Laurie Austvold has been honored as the 2022 Legend of Medicine award winner. She was a NUMC inpatient RN when she served as her coordinator of care.Austvold was known for her compassion and commitment to working tirelessly for patients and families and creating a culture of excellence at NUMC. invested.
NEW ULM — A special ceremony was held Wednesday at New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) to honor former NUMC Inpatient RN Care Coordinator Laurie Oostvold, winner of the 2022 Legend of Medicine Award.
The Legend Award is NUMC’s 18-year tradition. Director Toby Fraier said the recipient is someone who inspires others to achieve great things and is celebrated for their worth, skills, talents, and overall contribution to the medical center’s mission. said.
Freyer said that Oostvolds are known for their big, compassionate hearts. “From early morning to evening, we work tirelessly for our patients and families, and invest in building a culture of excellence across NUMC today.”
Austvold was nominated for this award by several individuals, but over the course of 38 years, he touched thousands of lives, including patients, families and colleagues.
Austvold served as an inpatient RN care coordinator, but also contributed to pioneering and ethics committees, award party plays, and student mentoring.
Former NUMC Inpatient RN Care Coordinator Laurie Oostvold speaks at a special ceremony honoring her as a 2022 Legend of Medicine Award winner.
Freier said he shared what one of the Austvold nominees said: “I’ve always thought of Laurie as an angel. Always helping someone.”
He believed this to be an accurate description of Austvold.
The ceremony included testimony from some of Austvold’s former colleagues.
Natasha Armstrong credits Austvold with training and mentoring her at NUMC. She described Austvold almost as her second mother.
Deb Tauer says Austvold is known for being ahead of the curve. She often helped out late and never left anything undone. It was important to her to make sure everyone was taken care of. Tauer particularly remembered one of her patients who needed to be transported to her manor in Highland, but she had no transportation available. Austvold pushed her wheelchair patient up a hill and made her way to Highland herself.
Sharie Novak described Austvold as follows: “Simply abnormal.” As an RN, Austvold is also open to learning new processes and educating himself. As an RN and her social worker, she provided support and empathy to her family in need.
Dr. Scott Rysdahl was impressed by Austvold’s ability to work with a smile and his compassion for others. He also appreciated how she worked with others and never insulted anyone.
Austvold gave a short interview about his career at NUMC. She said her healthcare career started with her parents. She served as her father’s nurse and helped treat animals on the farm.her mother always wanted her to be a nurse
As an RN, Austvold enjoys training students. She said it helped keep her on her toes.
As for why she’s been able to keep smiling all the time, she said it’s easier to laugh than frown, which she credits with creativity. Her parents taught her to be kind and gracious. It’s easier to see her bright side.
Austvold credits her family for supporting her over the years. She calls her family heroes and has a strong passion for them. She also wanted to thank her family at the hospital for doing an amazing job at her NUMC.
Austvold has since retired from NUMC, but assured former colleagues and friends that they remain in her thoughts and prayers.
