Rollins Brook Nursing Director Guides the Road to Excellence

LAMPASAS – Kathleen Kepler has been in the nursing field for 27 years and has been the Nursing Director at Rollins Brook Community Hospital for the past six months.

In her short time as director, Kepler has already made significant contributions to Rollins Brook patients and staff. "We have good working relationships here," she said. "I enjoy challenging jobs, and this position motivates me to keep up with the times and learn to accept change."

The changes Kepler has initiated in her six months have already shown to be beneficial. "We have a new way of running the emergency department," she explained. "We have what is called the 'Pull to Full' system where patients do not need to be registered immediately in order to receive care." This new procedure has lowered the patient's length of stay.

The team has also implemented new protocols for medication retrieving. "We have designated a blocked area so any nurse retrieving medication is completely focused on the task at hand," Kepler said. "Our medication errors have decreased, and that is a huge success."

Nurse-to-nurse reports are still in the works to enhance patient safety in the Med/Surg department, and Kathleen is always looking for ways to increase the safety and care of every patient.

Kepler has day-to-day responsibilities for all hospital operations. As she makes her rounds, she reminds herself that she can still contribute greatly to patients without providing hands-on care. "It is hard at times to be away from the bedside, but I like to stay involved because it is important as a leader to be able to perform the task I am directing to my nurses," she said.

Kepler has a Master's Degree in Nursing as an Acute Nurse Care Practitioner. She has worked in the following roles:

• Emergency Room Nurse

• Critical Care Transport Nurse

• Trauma Coordinator

• Neurosurgical Nurse Practitioner

• Education Department

"I like to stay busy, and I like to reach for excellence," Kepler said. "This is a great organization to work for. The sense of community and support makes all my hard work worthwhile."