Benzie County native Kristine Johnson, M.S.N., R.N., is excited about returning to the hospital where she launched her career.
This month, Johnson steps into the role of director of Paul Oliver Living and Rehabilitation Center.
“I’m most excited to work in an environment where I can support or enhance quality of life and help patients gain independence. The community is lucky to have such a wonderful program with dedicated staff, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them” she said. “I was raised in Benzie County to parents who were small business owners and have spent nearly my entire life here. I actually began my career at Paul Oliver as an X-ray technician, so I am looking forward to returning home and taking care of people in my own community.”
Johnson joins Paul Oliver after spending the past 10 years managing Munson Medical Center’s Emergency Department, which sees more than 54,000 patients a year. She brings 20 years of experience before that in various other nursing roles, including intensive care, surgery, and as a flight nurse with North Flight Air.
“Munson Healthcare has been very good to me and afforded me countless opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. This transition just presents an opportunity to go back to my community and take a new direction in my career, and an opportunity for personal growth,” she said.
Paul Oliver Living and Rehabilitation Center has 39 beds and a staff that includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants who provide quality care around the clock. Rehabilitation services include speech, respiratory, occupational, and physical therapy. Johnson said she has always had a special place in her heart for the elderly and individuals with special challenges.
Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital President Peter Marinoff said Johnson’s variety of experience will greatly benefit the hospital.
“We are pleased to welcome Kristi to our team,” he said. “As a care provider for nearly 30 years and a leader at Munson Medical Center for over 10, she brings tremendous depth to Paul Oliver that will help us further our mission of providing quality care to the community.”
More information on Paul Oliver Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Center can be found at munsonhealthcare.org/polar or by calling 231-352-2208.