6/30/22 employee experience
the best place Nikki's ever worked
Nikki Collier recently celebrated 14 years with Dayton Children's and between switching hospitals, moving positions and becoming coworkers with her husband and dad, she's learned that truly, everything happens for a reason. We're glad that her reason happens to be with us!
Nikki's health care career began at an area hospital where she met two medical lab techs who also worked at Dayton Children's. According to Nikki, "they just talked Dayton Children's up so much, I figured why not apply" (thank goodness she listened!) She started as a laboratory tech in 2008 and is currently our program manager for digital engagement operations.
"Careers and life really, take an unexpected path sometimes," said Nikki. "I never would have guessed I'd be doing what I do now, but I wouldn't have it any other way. This is the best place I've ever worked!"
And Dayton Children's is the best for several reasons! Not only do Dayton Children's values of collaboration, safety, equity, innovation, ownership and collaboration resonate with Nikki, but she feels capable of making a difference – meaningful work makes for an enjoyable job.
"In every role I’ve had in this hospital, I have felt like I really am making a difference for kids," said Nikki. "I’m inspired every day by the kids around me. Some of these kids have challenges I’d never understand but to think I can help them even if it’s just a little, that makes my heart full."
Nikki is able to touch the patient experience, even if it's not from direct care. In 2018, Nikki joined the operational team supporting MyKidsChart – Dayton Children's online, one-stop-shop platform for patients and families to access their care plan. In April 2022, the application reached 100,000 accounts. Nikki's favorite memory occurred during what we all remember 2020 for – the COVID-19 pandemic. Within one week of the national shutdown, Nikki was part of a hospital-wide team to launch Dayton Children's video visits.
"That's why it's my favorite memory – we really had everyone doing anything and everything to make this work so we could safely take care of kids," shared Nikki. "I'm really proud to have been a part of that group."
Even after the peak of the pandemic, these efforts have had continued success. For example, during a 2022 February winter storm, 88% of ambulatory clinic visits were held virtually. These technology advancements are even more impressive looking back 14 years ago when Nikki first walked through the hospital doors. She described huge floor to ceiling shelves full of paperwork and staff pushing shopping carts full of patient records to and from the units.
Thank for being here with us through it all! Congratulations on 14 years, Nikki!
