“When you walk through med/surg, you can hear her laughter,” said Kathy Rea, RN, med/surg manager and past recipient of the Caregiving award. “It is a true gift to others.”

When nominating Diane, Kim Wright, RN, said that Planetree is a way of giving back. We try to create an atmosphere for patients so it’s not so sterile looking, but rather special and they know they’re well taken care of. “Diane epitomizes what Planetree stands for. We should have more Diane’s in this hospital. She’s a great role model.”

“I am surprised, but pleased that friends and colleagues have honored me,” Diane humbly said.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Diane graduated with a Diploma of Nursing from Robert Packer Hospital in 1976. She moved to the Flathead Valley in 1982 and immediately started working at North Valley Hospital.
“My personal mission and vision statements parallel North Valley Hospital and Planetree mission and vision statements,” she said. “I value servant leadership, self improvement, caring and laughter.”

Diane truly is empowered by her initiative to excel at nursing. This extends to future generations by her resounding effect on the students she teaches at the hospital. And, no matter what her workload is, she always has a smile.

“She is a team player,” Kathy said. “She exemplifies our organizational values.”

Kim said, “She does her job with a smile, is a great patient advocate and always willing to help.”

Diane practices on the Med/surg/peds floor and also floats to the Birth Center when she’s needed. Behind the scenes, Diane provides informatics updates by revising chart questions so the clinical staff can document patient care accurately. This information is then used as a national on-line resource for medical personnel. She also educates new employees on Meditech.

Education is very important to Diane. In 2007, she graduated from Salish Kootenai College with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. This December, she will be graduating from Indiana State University with a masters in nursing to fulfill her greatest desire: To teach future nurses.
“I encourage people to learn,” she said. “If you’re a patient, I encourage you to look into your health situation and educate yourself on how to improve it.”

For the last 10 years, Diane has organized a North Valley Hospital team for the annual Climb Big Mountain fundraiser. She also is active with the Fresh Life Church. Diane loves to crochet, read and spend time with her husband, Don, grown children and grandchildren.