Kathleen Erickson
May 2022
Kathleen
Erickson
,
MSN, RN
6 Southeast
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Burlington
,
MA
United States
We as a staff on 6SE are very lucky to have an advocate and leader who truly cares about her staff as if we are family.
Kathy received 16 nominations from her staff. Below are some excerpts.
"People often ask what our "secret" is on Southeast, and though it is difficult to put into words, I believe our management team has always played a major role in this over the years. I started on 6 Southeast 8 years ago, and the standards have never changed. Kathy is kind and reasonable but firmly holds her staff accountable for their actions. Her overall positive and cheerful demeanor helps create the 6 Southeast environment that we work hard to uphold every day. She has always been supportive in her fairly new role as our manager, but as the pandemic progressed and our patient population changed, her unwavering support has made all the difference. For example, when speaking with her just this morning, she said 'times may be really tough, but I’ve never felt so much pride and conviction in this role.' Kathy shows up every day and gives us 100%, while also being a caring wife and amazing mom. We are proud of her and we are proud of our team."
"She has always been a great resource and wealth of knowledge, coming to the bedside to help in new situations. I can also recall a time she titrated an insulin drip with me every hour for a full shift for a patient on airborne precautions. Kathy’s door is always open, and she always has a way of making a situation better- no matter how difficult it may be... We as a staff on 6SE are very lucky to have an advocate and leader who truly cares about her staff as if we are family."
"In addition to her strong leadership, Kathy is always willing to join the ‘game’ and be a team player when needed. One of the many examples that demonstrate Kathy’s kind-hearted enthusiasm took place last week as she gowned up despite her personal responsibilities as a manager to feed my COVID patient as I navigated through a busy morning. Kathy did this without asking and hesitation. Her kindness and generosity never go unnoticed by our staff. Kathy is more than deserving of this recognition."
"She is always a visible presence on the floor whether it is a busy day or not, offering support where needed. Kathy is always collaborating with her employees looking for solutions to an often unpredictable and changing work environment, especially in COVID times."
"Kathy always leaves her door open to her staff, making herself available, and greeting them with a warm smile. I cannot imagine having to go through the past 2 years with another nurse manager, as Kathy has supported and “gone to bat” for us when times were tough. She is such a wonderful balance between an endearing mother figure, who truly wants the best for her staff, and a strong leadership figure, navigating her team through a pandemic."
"Without the support, guidance, and love from her over the past 2 years, we would not have survived the many COVID-19 surges we’ve experienced. She is always positive and there to put a smile on your face. She exemplifies all of the qualities of a true leader and we couldn’t be prouder of her, as the leader of our 6 Southeast family."
"As having worked with many different nurse managers, I have met very few like Kathy. She has the amazing leadership skills to listen, support, and advocate for any member of her team."
"Kathy’s ability to actively listen and show her genuine concern is something I admire about her. She understands what the staff experience working on the floor, and acknowledges our feelings and concerns when appropriate. As a newly licensed nurse, it is comforting to know I have someone who will always listen and advocate for me and my co-workers."
"I’ve been working at Lahey for over 4 years now and one thing that has remained constant, is Kathy. We are all greeted with a smile each morning. She is always willing and able to help."
"There’s something special about the dynamic and teamwork of Southeast and Kathy plays a huge part in that. I feel at ease knowing we have her and that she has our backs no matter what!"
"When I was starting out as a new nurse, knowing her door was always open and I would be greeted with a smile, helped me immensely getting through the tough days."
"People often ask what our "secret" is on Southeast, and though it is difficult to put into words, I believe our management team has always played a major role in this over the years. I started on 6 Southeast 8 years ago, and the standards have never changed. Kathy is kind and reasonable but firmly holds her staff accountable for their actions. Her overall positive and cheerful demeanor helps create the 6 Southeast environment that we work hard to uphold every day. She has always been supportive in her fairly new role as our manager, but as the pandemic progressed and our patient population changed, her unwavering support has made all the difference. For example, when speaking with her just this morning, she said 'times may be really tough, but I’ve never felt so much pride and conviction in this role.' Kathy shows up every day and gives us 100%, while also being a caring wife and amazing mom. We are proud of her and we are proud of our team."
"She has always been a great resource and wealth of knowledge, coming to the bedside to help in new situations. I can also recall a time she titrated an insulin drip with me every hour for a full shift for a patient on airborne precautions. Kathy’s door is always open, and she always has a way of making a situation better- no matter how difficult it may be... We as a staff on 6SE are very lucky to have an advocate and leader who truly cares about her staff as if we are family."
"In addition to her strong leadership, Kathy is always willing to join the ‘game’ and be a team player when needed. One of the many examples that demonstrate Kathy’s kind-hearted enthusiasm took place last week as she gowned up despite her personal responsibilities as a manager to feed my COVID patient as I navigated through a busy morning. Kathy did this without asking and hesitation. Her kindness and generosity never go unnoticed by our staff. Kathy is more than deserving of this recognition."
"She is always a visible presence on the floor whether it is a busy day or not, offering support where needed. Kathy is always collaborating with her employees looking for solutions to an often unpredictable and changing work environment, especially in COVID times."
"Kathy always leaves her door open to her staff, making herself available, and greeting them with a warm smile. I cannot imagine having to go through the past 2 years with another nurse manager, as Kathy has supported and “gone to bat” for us when times were tough. She is such a wonderful balance between an endearing mother figure, who truly wants the best for her staff, and a strong leadership figure, navigating her team through a pandemic."
"Without the support, guidance, and love from her over the past 2 years, we would not have survived the many COVID-19 surges we’ve experienced. She is always positive and there to put a smile on your face. She exemplifies all of the qualities of a true leader and we couldn’t be prouder of her, as the leader of our 6 Southeast family."
"As having worked with many different nurse managers, I have met very few like Kathy. She has the amazing leadership skills to listen, support, and advocate for any member of her team."
"Kathy’s ability to actively listen and show her genuine concern is something I admire about her. She understands what the staff experience working on the floor, and acknowledges our feelings and concerns when appropriate. As a newly licensed nurse, it is comforting to know I have someone who will always listen and advocate for me and my co-workers."
"I’ve been working at Lahey for over 4 years now and one thing that has remained constant, is Kathy. We are all greeted with a smile each morning. She is always willing and able to help."
"There’s something special about the dynamic and teamwork of Southeast and Kathy plays a huge part in that. I feel at ease knowing we have her and that she has our backs no matter what!"
"When I was starting out as a new nurse, knowing her door was always open and I would be greeted with a smile, helped me immensely getting through the tough days."