I always wanted to be a nurse.

When I was about 5-years-old, my aunt and her best friend came and saw me at my grandparents. They were dressed in their white uniforms, and nursing caps. They were talking about the ways they cared for people that day and how they made a difference. I was fascinated by the ability to care for another person on the level they were able to.

When I was about 17 years old, I had the opportunity to care for my grandpa when he had cancer, and it really solidified my desire to pursue a career in nursing. I received my BSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1997 and continue to carry my nursing license today.

The ability to care for people, on a personal level, is an experience that not many get to have. It’s such a blessing to be in this career and I am so thankful to work with an amazing team of health care professionals at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge.

I sat down with some of our nursing team to hear their stories – and showcase what they’re doing in our community and how they help our patients.

Kari Jones, chief nursing executive, UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge, has been a nurse since 1993, and grew up hearing health care stories from her grandma, mom and aunts — who were all nurses.

She told me, “I remember listening to my grandma’s stories and just knowing she was a fierce patient advocate — I loved it. I knew that’s where my passion is and what I want to do.”

Nurses play a key role in health care in Fort Dodge and UnityPoint Health is focused on hearing the voice of our nursing team members.

Kari shared with me, “I think it’s really important — and I love being able to be that voice. I enjoy hearing from team members about how things are going and using their voice to improve the care we deliver right here in Fort Dodge.”

We have many nurses at Trinity, who represent our region on system committees. Being able to connect with other health care professionals throughout Iowa, along with in Wisconsin and Illinois, allows us to share our processes, and make improvements for patient safety and outcomes.

One of our biggest challenges over the past five years has been staffing shortages. And while we still have struggles, our teams continue to strive forward caring for patients with the same exceptional care.

Mallory Nelson, RN, charge nurse, Critical Care Unit, has been a nurse at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge for 20 years.

She shared with me the team’s perspective in 2020, during the height of COVID-19, “It was a super challenging time, which we all overcame, but our world changed. During that time, there were no visitors and so when there was nobody, it was us. And it drives me to do the best I can do — and be that person for our patients.”

The impact we have on patients, their family members, the community, and our team members is so important. Whether it’s a nurse at the bedside, or one in quality, or one that’s a leader, the impact we all have on patients is phenomenal.

Danesha Loyd, RN, BSN, UnityPoint Clinic OB/GYN, has worked at Trinity Regional Medical Center for almost 13 years, including seven years as a nurse. She shared her passion for nursing with me,

“Knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life is big for me. Some days are rough, sometimes it’s a struggle, sometimes it’s happy tears and sometimes it’s sad tears. I try to be there for my patients and want to make sure they’re taken care of the whole time.”

I love hearing stories from our community members when they share about the care their family received, and I appreciate when people come to me sharing an opportunity to improve. Along with being involved in our community and within UnityPoint Health, I am involved with the American Hospital Association and Iowa Hospital Association. Being a part of the larger Health care community enables us to take lessons learned for others and apply it right here in Fort Dodge. We continue to improve processes and grow as an organization. We have many people here that strive every day to give the very best care to our community!

No matter where they work – whether in patient care, education or leadership – and no matter what job they do, nursing is a profession that is so special.

Mallory shared why our team bonds are so valuable, “It doesn’t matter what we’re faced with — short staffing or high acuity — we will get through the day. We’re a family, and I think this is the absolute best place to work.”

We are hearing from more and more patients with great experiences and outcomes, and it makes us continue to do better. As the market president, I want to thank our amazing team members for showing the care and concern to people in our community that need it. This is a great place to be, and I am thankful to be a nurse and a part of this caring team.

Leah Glasgo is the market president of UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge.