It Take Many Hats to Support and Educate when it comes to the needs our Keiki
Laurie Yamamoto
Pediatric Nurse Educator
Q&A with Laurie Yamamoto, Pediatric Nurse Educator
As a pediatric nurse educator, Laurie Yamamoto wears many hats. She provides education and training to new and existing staff, assists with providing general education to new residents, leads preceptor classes for all departments at the medical center, and rolls out new equipment, such as IV pumps and defibrillators.
Laurie also leads ongoing nursing academies in which she facilitates programs for new and experienced nurses and serves as their guide over multiple weeks of training as they complete their journeys of becoming a registered nurse in Kapiolani's inpatient pediatric units or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Learn more below about the crucial and fulfilling work Laurie provides in her role at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.
Q: Why did you want to work for Hawaii Pacific Health?
I always felt that at Hawaii Pacific Health, you were part of a family and not just another employee. I originally wanted to be a geriatric nurse and applied for a position at Straub Benioff Medical Center. I wanted to get my foot in the door, knowing that it also provided an opportunity to move throughout the Hawaii Pacific Health system, which includes Wilcox Medical Center.
I am originally from Kauai, so the thought of moving home yet staying within the company was something I always considered. However, the amazing recruiter convinced me to apply and interview for a PICU new grad program at Kapiolani Medical Center. As much as I wanted to be a geriatric nurse, they opened the door to a life in pediatric nursing instead!
Q: What do you most enjoy about your job at HPH?
I enjoy the ability to make a difference in our community by teaching people how to be that empathetic, compassionate, knowledgeable nurse at the bedside. I can share my experiences with them and still promote patient advocacy. I appreciate the opportunities that HPH provides to us to make a difference outside of the walls of Kapiolani, such as volunteering at HPH-sponsored walks, children’s festivals, etc.
Q: Does your current role at HPH help you pursue other career goals?
My current role and even previous experiences at HPH continue to build my toolbox with knowledge and the confidence for my future. I had the chance to participate in HPH’s Bridge to Leadership Program, which gave me the opportunity and confidence to go after my current position. Learning about the organization on a broader level and seeing the bigger picture made me realize that even away from the bedside, I can make a difference for our patients.
HPH provides additional opportunities to build and advance your career through other programs such as Getting Stuff Done, a process improvement training program that provides employees with in-depth, hands-on experience facilitating organization-wide improvement projects. Through programs such as these, you can collaborate with others from different facilities and come together for a common purpose – to improve patient safety and patient satisfaction. Through these programs, you always have the opportunity to challenge yourself and continue to advance your career within HPH.
Q: What are some of your current job benefits you find most important?
In my role as an educator, I have the flexibility to work independently and have the autonomy to create new learning opportunities for the nurses and staff who I educate. HPH also provides and supports a healthy work-life balance. With the HPH gym here at Kapiolani, employees are offered a physical outlet for stress as well as encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Being healthy is not only important for your physical well-being, but it is also important to focus on mental health. HPH offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides support through challenging times. Other programs like BenefitHub offer employee discounts for a variety of items, such as Disneyland tickets, that let us enjoy our time away from work, enhancing a richer balance between work and play.
Q: What would you say to someone you knew was interested in working at HPH?
As someone who has been with HPH for almost 18 years, I have enjoyed stability and support throughout my career.
The organization allows for growth and learning, and has endless opportunities for its staff. As you continue to grow within the company, you realize how important and impactful a role you play.
Q: What does creating a healthier Hawaii mean to you?
Creating a healthier Hawaii is multi-dimensional. It is being the best “you” that you can be, in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects. By taking care of you and your needs, you are able to be the best you. By being the best you, you are being the best patient advocate, best colleague and best community steward.