Brooklyn Park Nurse Earns Second Place in Nationwide HeroesFIRST Contest
Amanda Fricke always knew she wanted to be a nurse. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Fricke chose the profession, which requires both compassion and empathy. She just never realized she’d win an award for her work.
“It feels incredible,” said Fricke. “I didn’t really know how many people were in my corner and supporting me until I went through this process.”
Fricke, who works at Allina Health Surgery Center in Brooklyn Park, was nominated by her colleagues for the HeroesFIRST award, an annual nationwide contest put on by ImageFIRST.
“Working with Amanda is literally a privilege,” said Sharon Olson, Fricke’s manager. “Every single day she has a smile on her face no matter what the day brings and we have had some very rough days.”
Monday was one of those days. Olson explained that her nursing team had to overcome an IT issue that lasted for a couple hours before CCX News showed up for the award presentation.
Olson said it’s an example of Fricke’s and her team’s dedication at Allina Health Surgery Center, which provides a range of outpatient surgical procedures, everything from carpal tunnel surgery and colonoscopies to total joint replacements.
Fricke has played an integral role at the center since it first opened three years ago.
“As one of the original members of our team, Amanda has been instrumental in shaping clinical policies and mentoring new nurses, contributions that continue to strengthen the growth and success of our staff,” read a nomination letter for the HeroesFIRST award.
“She also takes extra steps calling patients’ pharmacies before discharge to confirm prescriptions are ready, an exceptional practice that sets her apart,” the letter continued.
Kyle Erdman, general manager with ImageFIRST, said the company had the most nominations ever for the HeroesFIRST honor. Erdman said Fricke received the second highest number of votes out of 611 health care workers nominated.
“It’s great to see – one, the actual health care workers themselves be recognized for the great work that they do. And then two – to have somebody that’s under our purview, to have one of our customers directly win, it’s fantastic and pretty gratifying just seeing that unfold like this,” said Erdman.
ImageFIRST provided Fricke with a $3,500 cash award for the honor.
Amanda Fricke celebrates her HeroesFIRST award with Allina Health Surgery Center colleagues.
A True Calling
Before Fricke came to Allina Health Surgery Center, she worked day and night nursing shifts for seven years at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale. Her mother, Lisa Krcma, still works there in the ICU.
“She was my role model,” said Fricke. “She still is.”
Fricke said she developed a love for nursing from what she learned from her mom.
“She used to come home and tell me stories all the time and I just loved the fact that I could help people the way she does,” she said.
Olson said Fricke developed that same connection not only with patients, but with her coworkers.
“Amanda is one of those people that just overcommunicates and makes sure that everyone has everything they need to get through the day,” said Olson. “She just has that voice that’s so calming.”
Fricke made the switch to Allina Health Surgery Center after the birth of her third child.
“I love it here,” said Fricke. “It works great for my family.”
Added Fricke, “I always tell my coworkers that coming here is like a vacation because I always had passion in caring for others.”
