With talent and skill, teammates, clinicians and nurses are driving excellence and raising the bar for others to follow.
Affectionately known as “Dr. O” by students, Jerry Oxendine, PhD, is the new MSN Program Chair at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in the North Carolina & Georgia Division. Also an associate professor of nursing, Dr. Oxendine tutors students, leads development sessions at Cabarrus College and presents on the power of positive thinking in nursing education. Dr. Oxendine is also exploring the role of artificial intelligence in higher education. He delivers AI workshops, attends national seminars and shares insights on using AI to enhance learning and assessment.
Dr. O is leading the way by fostering student success, advancing professional development and embracing innovation.
Linda Sobeck, a nurse in the Illinois Division, has dedicated 41 years of nursing excellence to Advocate Christ Medical Center, becoming an inspiration to countless teammates and two of her children who chose nursing careers. Linda recalls: “Twenty-five years ago, there was a ‘bring your child to work day’ in the operating room. My three young children toured the OR in scrubs and masks. Today, nursing runs in Linda’s family. Her son Jacob Sobeck, MSN, is a manager of clinical operations at Advocate Christ. Her daughter Sarah Sobeck started her nursing career at Advocate Christ—even working on her mother’s unit while a nursing student—and is now pursuing an MSN degree.
Linda is leading the way by inspiring her teammates and future generations of nurses.
Lisa Hodges, a diabetes educator and nutritionist in the North Carolina & Georgia Division, recently improved a patient’s health despite significant barriers – language, insurance coverage and a fear of self-administering insulin. Dr. Catherine Price, an assistant professor in Endocrinology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, says Lisa’s ongoing support of the patient was a catalyst for change: “Something finally clicked for him. For the first time, he had his A1c (a test that measures average blood sugar levels) and GMI (glucose management indicator) at goal—and without hypoglycemic episodes! We have a bell at our clinic for patients to celebrate being in control of their diabetes, and he was able to ring that bell.”
Lisa is leading the way by consistently providing the highest quality of patient care.
On her first day at work, Melinda Kamholz, a public safety training specialist in the Wisconsin Division, took on a significant role in developing a new 40-hour Public Safety academy, 24-hour in-service recertification and a body-worn camera program. She says: “Fast forward two and a half years later, and I’m still just as excited, passionate and motivated by our ability as an enterprise to not only embrace our Commitment to Lead the Way but also live it every day.”
Melinda is leading the way through her passion to continuously improve safety.
Saldia Kearney, a food service assistant in the Wisconsin Division, inspires excellence with her high quality work and attention to detail. Jenine Crisp, a Food Service supervisor, recently visited Saldia’s location to pick up a few items. She says Saldia was incredibly welcoming and helpful – even giving her a hand to pack everything into her car. Jenine says: “Every time I visit, I see her hard at work—whether it’s setting up the doctor lounge, refreshing the salad bar, or stocking the grab and go section. It’s clear she takes great pride in her work. I’m looking forward to her thoughtful approach as our sites collaborate.”
Saldia is leading the way by consistently delivering her best every day.
Know a fellow teammate who brings our Purpose & Commitments to life? Send a Commitment badge through our recognition platforms: NC/GA | IL/WI. Also share your own story for a chance to be featured in an upcoming communication.
