Sara Olsen
May 2025
Sara
Olsen
,
MS, BSN, RN, NE-BC
Center for Nursing Excellence
Kootenai Health
Coeur D'Alene
,
ID
United States
She doesn't just occupy a seat at the table; she uses it with purpose, clarity, and unwavering dedication to doing what’s right for our patients and the team.
Sara is the fearless leader of the Preceptor Resource Nurse team. She has been instrumental in building this team to support bedside staff and the organization at many different levels and has been such an important part of my individual journey as a nursing professional. Sara is a role model for advocacy, safety and quality, compassionate care, positive change, and teamwork. She is our sounding board for questions/issues and helps us build our own professional development through empowerment and guidance.
She is invested in improving outcomes for the organization and promoting a culture of learning and change. Sara is a valuable resource not only for the PRRN team, but the whole Center for Nursing Excellence and beyond. People come to her with just about anything, and she provides logical, efficient, and meaningful advice. Sara is truly a one-of-a-kind leader.
***
What can I say about Sara? She is leadership exemplified. In every room she enters, Sara brings a strong, impactful voice—one that consistently advocates for the advancement of nursing practice. She doesn't just occupy a seat at the table; she uses it with purpose, clarity, and unwavering dedication to doing what’s right for our patients and the team. Her commitment extends far beyond clinical excellence. Sara pours the same energy and integrity into supporting her team. She leads with empathy, listens with intention, and ensures her team feels heard and respected.
One of our team members lost a young patient during their shift and had difficulty processing the loss. Recognizing this, Sara offered them time off to grieve and process the trauma and checked in to show support. Not only is she emotionally intelligent, but her mentorship has also shaped many careers and uplifted countless individuals. She has been pivotal in driving engagement within our Professional Governance structure, largely with our Nursing Work Environment Council.
After recognizing the team needed help with moving work forward, she helped them to narrow their focus and select priorities that could be achieved. Sara’s leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about making a difference. And she does that every single day.
She is invested in improving outcomes for the organization and promoting a culture of learning and change. Sara is a valuable resource not only for the PRRN team, but the whole Center for Nursing Excellence and beyond. People come to her with just about anything, and she provides logical, efficient, and meaningful advice. Sara is truly a one-of-a-kind leader.
***
What can I say about Sara? She is leadership exemplified. In every room she enters, Sara brings a strong, impactful voice—one that consistently advocates for the advancement of nursing practice. She doesn't just occupy a seat at the table; she uses it with purpose, clarity, and unwavering dedication to doing what’s right for our patients and the team. Her commitment extends far beyond clinical excellence. Sara pours the same energy and integrity into supporting her team. She leads with empathy, listens with intention, and ensures her team feels heard and respected.
One of our team members lost a young patient during their shift and had difficulty processing the loss. Recognizing this, Sara offered them time off to grieve and process the trauma and checked in to show support. Not only is she emotionally intelligent, but her mentorship has also shaped many careers and uplifted countless individuals. She has been pivotal in driving engagement within our Professional Governance structure, largely with our Nursing Work Environment Council.
After recognizing the team needed help with moving work forward, she helped them to narrow their focus and select priorities that could be achieved. Sara’s leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about making a difference. And she does that every single day.