It took Jolene Albaugh more than 30 years to rise from a receptionist at a physician’s office to director of surgical services at Bolingbrook Adventist Hospital.

Along the way she has met the challenge at each level but may have found her greatest satisfaction in building the 45-person team she manages at the hospital, which opened 15 months ago.

“I have a passion for my job, and it was a lot of fun interviewing people and assembling and training my team, and writing policies and procedures before the hospital opened,” said Albaugh, a Clarendon Hills resident who grew up in Darien.

For eight months before the hospital opened its doors Albaugh built the surgical program “from the ground up.”

Working from construction plans, Albaugh helped plan the preparation of six operating rooms, a 13-bay post-anesthesia care unit, 23 same-day surgery rooms, two endoscopy suites and the sterile processing department.

Her expertise recently was recognized with her receiving the Greater Chicago Nursing Spectrum 2009 Excellence Award in management.

“It was an honor being named a finalist, to even be nominated. I couldn’t believe it when they gave me the award,” Albaugh said.

Notable
• Winner of the 2008 Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital Nursing Leadership Award
• Worked 28 years at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn

& quotable
“I am only successful because of the team beneath me. I really care about my employees and they know that,” Albaugh said.

Philosophy
• Immerse yourself in all aspects of your work to understand what your patients, employees and physicians needs are
• Treat people well
• Give of yourself

Favorites
FOOD Hospital cafeteria Ruben sandwich, mashed potatoes
VACATION DESTINATION Wisconsin Dells
INTERESTS  Reading, gardening