Paoli Nurse Excellence Award winner says nursing is more than a job

“The most rewarding thing in nursing is when you realize it is both a personal and professional journey—it’s more than a job; it’s your mission field,” says Mendy Lambdin, RN, AMB-BC, Nursing Professional Development (NPD) practitioner and Student Clinical Placement coordinator. “Every day is an opportunity to grow, serve and make a difference.”

This Nurse Excellence Award winner has been at IU Health Paoli Hospital since the beginning of her career back in August 2002, and to this day, she has a passion for helping others feel cared for and valued.

Nursing allowed her to do that and gave her the flexibility to grow and serve in different ways. For example, below are just a few ways she serves in her current roles:

• Onboarding new team members
• Organizing training and development opportunities
• Working with students in the career exploration program
• Facilitates orientation
• Focuses on quality and safety metrics while being a resource for troubleshooting and support
• Utilizes clinical expertise to create and conduct clinical learning experiences for new hires, as well as ongoing competency skills checkoffs for existing nursing team members

“The field is broad and flexible, so it’s important to find the area that brings you joy and allows you to thrive,” Lambdin says.

Her nomination for the Nurse Excellence Award highlights her regular collaboration with hospital and community leaders to provide high school students with job shadowing opportunities and degree-seeking students with clinical rotations led by qualified preceptors.

“These collaborative efforts not only promote interest in future health care careers but also offer the opportunity to learn and work close to home,” says the nomination.

“Helping students, or anyone else, discover and develop those strengths is incredibly rewarding,” says Lambdin. “Watching them grow in confidence and purpose is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.”

Lambdin also finds herself pursuing her lifelong learning journey, as shown through her Ambulatory Care Specialty Certification and growth from a direct care registered nurse to her current role as a leader.

“I believe the Lord continually shapes me through new knowledge and experiences,” she says. “Remaining a student at heart helps me avoid stagnation and live with purpose, knowing life on earth is brief and precious.”

And when asked which value resonates most with her, Lambdin chooses compassion.

“It’s the foundation of how I lead, serve, and connect with others, both personally and professionally.”

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