Kara Downing
October 2019
Kara
Downing
,
RN
Infection Prevention
Capital Medical Center
Olympia
,
WA
United States
The role of the Infection Prevention nurse touches every department within the organization. Kara is one of the first people you meet when you apply for and receive an offer of employment. She interacts with all new employees in her role as Employee Health and often counsels new employees to assist them with completing their required paperwork.
Kara is a voice of reason, again in Employee Health, when an employee has been exposed. She provides strong and knowledgeable counsel and calms the fears of employees as they wait for test results. She touches base with staff often and relays information in a timely fashion.
New employees are energized and have fun when Kara presents information about Infection Prevention during orientation. It's not every person who can make bloodborne pathogens and C-Diff entertaining, but her approach as a teacher makes learning fun!
Kara is available to all staff as a resource and educator. You can find Kara rounding in the clinics, nursing units, OR, Central Sterile, outpatient areas, registration, housekeeping, engineering, etc. The role of Infection Prevention cannot be underscored enough as prevention of infection is paramount to safe, quality care. I have never seen Kara shy away from an important conversation or dismiss an employee, physician, patient or family member who stopped to ask a question.
Ultimately, the work that Kara does directly affects the patients, families, visitors, and staff of the hospital. Beyond the practical applications associated with her role, I want to point out the qualities that Kara possesses with regard to leadership as an example to others within the organization. Kara possesses the gift of professional conversation, treats all employees with respect, and is quick to point out the importance of the work we do and praises staff for its ability to perform at its best! She is a leader who models leadership.
Kara Downing is a professional, caring, and knowledgeable nurse with the gift of the ability to inspire others. It is my proud honor to work with her.
Kara is a voice of reason, again in Employee Health, when an employee has been exposed. She provides strong and knowledgeable counsel and calms the fears of employees as they wait for test results. She touches base with staff often and relays information in a timely fashion.
New employees are energized and have fun when Kara presents information about Infection Prevention during orientation. It's not every person who can make bloodborne pathogens and C-Diff entertaining, but her approach as a teacher makes learning fun!
Kara is available to all staff as a resource and educator. You can find Kara rounding in the clinics, nursing units, OR, Central Sterile, outpatient areas, registration, housekeeping, engineering, etc. The role of Infection Prevention cannot be underscored enough as prevention of infection is paramount to safe, quality care. I have never seen Kara shy away from an important conversation or dismiss an employee, physician, patient or family member who stopped to ask a question.
Ultimately, the work that Kara does directly affects the patients, families, visitors, and staff of the hospital. Beyond the practical applications associated with her role, I want to point out the qualities that Kara possesses with regard to leadership as an example to others within the organization. Kara possesses the gift of professional conversation, treats all employees with respect, and is quick to point out the importance of the work we do and praises staff for its ability to perform at its best! She is a leader who models leadership.
Kara Downing is a professional, caring, and knowledgeable nurse with the gift of the ability to inspire others. It is my proud honor to work with her.