May 2025 Honoree
Erinn Golder, RN, CPN
Erinn is truly the rock of our unit, a nurse who has dedicated 25 years to her profession, with two decades of service right here at Dell Children's.
To say that Erinn is like the mother of the unit is an understatement; the staff trusts her implicitly. She is a constant source of advice, encouragement, and a willing ear for anyone who is frustrated. Her impact is clear: when Erinn was on PTO for just two weeks last summer, the nurses on our huddle board started an actual countdown to her return.
Erinn is a fierce advocate, not only for our patients but also for her fellow nurses. When our unit, 3 East, is asked to take on new patient types, Erinn is the first to speak up, questioning whether we have the training and resources to provide the best care. Her advocacy has led to the formation of critical workgroups involving nursing, leadership, and providers. These groups have successfully addressed challenges such as staffing for scheduled admissions, safely administering Ketamine infusions on the unit, and coordinating with the OR to allow our nurses to administer chemotherapy while a patient is sedated.
On a personal level, Erinn has been my biggest advocate since the day I started as the clinical manager on 3 East. When I first arrived, the staff was not immediately welcoming, but Erinn always had my back. She has been my sounding board and my biggest cheerleader. We work exceptionally well together, constantly bouncing ideas off each other and providing support when things get crazy. We share a common goal: we both want what is best for our staff and are always willing to fight for them.
Beyond our unit, Erinn has cultivated excellent relationships across nearly every department in the hospital. She is an invaluable resource who knows exactly who to contact for anything the unit needs, often saying, "Oh, I have their cell number, let me just reach out." This has been essential to the success and smooth operation of 3 East.
Erinn's commitment extends to our unit's governance and culture. She was a founding member of our Unit-Based Council and continues to serve as the leadership liaison. Under her guidance, the council has grown into a robust group where associates feel they have a meaningful voice in unit decisions.
Furthermore, as part of our Morale Committee, Erinn organizes activities, celebrates staff milestones, and plans fun events on the unit, ensuring that every member of the team feels valued and heard. Her dedication to service also extends into the community, as she is an active member of the planning committee for the yearly St. Baldrick's festivities.
Even with her leadership duties, Erinn is an active presence on the unit, helping in any way possible-administering chemotherapy, starting PCAs, and ensuring staff have the necessary tools for safe patient care. She is also a dedicated educator, always willing to teach a new skill or check staff off on their Annual Learning Plans.
Erinn Golder is a vital part of 3 East, the first person staff reaches out to with a problem or a question. I truly could not imagine leading this staff without her help. Her dedication, advocacy, and servant leadership make her an exemplary candidate for The DAISY Award for Lifetime Achievement.
To say that Erinn is like the mother of the unit is an understatement; the staff trusts her implicitly. She is a constant source of advice, encouragement, and a willing ear for anyone who is frustrated. Her impact is clear: when Erinn was on PTO for just two weeks last summer, the nurses on our huddle board started an actual countdown to her return.
Erinn is a fierce advocate, not only for our patients but also for her fellow nurses. When our unit, 3 East, is asked to take on new patient types, Erinn is the first to speak up, questioning whether we have the training and resources to provide the best care. Her advocacy has led to the formation of critical workgroups involving nursing, leadership, and providers. These groups have successfully addressed challenges such as staffing for scheduled admissions, safely administering Ketamine infusions on the unit, and coordinating with the OR to allow our nurses to administer chemotherapy while a patient is sedated.
On a personal level, Erinn has been my biggest advocate since the day I started as the clinical manager on 3 East. When I first arrived, the staff was not immediately welcoming, but Erinn always had my back. She has been my sounding board and my biggest cheerleader. We work exceptionally well together, constantly bouncing ideas off each other and providing support when things get crazy. We share a common goal: we both want what is best for our staff and are always willing to fight for them.
Beyond our unit, Erinn has cultivated excellent relationships across nearly every department in the hospital. She is an invaluable resource who knows exactly who to contact for anything the unit needs, often saying, "Oh, I have their cell number, let me just reach out." This has been essential to the success and smooth operation of 3 East.
Erinn's commitment extends to our unit's governance and culture. She was a founding member of our Unit-Based Council and continues to serve as the leadership liaison. Under her guidance, the council has grown into a robust group where associates feel they have a meaningful voice in unit decisions.
Furthermore, as part of our Morale Committee, Erinn organizes activities, celebrates staff milestones, and plans fun events on the unit, ensuring that every member of the team feels valued and heard. Her dedication to service also extends into the community, as she is an active member of the planning committee for the yearly St. Baldrick's festivities.
Even with her leadership duties, Erinn is an active presence on the unit, helping in any way possible-administering chemotherapy, starting PCAs, and ensuring staff have the necessary tools for safe patient care. She is also a dedicated educator, always willing to teach a new skill or check staff off on their Annual Learning Plans.
Erinn Golder is a vital part of 3 East, the first person staff reaches out to with a problem or a question. I truly could not imagine leading this staff without her help. Her dedication, advocacy, and servant leadership make her an exemplary candidate for The DAISY Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Thank you, Erinn, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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