AONL podcast features rural nursing leader who preserved access to care

In an AONL podcast, Robin Kalohelani, MSN, RN, discusses how she helped preserve emergency care access in Wahiawā, Hawaii, after her organization purchased a shuttered community hospital. Kalohelani, senior vice president and chief operating officer of The Queen’s Medical Center – West O‘ahu and Wahiawā, built community trust by explaining that the hospital initially could only support emergency services. She stressed the hospital would transfer patients who needed inpatient services to another hospital. Kalohelani listened to people’s concerns and discussed her system’s plans, which included modernizing the hospital’s electronic health records and updating diagnostic services. Kalohelani, who has a community health nursing background, says she collaborates closely with her team members when she lacks specific expertise, including seeking staff input how to improve bedside care.