Paoli nurse is a “Jack of all trades” and Nurse Excellence Award winner

Yvonne Rutherford, RN, started her IU Health journey in Bloomington as a float nurse in 1998 before transferring to the IU Health Paoli Hospital Obstetric unit in 2006. She still works in Obstetrics one day a week, every other week, but primarily supports her team as Associate Administrator.

“As the AA, I help anyone in the facility who needs assistance. This is a wide range of responsibilities.”

While she primarily helps on the Med-Surg floor and the Emergency department, she’s always ready to swoop in as needed. For example, several years ago the cafeteria team couldn’t come in due to an ice storm, so Rutherford and Paula Baechle, RN, made breakfast and served the patients.

"I jokingly say my role is 'jack of all trades and master of none,'" she shares. Her team may disagree on the “master of none” part.

“[Rutherford] consistently demonstrates exceptional clinical expertise and readiness in high-acuity, rapidly evolving care environments,” says her Nurse Excellence Award nomination. “From cardiac arrests to obstetric emergencies, [Rutherford’s] strong assessment skills, calm presence and decisive actions under pressure have directly contributed to positive patient outcomes and lifesaving interventions.”

She’s also described by team members as approachable, dependable and respected: “A trusted peer who strengthens unit culture through professionalism, teamwork and compassion, reinforcing shared accountability for excellent patient outcomes.”

Yvonne also mentors newer team members with real-time coaching during patient care, answers questions without judgement and debriefs after high-stress events to reinforce learning and build confidence.

“I tell nurses all the time that there is never a dumb question,” Yvonne shares. “I would rather you ask than make a wrong decision. I may not have the answer, but I will be happy to help you find it.”

Her dedication to participating in non-mandatory trainings, certifications and educational opportunities helps her support her team and improve patient safety.

“I believe in excellence and understand that as a healthcare member, our roles and responsibilities are constantly changing,” explains Yvonne. “If I ever walk in the back door and feel like I know everything or do not have anything to learn, I better retire.”

“Most notably, [Yvonne] independently obtained Trauma Nursing Core Course certification to strengthen trauma assessment and response capabilities,” adds her nominator. “She routinely attends educational opportunities outside of scheduled shifts and shares newly acquired knowledge with team members, helping to coach, educate and elevate others.”

“She’s always striving to be the best she can be,” shares Mendy Lambdin, RN. “She is often in the right place at the right time and ready to jump in and help with emergencies, regardless of it being on a workday or vacation trip. She’s also been a trusted friend and peer to many throughout her years here at Paoli.”

When asked what she would share with other nurses, Yvonne says, “Keep calm, trust your clinical judgement and be able to function on your own, but work as a team. Every one of your teammates is important.”