October 2011

Linda Sampson
Department Leader
Surgical Services

Congratulations to Linda Sampson, Department Leader for Surgical Services, on being named the recipient of the MDH APPLE Award for October 2011. APPLE stands for "Achieving outstanding Performance in Patient care, Leadership, Loyalty and Enthusiasm for MDH."

Linda earned her Associates degree of nursing from Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas; her Bachelors degree of nursing from Illinois State University in Normal; and her Masters degree of nursing from Walden University. Linda began her leadership role at our hospital on November 11, 2008. Linda believes in continual learning and belongs to many associations, including American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) and Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN). She also has a certification as a Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR).

As a leader, Linda continually seeks win-win resolutions. She listens to all perspectives before decisions are made. Linda engages her staff to participate in operational issues whenever possible and mentors them to determine appropriate solutions. Linda is an outstanding department director, a true and effective leader, and alert listener. She genuinely cares about her staff, physicians, and patients.

Linda is a steady and calming force during times of intensity. Her quiet, calm manner and her ability to maintain a positive, encouraging demeanor to her staff and physicians is impressive. Her communication skills and coaching abilities are excellent.

Linda has a passion for her job and approaches it with energy. Her calm, engaging manner quickly wins the respect of everyone she encounters. Her nominators repeatedly speak of her calming effect and strong problem-solving techniques. One nominator states, “Linda promotes positive thinking and effective problem-solving. . . . She has a “can do” attitude and is always looking for ways to improve our department. She is funny and approaches issues with a sense of humor. Linda encourages all within her department to do better and sees the potential in her employees and uses that potential to make our department better.”

Another nominator describes Linda as a great asset who has brought an atmosphere of positive, upbeat professionalism. “She is always approachable and is honest in her dealings with employees and inspires all of us to do the best job possible. . . . Linda has filled a big position admirably and I hope she is here for a very long time.” She is a natural leader.

Linda enjoys spending time with her husband, Kelvin, and their six children and nine grandchildren. She loves to read and travel. Linda loves the game of golf and spends a lot of her free time on golf courses.