Edmonds woman named nurse of the year by March of Dimes

Robin Hollenhorst,

Nurse at Providence

Robin Hollenhorst, 60, of Edmonds, was recently named a nurse of the year by the Washington Chapter of the March of Dimes. Nurses in 19 categories were honored from a field of 200 health care providers who were nominated. Hollenhorst, who works in the Providence Regional Medical Center emergency department in Everett, won in the category honoring innovative nursing outside of the traditional setting. Hollenhorst volunteers for Camp Prov, a summer day camp at Forest Park for children with special needs and their siblings.

What does nursing at Camp Prov involve?

The RN role at camp comprises many aspects, from putting on band aids, hydration through gastric tubes, monitoring for seizures and reviewing with parents each day any concerns they may have about their child at camp. After volunteering at Camp Prov for several years, I realized how amazing it would be to help at camp every day for the entire five weeks. This past summer I decided to adjust my life to accommodate the time commitment. The experience was very rewarding (and a little exhausting). I got to see the remarkable progress the children made and I count it as a definite high point in my nursing career. I loved working with Christie Tipton and her staff at Camp Prov.

What do you like best about your job?

I’ve had a wonderful nursing career and I enjoy the challenge of emergency nursing very much. It is a very busy unit and it is rewarding to help people get through what is typically a very scary situation for them.

Were you surprised about the award?

Because my decision to commit to all five weeks of Camp Prov was so personal and not expected by Providence, I tried to keep a lower profile. I should have realized that the innovative Christie Tipton makes sure people get recognized. I feel like the award is for all the nurses who help at Camp Prov. I am proud to be a nurse at Providence.

What was it that drew you to a career in nursing? Where did you go to school?

I graduated in 1978 with a bachelor of science in nursing from WSU. I think nursing is the best career anyone could have. I enjoy feeling part of the team and having a collaborative approach to helping people. The opportunities and flexibility are unlimited.

Do you encourage young people to go into nursing?

I encourage anyone to go into nursing. Although no one gets wealthy working as a nurse, the amount of choice of where and how much to work are amazing. It is incredible to get to work with so many really smart, kind, fearless nurses each day.

How long have you lived here and worked for Prov?

I’ve lived in Snohomish County for 32 years and in Edmonds for eight. I’ve worked in the (Providence emergency department) for going on 24 years. I typically only work about one day a week now, which is the main reason I could volunteer more this year. I’ve been a Prov nurse for more than 37 years. I started as a new grad in the CCU at Providence Seattle (now Swedish Cherry Hill) in 1978. I’m near the end of my career, and I am appreciative of the great opportunities I’ve had in nursing.

What do you like to do away from your job?

Spend time with my family, walk our dog, and read.

What is something that’s always in your fridge?

Milk and yogurt.

If you could dine with any person from history, who would it be and why?

As an addictive reader, I would love to dine with Jane Austen. I know she would be charming and interesting.

What is your idea of great happiness?

Relaxing with my family and planning some kind of active adventure.

What is your pet peeve?

Robo phone calls.

What is something some people might be surprised to know about you?

As a teenager, I rode a horse to help with a cattle drive in Kansas.