STAPLES — Citing her enthusiasm, kindness and
determination to make a difference, the March of Dimes Minnesota Chapter awarded Jennifer Strickland, registered nurse, Lakewood Health System, its 2011 Rural Health Nurse of the Year Award.
The award was announced at the March of Dimes’ annual gala and awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis.
In announcing Strickland’sselection for the award, the presenter highlighted the important role Strickland has played in the implementation of specialized programs at
Lakewood: “[Strickland] knew patients at her rural hospital deserved the highest quality of care and best outcomes. She tackled that by calling on multiple departments to utilize their strengths as an interdisciplinary team.
For her, when a patient walks in without pain — and with a hug — it makes all the difference in the world.”
Jill Bauer, neonatal outreach nurse with Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota, nominated Strickland for the award and wrote in her nomination submission:
“The camaraderie that she has created and continues to foster, makes the staff at her hospital one of the most cohesive groups that I have ever seen, and their close-knit relationship obviously affects the entire hospital atmosphere and care that is delivered to their patients,” Bauer said of Strickland, in a news release.
Strickland joined Lakewood in 2005 and is currently the care coordinator for Lakewood’s Joint Connection program, which provides education, treatment, surgery and on-going support for patients needing a total knee replacement.
“It is such an honor to be a nurse and care for others,” Strickland said. “To relieve a bit of fear, ease their pain or just be there for them is a privilege. To serve as a nurse in a rural setting, taking care of your friends and neighbors, holds an even higher degree of responsibility.”
Lakewood’s Joint Connection program will expand to include total hip replacement surgery starting in March of 2012.
