Nursing supervisor enjoys mentoring, multi-tasking

Posted May 21, 2009 11:00 pm

Melynda Litchfield is a registered nurse, but she doubles as a firefighter.

That's because each time she works her evening shift at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, she spends her time putting out fires.

Figuratively, of course.

Litchfield is a nursing supervisor at the hospital and is in charge every time she's on duty. She is the go-to person for everyone, from nurses, staff members and physicians, not to mention when visitors have issues, and even the media.

When a reporter wants to know the status of a patient for a story, they must seek out the nursing supervisor on duty.

"There's no such thing as a typical day," Litchfield says. "Every day is different. I can handle staffing, or issues with patients or physicians, but I also do a lot of clinical mentoring."

That's one of the aspects she likes best about the job, the ability to mentor other nurses, and teach. She describes how staff members may call upon her to check a rhythm interpretation on an EKG, or seek help in getting an IV started.

They can reach her four different ways, by phone, pager, the hospital loud speaker, or the new Vocera communications badge worn by hospital staff that allows for hands-free messaging.

"I'm called so many times during a shift, I can't even begin to count," says Litchfield, a Bartlett resident.

Her busy role in administration is a long way from her days at Bradley University in Peoria, where she earned her registered nursing degree. Her first job was working in labor and delivery at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital, before working at Northwest Community Hospital, when she moved out to the suburbs.

In 1985, Litchfield made the move to what is now St. Alexius Medical Center, for the chance to work in its intensive care unit, where she loved the hands-on and critical care aspect of the job.

She stayed in the unit for 20 years, but after five years added a part-time role as a supervisor, while maintaining her bedside nursing role in the ICU.

Four years ago, she accepted a promotion into administration, and hasn't looked back.

"I love the fact that I have my finger in every corner of the hospital," Litchfield says. "It's the ultimate in multi-tasking, and yet I still feel like I get to mentor and teach."

She credits hospital officials, and her nursing background, which both have allowed her to advance in her career into a position with more decision-making and responsibility.

"You have to be diplomatic, but at the same time clinically right," Litchfield says. "But then again, you're only as good as your last decision."

Melynda Litchfield Age: 48 Hometown: Bartlett Specialty: Nursing supervisor Best part about the job: "It's the ultimate in multi-tasking, and yet I still feel like I get to mentor and teach."

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