DawnMarie Hooker: 'I Can't Imagine Being Anywhere Else'

December 9, 2021

In January of 2018, DawnMarie Hooker, RN, came to Broadlawns Medical Center and pursued her love for psychiatric care as an overnight nurse in the Inpatient Behavioral Health unit.

"When I started nursing school I thought for sure I would pursue a career in hospice, where I started as a tech. However, after I completed the psych rotation in nursing school, I knew I found where I truly wanted to be."

DawnMarie made the move to Broadlawns after a family member suggested it, and it's the Broadlawns "family" that is one of the many reasons she stays.

"My sister, already living in the Des Moines area, called me one day and said if you want to work in Mental Health, you should come join me at Broadlawns! Within a year, my family and I made the move. I have always preferred the small hospital feel. You get an opportunity to meet staff you would not normally see in a large hospital; the comradery of working together from department to department when questions and concerns arise. Some days, it’s like the Cheers theme song “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”. It’s not only rewarding, but also important to be able to build these types of relationships to continue moving the hospital forward."

After working at Broadlawns for a little over a year as a staff nurse, DawnMarie transitioned to a charge nurse and then, in July 2019, assumed her current role of Manager of Mental Health Crisis Services. She attributes her career growth to a collaborative atmosphere that nurtures professional growth.

"Broadlawns has provided me with an opportunity to grow within my field. Steve Johnson and Dr. Teresa Dolphin-Shaw have given me the tools and guidance to make this unit successful. The support I have received from my team and those throughout the entire hospital has been amazing. I can’t imagine being anywhere else."

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