Linda Rinkinen RN is one of the most caring and generous RNs I have had the honor to work with. She is an advocate for both her patients and the staff. She is always looking for ways to improve our quality of care and processes for both patients and her coworkers.
Over the last few years, I have asked her to care for a couple of VIP patients and their families. I knew she would go above and beyond for them, and she did exactly that. They all raved about the care she provided. Linda not only provided outstanding nursing care, but she also rearranged their environment to accommodate their needs. This is what she does. This is who Linda is. As a result, Linda was asked to be a part of our "Mother Baby Center" marketing campaign.
Linda finds ways to make her patients and their families feel special. She gives this "extra special" kind of care to all her patients and their families. Her motto is to "kill them with kindness." If she knows they like unsweetened iced tea, she has been known to stop at McDonald's on the way into work and pick one up for them.
Linda regularly digs deep into her own pockets and pays for patients' prescriptions if they do not have insurance or cannot afford to pay for them. Recently, she had an Amish couple who did not have health insurance. Linda went to the pharmacy, picked up her patient's medications, paid for them and delivered them without giving it a second thought. This is just one example of the many acts of random kindness Linda has done over the years. Linda explains her actions with, "I want to do this. It is my pleasure." Linda has also done similar things for her coworkers in need.
Linda is an exemplary example of St. Joe's Mission and Core Values at work. She constantly raises the bar and challenges her peers to improve patient satisfaction. Linda is a seasoned RN who will be retiring soon. She will be missed not only by her coworkers but also by her patients as well. Over the last year, we have had several patients and their families so excited to see that she is was their nurse stating, "We are so glad you are still here. We were hoping you were still here to care for us."
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My wife and I recently welcomed our second child, a son, in late October and Linda was our nurse for two of the nights we stayed in the Mother/Baby unit. While all of our nurses were very good, Linda distinguished herself as a truly remarkable caregiver.
Throughout our stay, Linda impressed us with her knowledge and experience, was attentive to our family's needs, made sure that we (and our guests) were comfortable, and cared for both my wife and newborn son with great love and compassion.
During our many hours spent together, Linda also shared with us her own story, spoke proudly of her family and children, and altogether made our stay at St. Joe's a memory that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Linda didn't just help us through a medical event; for two nights in late October, she filled our room with love and made a significant life event for my family even more meaningful. I can't think of a nurse more deserving of this recognition.