Bonnie Dollen graduated from nursing school at Iowa Western. She has worked in cardiac care, vascular, surgery, family medicine and now psychiatry. She has been married for 28 years and has four kids, including triplets.
What are your job duties?
I listen and support patients in need. I do whatever I can to help them and keep them safe. I also provide education to our patients and staff. I am the facilitator for Reproductive Psychiatry.
Why did you choose psychiatry?
I think psychiatry chose me. I have been providing mental health support my entire nursing career. When I was in nursing school I was the Unit Secretary on Psychiatry at Jennie Edmundson. I believe I have come full circle as I plan to end my nursing career here in psychiatry when I am old enough to retire.
What do you enjoy about working at Neb Med/UNMC?
We are truly a family not just co-workers. If one of us needs anything there are always people to help. I have made some amazing friendships that have lasted thirty years!
You do a lot of volunteer work. Why do you find time to volunteer?
I feel I am very blessed and I feel I should give back to those who may not be. There can never be too much love and compassion in the world! I also feel that I get back much more than I give when I volunteer. I am a volunteer Pastor for the Intellectually Impaired and my own congregation when needed. I volunteer for NAMI and Fragile X (our 3 boys have this). I volunteer with Christmas drives. I volunteer for Ducks Unlimited to preserve the environment and habitat.
What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, listening to music, deer hunting, hiking, crafts, cooking, and just being me!
We are so lucky to have Bonnie on our team! She is such an asset to our department and us as her co-workers. She is always willing to help out and support our team with her knowledge and care.
She has a wonderfully spunky, fun, compassionate attitude! We adore you Bonnie!!