creating annual competencies that follow the Donna Wright Model and changing our initial orientation checklists to a tiered skill acquisition model. These two large projects helped to truly identify what a competency is and which competencies need to be met upon admission, as well as ongoing. The previous orientation checklists were old and outdated and not user friendly for staff. By identifying the competencies needed and also creating smart phrases, preceptors know which competency they are evaluating. 

These projects also promote better on-going learning and competencies on the unit (what is new, what has changed, what is problematic, what is high risk) and also make annual performance appraisals more meaningful.