Legend strives to make colleagues' jobs easier

Fair. Kind. Calm. Hard working. Willing to help make others’ jobs easier.

These are all words and phrases from fellow nurses and colleagues used to describe Shawn Holland, RN, in his Legend Nomination Form.

“Shawn goes out of his way to make a difference at Campbell County Health every shift,” says Legend Deb McMurtrey, RN. “He is always positive and uses his expertise to remind us all that it takes everyone, and all departments, working together to make Campbell County Memorial Hospital successful.”

In May 2018, CCH gave Shawn his well-deserved Legend Award. For those who don't know, CCH defined a Legend as, “those people who have left a permanent impression on our minds because of their deeds and actions. Ongoing demonstration of hard work, compassion, and a reputation for greatness make someone a legend.”

“I am extremely honored to have been selected to receive this award. I strive to always represent CCH well through hard work, professionalism, and a positive attitude every time I work a shift. To be seen as the caliber of employee that deserves such recognition is very humbling,” says Shawn.

For more than 20 years, Shawn has walked the halls of CCMH in Gillette, Wyoming. Shawn earned his Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from Western Dakota Tech in 1995, and his Registered Nurse degree in 1999 from Gillette College. He’s worked in the CCMH Medical Surgical Unit, the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department—he currently works as a House Supervisor in the hospital. For those who don’t know, House Supervisors are go-to managers who have a bird’s-eye view of the hospital—they essentially know what’s happening throughout the organization at all times, and know who to contact or follow up with to make sure everything is working smoothly.

Shawn became interested in a career in health care after he left the U.S. Army. He started college at Indiana University in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and was pursuing a career in criminal justice. He did that for a year, and returned home to Rapid City, SD.

“My wife and I lived with my grandfather for a while and I helped him with his medical needs. I was looking for a job and a friend got me interested in a CNA course,” says Shawn. After completing the course and working as a CNA for a while, Shawn decided to change his career goal. “I enjoyed caring for the people I came into contact with, and helping them overcome or work through their medical problems.”

According to the nurses and other providers who work with Shawn, he has a way with people, and is always willing to go the extra mile. In his nomination form, it says: “He means it when he asks what he can do to help make our jobs easier. He runs for supplies, helps change linens on beds, or listens to a patient, family member, or staff member to let them know he cares and will try to ease their pain. Shawn shows us every shift that everyone is important.” Recently, Shawn even went the extra mile by purchasing a couple of bottles of soda that were not available at CCMH for a patient who asked for it specifically.

Shawn is passionate about providing excellence every day, and to him that means providing the best care to our patients and visitors while supporting staff. “I try to ensure others feel valued and important at CCH,” he says.

For 28 years, Shawn has been married to Kim, who works as a Special Education teacher at Campbell County High School. Together, they have five children—three girls ages 25, 22, 19; and two boys ages 16 and 7. When Shawn is not at work he enjoys spending time hunting, fishing, hiking, and travelling with family and friends. He has a passion for cooking, and often makes new meals for his family to experiment with. And recently, he and his 16-year-old son have taken up scuba diving together.

“I’ve been fortunate to experience many departments at the hospital over the years and I’ve seen many changes—they’ve all been to make our organization better for our community. The people at CCH are here because they want to provide care and comfort to those who come here,” says Shawn. “CCH is fortunate to have wonderful, dedicated, skilled nurses. The one thing I like most about my position as a House Supervisor is that I get to see what goes on in so many departments and be part of it all. It’s a pleasure to work with such amazing people.”

And it’s a pleasure to work with you, Shawn. Thank you for going the extra mile for staff and patients alike. Congratulations.