Leading by example and her commitment to serving dialysis patients garnered Osage Beach, Mo., Nurse Manager Donna Whittle, RN, BSN, NM, a 2025 Dialysis Clinic, Inc. Employee of the Year award.
“They say I won Employee of the Year; I say we won Employee of the Year,” Donna said. “I was deeply moved by the recognition, knowing our accomplishments are truly the result of our collective team effort. My work is centered on patients and working for a company whose values align with mine motivates me to continually improve.”
“Donna’s commitment to her patients, clinic team and supporting DCI’s mission is commendable,” said Donovan Schultz, Dialysis Clinic, Inc. President. “We are proud to celebrate her contributions by naming her DCI Employee of the Year and applaud her humble nature, exemplary patient care and community involvement.”
With generations of her family affected by kidney disease, supporting kidney patients is personal for Donna. “In 1985, my son was born with polycystic kidneys and never left the hospital,” she said. “Not understanding what happened, I vowed to become a nurse to learn and help others avoid that pain. I became a nurse, worked nearly 20 years in the emergency room, and was approached by a nephrologist to join DCI. In 2010, I became a dialysis nurse. That year, my first grandchild was born with Prune Belly Syndrome. A couple of years later, my mother began dialysis. I believe God led me here and showed me my purpose. I strive to make every patient’s life better and end each day grateful and hopeful that God will one day say, ‘Well done, my child.’”
Forty years later, she contributes to the cause at work and in her community. “She really sees her career as a mission to give back,” said Mid-Missouri Area Operations Director Leanne Peace. “She is a selfless, caring nurse every day.”
As Osage Beach’s Nurse Manager for the past 10 years, Donna’s desire to provide exemplary care, improve quality and share her knowledge with new nurses is guided by DCI’s patient-focused mission.
“I have grown and gained a great deal of knowledge since becoming a nurse manager,” she said. “Leadership has taught me integrity, communication and self-awareness. Doing what is right, building trust and communicating while listening to others are imperative.”
“I feel called to serve at DCI because the organization truly cares about patients,” Donna said. “I see this care extended to staff as well. Being cared for personally inspires me to share that same passion with patients and coworkers.”
Donna is a mentor to fellow nurses and supported a Louisiana clinic experiencing a staffing shortage for several weeks. Her team also followed her lead, traveling to ensure patients received necessary care. They’ve also helped Mid-Missouri clinics during COVID-19 and other staffing shortages, often driving more than 50 miles one way.
Donna actively raises money for the National Kidney Foundation through a bowl-a-thon and has been recognized for her fundraising efforts. Donna is a proud grandma, enjoys spending time with her family, traveling for church mission trips and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I focus on faith, family and football,” she said. “Family time is invaluable to me, especially moments spent with my grandchildren.”