News

When RiverView OB Coordinator Lisa Johnson, RN, talks to her kids about their futures, she stresses the importance of doing something they love; for her, it’s nursing. She was recently recognized for her enthusiasm and dedication to nursing when she was chosen as the Employee of the Month for February.

“I want my kids to love going to work as much as I do,’’ she shared. “I love and am passionate about my job: the patients, my coworkers and RiverView as a whole are what bring me joy and I am so blessed to work here.’’

Johnson started working on the Inpatient Unit at RiverView in July 2013 as an LPN. She graduated with her RN in May 2015.

A Crookston native, she was actually born at RiverView. She grew up in Beltrami and graduated from Fertile-Beltrami. Her husband of 14 years is Matt Johnson, director of RiverView’s Plant Operations. Their family consists of children: Naomi, 12; Andrew, 11; Alyssa, 9; and Nolan, 8; dog Macie, 9; and kittens Bruno and Kirby.

Lisa’s hobbies include playing with her kids, watching their activities, camping, and fishing.

“I am deeply touched by the kind words shared about me by my coworkers,’’ she said of her honor. “I have had some of the best role models at work and strive to continually become a better nurse and leader. It is hard not to invest 110 percent of yourself when you feel appreciated and know you are making a difference in lives. Thank you for this great honor.’’

Below are a few of the comments made in Johnson’s honor:

“Since Lisa has taken the position of our OB coordinator, she has exceeded my expectations. She puts safety of our
patients as a high priority and is focused on growing our entire OB team. She is always willing to help out the team when needed. Lisa is dedicated to our team and our patients which makes her a great leader. When Lisa applied for the OB coordinator position there was no doubt she was the right person for the job. Lisa has made many positive changes in our OB Unit in her short time as coordinator. I look forward to further investing in her growth as a leader and what more we can do with our OB Unit under her direction.’’ - Annie Waldal, Inpatient Unit

“Lisa is always attentive to patient and staff needs, is task-oriented, incredibly reliable, and her sensitivity to the needs of patients and their families is well-placed, always maintaining healthy boundaries and ethical practices...She continuously seeks out learning opportunities for herself and her OB team, providing herself and others the opportunity to improve nursing skill sets, expand knowledge pas the foundations of nursing, and to become more confident in direct patient care.’’ - Laura Heller, Inpatient Unit

“Lisa had impeccable integrity, nurses and other team members do not doubt what Lisa says she has done or will do. Her communication with patients, family and coworkers is always professional and easily received. She is tactful in addressing employee issues that are often a delicate matter...She is always willing to help the team by coming in to train new nurses or pick up a shift when we have multiple moms in labor...Over a winter holiday week she rode with Dr. Kanten in the ambulance to Grand Forks with a high risk mom in labor, during a blizzard, after her shift was done. ‘‘ - Amy Kolden, Inpatient Unit