Nurses Month is celebrated each year in May. There’s no better time to recognize the art of pediatric nursing and the heart our RNs put into every patient interaction. They make the hospital feel a little more like home and the clinic a fun place to visit. Thank you, nurses, for all you do!
To celebrate, we’re highlighting two nurse leaders who have recently risen the ranks! After starting as a clinical support associate and then a clinical nurse, Michael French (left), BSN, RN, was promoted to patient care supervisor of 6th floor Minneapolis. Katie Lavander (right), MBA, MSN, RN, joined Children’s Minnesota about a year ago as director of the emergency departments (EDs) and inpatient mental health.
Get to know Michael
I worked with kids a lot through high school and had been really interested in the medical field throughout my life. I tried the pre-med track to be a doctor but didn’t do well in my early college years. Nursing is a second career for me, even if my first was quite short (less than a year). I knew I loved the human body, science and working with people. Nursing felt like a great blend of those interests. I came to Children’s Minnesota because of my experience with kids and it felt like the right place to engage all of my interests.
I am not sure there is a “typical” day as a patient care supervisor! Plus, I am still learning the new role since taking it on just over a month ago. Every day is a little bit different. And that’s why I love it! There is a good morning routine: collecting, recording and reporting data from previous days/shifts; predicting what the day will bring; and making adjustments accordingly.
Otherwise, I collaborate with Jessica, our patient care manager, and our clinical educators on various projects; and communicate with the RNs, CSAs and UOCs on the floor to manage the unit and various opportunities that pop up.
Nearly all of the heavy lifting is coming from the team working on the unit; I am there to support and help where I can. There are tons of ways leadership and nurses work with other units and the interdisciplinary staff in the hospital to coordinate the best care we can for the kiddos on the floor.
People all throughout Children’s Minnesota are consistently working to improve the way we do things — helping children, families and staff be the best they can be. We are all one team. I want Children’s [Minnesota] to be an example to the rest of the world for what a health care organization can do for its community, its patients and its staff.
It’s an asker’s world. The worst thing that can happen is that someone says “no.” Always ask for what you want!
Participating in spirit days, of course! Otherwise, I will be one of the emcees at the Nurses Awards Ceremony, celebrating the amazing work being done by our nursing staff every day.
Get to know Katie
I believe that becoming a nurse is a calling. I received my calling in second grade when I realized I love taking care of people and making them feel better. My dad had surgery and after that experience, I wanted to be a nurse. A few years later, my mom had my sister and I thought I wanted to be an OB nurse until I did my nursing clinicals and realized the OB world wasn’t for me. Ultimately, I love taking care of people and helping them feel better.
A typical day for me involves problem-solving concerns that arise from managers who have heard concerns from frontline staff needing assistance. I attend many meetings during which I represent the emergency departments and inpatient mental health services to provide a voice in organizational decision-making.
My favorite part of being a nurse leader is interacting with other employees within the organization. Rounding on the units and hearing individuals’ ideas, stories and information completely fills my bucket. I love the collaboration, the diverse ideas and helping put them into action.
Our everyday experiences are someone else’s once-in-a-lifetime moments. As I reflect on my role as a nurse and a nurse leader, I realize that what may seem normal or insignificant to us can be a significant experience for someone else. I always try to understand where the other person is coming from so that I can meet them at their level and help them understand the situation. I want to create an exceptional experience for both patients and staff.
I will be spending it with my kids and indulging in a little extra pampering over the weekend with a manicure and pedicure. I love all the activities that Children’s Minnesota has planned. I enjoy dressing up on theme days and spending time with the teams I lead.
