Linda Fowler, RN, APRN-CNS, Regional West’s clinical coordinator in the Critical Care department, is the facility’s 2024 Caring Kind Award recipient.
The Caring Kind Award, presented annually by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA), honors outstanding healthcare employees who have demonstrated compassion for patients, cooperation with co-workers, and dedication to excellence in their job responsibilities. Since 1979, Nebraska hospitals have honored their finest employees with The Caring Kind Awards. NHA member hospitals statewide are eligible to select one award recipient from their respective institutions to receive The Caring Kind Award honor.
Fowler has served Regional West for 47 years in various roles. In her nomination, she was praised for her commitment to helping others grow in the nursing field.
“Linda creates an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and supported in her every action related to patient care,” her nomination read. “She recognizes with a simple glance when someone appears to need help understanding concepts and educates in a gentle manner that leads to a high level of trust. She looks for innovative ways to address patient and staff challenges. This open communication and allows staff a voice with nursing leadership to address potential barriers in providing excellent patient care.”
“She is passionate about improving patient outcomes and employees’ professional growth. Linda meets regularly with employees and is attentive to their concerns, delegating as needed for resolution and implementation of changes. Most recently, she helped advocate and implement the first phases for phlebotomy training and works collaboratively with the group to ensure a smooth implementation of the process. She clearly believes in her chosen career of nursing; that, coupled with her excitement for lifetime learning, enhances the image of nursing within the organization, the community and the region.”
Fowler’s supervisor Temple Russell, BSN, RN, Regional West’s director of Medical Surgical Services, added that Fowler often provides comfort in the moment patients need it most.
“There’s a quote by Leo Buscaglia that says, ‘Too often, we underestimate power of a touch, a smile, a kind work, a listening ear, an honest accomplishment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.’ Linda has lived and done each of these every time she comes to work,” said Russell. “In the midst of the hectic environment, I have seen her stop and sit with a patient, hold their hand to allay their fears, and give them the confidence they need to improve. This applies to patients, families, students, nurses, and all who she encounters. She is definitely deserving of this distinction.”