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As associate administrator for Mercy Medical Center’s new West Des Moines hospital, what are you most excited about?

The opportunity to develop a new health-care entity. I just think that’s exciting.

Are there a couple of priorities you’re focused on for the new hospital?

I think just generally providing care to and meeting the needs of the patients and creating an environment that patients and families not only want to be in when they need the service, but also the employees and staff that would work there.

How did you get into the management side of health care?

I would say 1982 is my first actual management leadership role, and that was as a unit manager. At the time the hospital was Des Moines General (Hospital, now Mercy Capitol), and I went there to manage the medical surgical unit. Prior to that, I had worked in the intensive care unit at Broadlawns (Medical Center). I was at Des Moines General for 17 years and then went to Story County Medical Center in Nevada for a year. Then I went to the Metropolitan Medical Center (now Mercy Capitol); I left there to come here in 2001.

What got you into nursing?

I think it would have been in high school that I was first introduced to the idea of being a nurse. I had an aunt who was a nurse, and I always admired what she did or what my perception was of what she did. That was something that seemed to strike a chord with me.

Is there a typical day for you?

No (laughs), and I think that’s what makes it exciting. It’s ever changing. You may have basic things that you do each day, but there’s always something unexpected that occurs.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I would say that it is an eclectic leadership style, and what I mean by that is I try to fit my style to the situation, because I don’t think you can just have one style and it works for everything. I think you have to be able to understand people and human relationships and be able to adapt to the situation. I would say it is an inclusive style. I try to include people, whether it be patients or employees or physicians.

Have you worked closely with Mercy West Lakes Senior Vice President and Administrator Dan Aten before?

I will say the first and truly only interaction with Dan was when we worked on building the sleep center out west. He was very helpful during that process.

Is there an accomplishment you’re most proud of to date?

It’s simple I think – that is my ability to work with people. I think I have a unique ability to work with people regardless of what socio-economic level they’re at, what their position is or is not, and I am very proud of that.

Where would someone find you on the weekends?

Saturday I’m out and about probably or at home. Sundays they’d find me in church or at home. Home and family are very important to me and trying to remember to balance those things.

Are there some hobbies you’re really involved with?

I have things that I enjoy. I love to sing and I sing in a choir at (the Corinthian Baptist Church). I love to travel but I don’t do enough of that. And I love music.

Is there a good piece of advice you live by?

Someone once told me that I have a tendency to always see the good in people, and I believe that’s important. It helps me think in working with people that if I always tried to find the bad in people, I probably would not consider anything else. That doesn’t mean I don’t deal with issues that need to be dealt with with people, but I do think it’s important to always try to see the good in people, because they have good intentions, I believe, and want to do their best.

How did you make your first dollar?

At the Park Fair Mall there was at the time like a drugstore, dime store they called them back then. I think I must have been about 16 and I was working in the deli. And fortunately, I didn’t stay there long because I learned quickly that that wasn’t the job for me.