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A Journey of Strength and Service: Erin Olson’s Perspective After Four Years in Healthcare
ERIN OLSON | CHI HEALTH GOOD SAMARITAN
At CHI Good Sa - maritan Hospital, compassion, integrity, and excellence aren’t just words—they’re lived out each day by dedicated healthcare professionals like Erin Olson, RN, BSN. Now entering her fourth year in the healthcare field, Erin has already earned a reputation not only
my coworkers. I work with an incredible team that genuinely supports one another. And that sense of community? That’s everything.” While Erin has had countless memorable moments throughout her career, she says the everyday rewards of nursing are often the most profound. “People always expect a big story when you ask what’s been most rewarding. But for me, it’s the trust. The trust patients and families put in you when they’re at their most vulnerable—it’s hum - bling. That trust is sacred.” Even small acts— like explaining a diagnosis in plain language, offering reassurance during a dif - ficult procedure, or simply being present— can have a lasting impact. “It’s in those moments, when a patient looks you in the eye and says ‘thank you,’ that you realize the depth of what we do.” Working in healthcare has also changed the way Erin views life. “Before I became a nurse, I thought I understood what people
meant when they said, ‘Life is short.’ But now I’ve seen how quickly life can change. A single moment, a single test result—it can turn someone’s entire world upside down.” That awareness has given her a deeper appreciation for time, for relationships, and for the little things in life. “I don’t take moments for granted anymore. I hug my family tighter. I tell people I love them. You learn to hold the good a little closer.” There’s a quiet pride that comes with being a nurse, one Erin carries with her every day. “Sometimes I wonder how many patients I’ve cared for already—how many hands I’ve held, how many lives I’ve touched in big or small ways. I hope that, in their time here, I was able to make things just a little bit easier.” It’s this dedication—to comfort, to excellence, and to the commu- nity—that makes Erin such a valued member of the CHI Good Samaritan team. For those thinking about joining the
healthcare profession, Erin offers heartfelt advice: “It’s worth it. All of it. The late-night study sessions, the clinical hours, the exams, the pressure. There will be moments—hard moments—that test you. But there will also be days when it clicks When the person in front of you reminds you exactly why you’re here.” “You will grow in ways you never imagined. You’ll learn about science, yes—but also about people, about resilience, about grace under pressure. And one day, you’ll realize the work you’re doing truly matters.” At CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, Erin Olson is more than a nurse—she’s a source of calm in moments of chaos, a steady hand in times of fear, and a reminder that healthcare is, at its core, about people. Her story is one of quiet courage, daily service, and an unwavering commitment to making the world just a little more compassionate, one patient at a time.
Erin Olson
for her clinical skills, but also for the empathy and strength she brings to every patient interaction. For Erin, choosing healthcare was about more than job security or a career path. It was about the challenge, the unpredictability, and the impact. “I’ve always liked the idea of being in a field that constantly evolves and pushes you to grow,” she says. “No two days are ever the same. There’s always something new to learn, a new way to help, a new story unfolding right in front of you.” This desire to serve while continuously growing is what led her to nursing. But the real rewards, she explains, are found in the human connections that define every shift. Working in healthcare, especially in a hospital setting, means facing the full spectrum of the human experience. “Some of the most emotionally challenging parts of being a nurse,” Erin shares, “come from seeing people in all stages of life—newborns, the elderly, people facing unexpected diagnoses, or families going through crisis. It’s humbling and heartbreaking all at once.” She notes that one of the lesser-discussed but very real burdens of nursing is the need to compartmentalize. “There’s not always time to process what you’ve seen. You could be holding a patient’s hand during their final moments and then walk into the next room and help someone deliver a baby. It’s a rollercoaster, and you have to keep going.” Despite this emotional intensity, Erin remains grounded. “I lean heavily on my people—my family, my close friends, and
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