Chippewa Valley Times

On December 20, Marnie Britton will be honored with the Future Nurse Leader Award by the Wisconsin Nurses Association. This award acknowledges "outstanding students who embody the ethics and values of nursing and exemplary leadership qualities."

Dr. Norah Airth-Kindree, an associate professor of nursing at UW-Eau Claire, nominated Britton for this accolade. She highlighted Britton's dedication as a practicing nurse and her leadership in her coursework as a BSN completion student.

"Marnie has worked to bring needed attention to the lack of overnight transportation for Eau Claire-area patients. Our community does not currently have this type of resource available," Airth-Kindree stated. "Marnie is an involved nurse who brings passion and excellent communication to patient care and outcomes."

In September, Britton addressed the Eau Claire City-County Board of Health regarding the absence of late-night transportation for patients using wheelchairs or those without family support. She is collaborating with board members to find a solution that benefits patients and enhances hospital care.

"By finding safe and reliable transportation for these patients, we can help them continue their healing and recovery in the comfort of their own home while freeing up much-needed beds in the ER," Britton says.

Britton has not dismissed the possibility of serving on the health board in the future or remaining engaged in some capacity.

"I think it’s important that an entity like the county health board include a wide range of voices representing the breadth of healthcare, and someone with recent experience in an emergency room could be a useful addition to their decision making," Britton says. "If the time commitment works for me at some point, I would consider it."

Looking ahead, Britton aims to become a flight nurse, leveraging her skills from working in emergency rooms.

"I hope to transition to a role with more responsibility and even more exposure to trauma care/critical patient care. Then my next step would be to prepare and study for the certified flight registered nurse (exam) and hopefully fly with Mayo Flight one day."

Britton describes herself as a quick learner always seeking new opportunities. These traits helped her secure an ER position as her first job while completing her BSN rapidly by taking three classes each semester alongside full-time work.

"I am so grateful for this award and honestly surprised that I was chosen," Britton says. "Working full time and adding a heavy school load, you can get lost in seeking the outcome and it's difficult at times to stay motivated. This is an honor that reminds me that the hard work has been worth it and is paying off."