“We selected Dawn for her ability to work through problems and her constant pursuit of ways to improve patient outcomes and experiences,” remarked Daren Relph, CEO. “The status quo is not the answer and Dawn has the clinical background and inquisitiveness to seek out the best solutions for our patients and our organization.”
This position is key to streamlining processes and minimizing waste by using a methodical approach to identify opportunities for improvement by understanding the need, by careful data analysis, and by realigning processes for better efficiency and outcomes. “Everything we do at WCH is focused on providing exceptional patient care,” commented Daren Relph, CEO.
As part of her training WCH sent Dawn to Mercy North Iowa in Mason City for a six week structured program on Process Excellence with primary focus on LEAN. Dawn was embedded at Mercy North Iowa attending the structured half-day training sessions, as well as spending every afternoon working side by side with their leaders and learning with hands on experience. “I learned some of the most valuable information in the afternoons,” commented Dawn Christian. “This time allowed me to get a feel for what their jobs truly looked like and how they functioned.” Mercy North Iowa requires all their Senior Leaders and Department Directors to complete this program as part of their on-boarding process before they begin work.
Dawn has been with WCH for 5 years and served as the WCH Emergency Department Director. She has also worked in the care center setting, NICU, as a licensed massage therapist, and has 7 years experience as an emergency room nurse.
A graduate of Wayne Community High School, Dawn earned her Associates Degree in Nursing from Indian Hills Community College. Outside of work, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family; husband, Mark, and daughters, Sydney and Camy who are both attending college, and focusing entirely too much on their English Bulldogs, Bubba and Bentley. She and Mark volunteer for the Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue and enjoy traveling to new places and some old favorites as often as they can.
For more information on the WCH Quality & Process Excellence program please contact Dawn Christian, RN at 641-872-2260.