SANFORD

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How do you see military experience as contributing to the expansion of nursing?

Being able to react quickly to a given situation while “keeping your cool” is important, as well as good use of critical thinking skills. The most crucial part is teamwork and collaboration. To me this is the most important function we can do when caring for our patients. It is not a oneman show; we need to work as a team to provide optimal patient-centered care. The army values are a lot like values in nursing: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honesty, integrity, and personal courage.

What do you want to take back into your Army career from your nurse training?

Nursing has taught me to take on more of a leadership role. In the military, not everyone is a leader, there are assigned leaders and then there are followers. This can be the same for nursing...but nurses the opportunity to work with him.”

Sheryl Sandahl is the dean of the School of Nursing at the College of St. Scholastica.

“I am so pleased to see Greg receive the Florence Award,” said Sandahl. “He is truly deserving. Greg is first and foremost student-centered. He is committed to the students that we serve. It is clear that he is passionate about nursing.

“He is quick to volunteer to meet with potential nursing students and their parents. He is readily available for students who may be struggling with a concept, those who want to discuss career planning, or who just want to chat. Greg is a strong team member, and he is what I call a ‘builder.’ are encouraged to take leadership roles because when it comes to caring for our patients, we are the ones who advocate for the patient. Prior to starting nursing, I sat back a lot and watched, but as school went on, with simulation and clinicals, I knew this was no longer an option. I stepped up, participating in care and asking many questions.

I see myself growing and expanding my knowledge to take on leadership roles in the military as well.

Nursing is a holistic approach to medicine, including the whole of the patient’s life. How does your medical training and experience influence the rest of your life?

My experience has influenced me to look at individuals differently, by being non-judgmental toward any given person. Someone might have said something to upset me; it may be that there are underlying reasons. I was never really a person to judge others, but I think we all have our personal biases.

Nursing has taught me to look at every person as a whole and treat everyone

He is always thinking about new ideas to meet student needs or regional workforce needs. Greg lives the Benedictine values of community, love of learning, respect, hospitality, and stewardship in his work every day.”

“Receiving this award was surprising to me,” White said. “I don’t do what I do for recognition. But it represents that what I do matters.”

White is quick to share this special recognition with other people in his life.

“I’ve always been surrounded by amazing teammates and mentors, and I’ve done none of this alone,” he said. “And it helps that I have the world’s most supportive wife.” with the same amount of respect, no matter what. It is equally important to not categorize people based on what we may think, as everyone is unique.

How does the current pandemic influence your thinking about nursing and the provision of medical care in general?

I definitely take things more seriously now when it comes to isolation precautions. I was always very good at this, but I know one mishap could put other people or myself at risk for harm. It also shows how fast things can change and how important it is to be prepared for the worst. As new research and studies are being conducted, new practice guidelines are also being put in place, so it is important for organizations to be up to date on the latest changes. As scary as it could be, it is important to stay calm, and use safe techniques when caring for any given patient. This pandemic also shows the importance of furthering my education and knowledge, which I plan on doing.