Periodically we feature a newer member of the Rotary Club of Edina in The Barker. The Rotary Club of Edina welcomed Bonnie Rolstad as a member in August 2017. Bonnie's sponsor to the club was Greg Yoch.Click on the link below to get to know Bonnie...
Name: Bonnie Sue Rolstad
Classification: Online Nursing Education
What was your first job? My first official job was working part time during high school for the Roseville School system. I taught children skills in arts and crafts. It was fun and I can make great lanyards!
Who was your first role model and why? Beyond my parents who provided a loving home and family, my most influential role model was a colon and rectal surgeon, researcher, educator.
Classification: Online Nursing Education
What was your first job? My first official job was working part time during high school for the Roseville School system. I taught children skills in arts and crafts. It was fun and I can make great lanyards!
Who was your first role model and why? Beyond my parents who provided a loving home and family, my most influential role model was a colon and rectal surgeon, researcher, educator.
While I didn’t realize it at the time, he and I were starting the profession of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Nursing in this part of the country. In 1979, we started a national school at Abbott Northwestern Hospital to educate these Nurse Specialists.
What’s a WOC Nurse Specialist ? A graduate level nurse who specializes and is certified to rehabilitate patients who have an ostomy, chronic wound or incontinence care issues.The results of this specialty role are improved patient care and nursing career advancement.
The education program at Abbott closed in 1995, having gone the way of budget cuts and priority shifts. But the specialty thrives in our community. I currently own an online, nationally accredited (18 years) WOC Nursing education program that partners with the State of Minnesota Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) to provide this education.
My mentor was Edina resident Stanley M. Goldberg, MD. He has trained and mentored thousands of surgeons who practice in the United States and internationally today. My mentor worked over 20 years to open doors and manage the barriers to my practice, he referred patients to me, navigated (intervened) problems with hospital administrations. He and his surgical group role modeled professional, respectful behaviors to me and knew their patients needed the service of a WOC nurse to help them adjust.
Why did you want to join Rotary? Quite honestly, I didn't know anything about Rotary. My brother is a Rotarian in Wyoming and thought my values and interests would be a nice fit. I enjoy volunteering and "service above self" is important. I’m now semi-retired and want to expand my friendships of like-minded people. So far, Rotary has done all of that!
What do you like best about being part of the Rotary Club of Edina? This club is active and energized. They have been very welcoming to me and I feel comfortable in the group. This comfort makes me want to jump into projects and get involved.
What one piece of advice do you offer other business leaders? Everyone has something to teach you. Watch, listen and adapt because goodness, creativity and innovation comes from everyone.
You have already made such a difference in our club, Bonnie!