Meet Kristina Laniewski, an outstanding nurse leader at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. Kristina embodies the essence of a dedicated nursing professional and leader. Having climbed the ladder of leadership success over the past five years, her journey is a testament to perseverance, education, and a drive to improve patient outcomes. Kristina’s story is a shining example of what it means to be a leader in nursing and a member of ANA-Illinois!
The Beginning: Getting Started in Nursing School, and Joining
ANA-Illinois
Kristina’s nursing career began while she was still in nursing school. Working as an EKG tech at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, she gained invaluable experience in a clinical setting, laying the foundation for her future career.
In order to climb the clinical ladder at Gottlieb, Kristina had to join a nursing organization. She was pointed in the direction of ANA-Illinois.
“At first, I wasn’t really sure which organization to join. Then, some of my colleagues told me, ‘ANA-Illinois is great!’ So I joined because it’s $15 a month. And then I would read some articles periodically throughout,” Kristina reflected. “Going to ANA and finding an article about CHF education because we have a lot of CHF on our floor and being able to read it and find the newest information is great. I will print it out and bring it to our staff. We will talk about it and say, ‘Oh, this is what’s happening.’ I think having that resource from ANA-Illinois is really, really helpful because I know it’s real and it’s not fake.”
Becoming a Leader at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
“In the hospital, I love to be involved. I’m on almost every committee. I like to know things, and I really like to teach.”
Kristina found her passion for leadership at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. She quickly became involved in the hospital’s governance structure through the clinical ladder program. Kristina served as the president of the hospital’s shared governance committee, and she currently chairs the professional development council, which allows her to work closely with other hospital leaders.
How Kristina Improves Patient Care
One of Kristina’s proudest achievements has been leading projects that improve patient care.
There was a problem with over-utilizing telemetry monitoring on her cardiac telemetry floor, often for patients who didn’t need it. Kristina led a project to review evidence-based practices and develop protocols that streamlined when and how telemetry should be used. “After a 72-hour protocol, we made an algorithm to determine who really needs telemetry and when it can be safely discontinued,” she said.
This nurse-driven initiative empowered staff to make real-time decisions, improving patient care and resource management.
Another significant initiative involved updating the hospital’s IV replacement policies. Historically, IVs were replaced every three days, but Kristina’s team reviewed the latest research and updated the protocol to reflect best practices. “It’s the little things, but they’re necessary,” she emphasized.
These efforts align with the hospital’s goal of achieving Magnet status, a prestigious designation recognizing nursing excellence and innovation in healthcare.
Empowering and Mentoring The Next Generation
Kristina’s passion for education extends beyond her own professional development. She actively encourages her colleagues to pursue continuing education opportunities, often reminding them of the hospital’s tuition reimbursement program. “I love getting people to realize what’s out there and how we can make ourselves better,” she said.
Kristina recently completed her Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. But her mentorship doesn’t stop with education. She takes great pride in guiding new nurses, watching them grow from uncertain beginners to confident practitioners. “It’s so rewarding to see the new grads become comfortable and successful in their roles,” she shared.
Kristina’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of nurses ensures a strong, skilled workforce dedicated to patient care.
Reflecting on the Journey: Pride in Personal Achievements
Looking back on her journey, Kristina shared how proud she is of how far she’s come, especially as a first-generation college student. “My parents came from Poland and didn’t finish high school, so I never imagined I’d earn my Master’s Degree,” she reflected.
Her accomplishments are not just personal victories but serve as inspiration for others, particularly her colleagues, who often look to her as a role model.
Kristina’s leadership, both at the bedside and within the hospital’s governance structure, is a source of pride, but the daily interactions with patients and colleagues fuel her passion. As she looks to the future, Kristina hopes to expand her nursing informatics role, helping streamline clinical processes so nurses can focus more on patient care.
A Final Thought: Striving for Excellence
Kristina’s dedication to improving nursing practices and empowering her colleagues shines through in every aspect of her work. As she continues to evolve as a leader, she encourages other nurses to seek opportunities for growth and development. “Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles,” she advises. “You know more than you think and can make a real difference.”
Kristina’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with the right mindset and support for nurses looking to advance their careers and take on leadership roles. Joining organizations like ANA can provide valuable resources and a network of peers committed to nursing excellence.
“I joined ANA-Illinoi because it felt like the right step for professional development, and it’s been helpful.”
If Kristina’s story inspires you and you want to make an impact in your career, join ANA-Illinois and take the next step toward leadership in nursing.
