Karen Litterer MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Administrator / CNO is not only a role model for compassion with action and exemplary leadership, but is a true advocate for quality patient care, associate voice and achievement, and for creating a healthy work environment. She creates an environment that fosters collegial relationships, professional empowerment, mutual respect, and teamwork. Karen is a servant leader that works tirelessly to support associates and nurses allowing them to provide high-level care. Karen's leadership consistently raises the standard of care and compassion at Ascension Seton Highland Lakes.
One recent example that exudes high-level leadership and Karen's commitment to the patients and all associates was during the February 2021 winter storm. Karen was present each day during the 2021 Winterpocalypse. She immediately addressed the safety of both patient care and staff offering sheltering in place providing hotel access to associates so they could rest well between shifts and get to and from the hospital safely. She also approved meals to be served to staff sheltering in place that were displaced from their homes while eating establishments were closed.
Each day Karen worked where needed in various roles offering support and truly leading by example. Not only was she present onsite during the winter weather event, Karen worked in the kitchen cleaning dishes, serving meals and snacks to associates, and even shoveled snow from the walkways. As always, her leadership included both patient and associate advocacy caring for those we serve and those that serve beside us. She assisted in patient flow both into the hospital and out of the ED to other facilities when a patient required a higher level of care. Karen worked with the nurses listening to understand their needs for patient care and proactively offered solutions for unusual situations that arose. Karen was a facility liaison with all communications between the local facility and network incident command centers identifying and planning for supply, food, and linen shortages, utility failures, and staffing for the unprecedented situation.
Positive experiences and safe outcomes for patients and staff are the direct results of the environment in which Karen fosters. During this event, associates felt supported enhancing the quality patient care they could provide even under the circumstances. We really can't say enough how Karen always goes above and beyond with integrity and faithful service to our workplace community and the patients we serve.