EXCELLENCE IN NURSING AWARDS 2024
PHOTOGRAPH : COURTESY OF KAREN GUSTAFSON MAZZOLA .
NURSE EXECUTIVE
KAREN GUSTAFSON MAZZOLA , RN , MSN , NEA-BC
Chief of Clinical Operations , Thundermist Health Center
What are you most proud of in your career ? I am immensely proud of the workforce development programs I have implemented , which support employees aspiring to become medical assistants , those advancing to nursing roles and nurses pursuing their nurse practitioner degrees . Witnessing their growth and success has been incredibly rewarding , and I ’ m honored to have played a role in helping them achieve their career goals .
What makes a successful nursing team ? Our team ’ s dedication to serving our patients and the community with passion is a source of immense pride for me . I ’ m particularly proud of the strides the nursing leadership team has made in recent years to accommodate the rapid growth of Thundermist . The establishment of a clinical education department is a testament to our commitment to continuous learning and support for our registered nurses and medical assistants . This initiative ensures the clinical teams are well-equipped to deliver outstanding patient care . The introduction of medical assistant leaders has also been instrumental in providing our staff with guidance from individuals who understand and advocate for the critical role medical assistants play in our health care delivery system .
What is the most rewarding part of the job ? The work of a nurse in a federally qualified community health center profoundly impacts the communities we serve . As a leader , I ’ m proud to see this impact extend not just to our patients but also to our employees and the surrounding communities . I ’ m deeply passionate about ensuring that the leaders on my team have the tools they need to provide exceptional care to our patients . Developing leaders and supporting their growth is something I ’ m truly enthusiastic about . In my experience , nurse leaders consistently work hard to enhance the lives of their teams and the patients and families they serve .
84 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l SEPTEMBER 2024