Slaman scholarship continues to make a difference

Kelsey Lund, Director of Quality Services

Quality is a word known by everyone who hears it. Achieving quality, however, is a much more difficult undertaking—especially in the healthcare environment, where quality can truly make the difference between life and death.

At Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics, the person tasked with overseeing quality is Kelsey Lund, Director of Quality Services. Lund began her current position in March 2016. In that challenging role, she works with all departments within the organization to ensure that the highest quality of care is delivered to each patient. That goal is addressed through quality improvement, risk management, utilization review, patient satisfaction, process improvement, performance excellence and survey readiness.

In 2015, to improve her own understanding of these areas, Kelsey began to work toward her Master's of Science Degree in Nursing, specializing in Nursing Informatics. Nursing Informatics is a combination of the studies of nursing and information management intended to provide knowledge to utilize and communicate information and knowledge to improve the field of nursing. Kelsey is the 2017 recipient of the Slaman Family Memorial Scholarship funded through the Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics (BAHC) Foundation.

While only a Sophomore in high school, Kelsey began her post-secondary education by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 2004. She worked nights and weekends to gain experience in the healthcare field. Since that time, there have been many stepping stones in Kelsey's educational journey. After high school, she pursued her next degree as a Licensed Practicing Nurse (LPN). Next, she became a Registered Nurse (RN). Finally, she received her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing in 2015. But, for Kelsey, it seems there is always one more step ahead.

Kelsey is honored to be this year's recipient of the Slaman Scholarship. "I plan to continue working to improve rural community health and access to care throughout my career," Kelsey stated. And, if history is an indicator, she is well on her way to achieving that goal.

The Slaman Scholarship was established in July 1991 by Sam and Karen Slaman in honor of two women: Sam's mother, Elizabeth Slaman and Karen's Mother, Antoinette "Toni" Nichols. Both were patients at the former Boscobel Area Health Care (BAHC) Hospital. The creation of a scholarship in their honor symbolizes the family's concern and sensitivity for rural healthcare as well as their appreciation for those who provide immediate patient care in the hospital and nursing home facilities located in Boscobel. The main focus is to encourage individuals to pursue a post-secondary education in Nursing. And, without fail, the Gundersen Boscobel community offers a qualified applicant to benefit from this generosity.

With the selection of Kelsey Lund, this year's scholarship benefitted both an individual, and will benefit Gundersen Boscobel at large in its pursuit of quality healthcare.

The Slaman Family Memorial Scholarship is available to Gundersen Boscobel employees and their spouses or dependents. Applications are available through the Administration office at Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics at 205 Parker Street in Boscobel.