Elaine Ollerton George grew up in West Valley City, Utah, in a home built on hard work and community values. Her father worked for the local utility company and her mother served meals in the school cafeteria. From an early age, Elaine saw the power of service up close.
At Granger High School, she joined the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and began volunteering at Pioneer Valley Hospital. These experiences didn’t just shape her future—they revealed it. After high school, Elaine enrolled at Salt Lake Community College, earning her associate degree in nursing while balancing part-time work and caring for her younger siblings.
She later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Western Governors University, graduating with honours. Her nursing career began on a fast-paced medical-surgical floor, where she developed a reputation for steady leadership and compassionate care.
Today, Elaine works as a Charge Nurse and Preceptor. She mentors young nurses and leads hospital teams, all while staying deeply involved in her community. She’s certified in trauma-informed care and works with the Salt Lake County Health Department on preventive health outreach.
In 2022, she was named her hospital’s “Nurse of Distinction.” At home, she enjoys sourdough baking, historical fiction, and walking the Jordan River Trail with her husband Greg. Whether in a hospital ward or a school gym at a local health fair, Elaine shows up—with compassion, clarity, and commitment.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I usually wake up around 5:30 a.m. I need quiet time before the day begins, so I make a cup of tea and review my shift notes. I also scan the latest hospital updates and any notes from overnight staff. At work, I’m responsible for leading my team on the floor—coordinating admissions, discharges, and emergencies, all while mentoring newer nurses.
What makes my day productive is preparation. I plan before each shift, review who’s on my team, and flag any patients needing extra attention. I also make time for check-ins—sometimes a short conversation with a new nurse can change their whole shift.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I usually start with a small test. If I have an idea—like a new checklist to improve patient handoffs—I’ll trial it during one shift with a few trusted colleagues. I listen closely to their feedback and make changes before proposing it to leadership.
It’s the same with community work. When I wanted to run wellness nights at local schools, I first reached out to a contact in the Granite School District to co-host a small pilot event.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Trauma-informed care in mainstream medical settings. It’s changing how we approach patients—not just looking at symptoms, but recognising the impact of past trauma on health. I see this especially with young adults and elderly patients who feel overwhelmed in hospitals.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Handwritten notes. I carry a small notebook on each shift—nothing digital. I jot down details about patients, reminders, things to follow up on. It helps me stay grounded and keeps my mind clear.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush to “know it all.” Confidence grows with time and practice. Listen more, ask better questions, and don’t be afraid of being wrong.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That slow nurses aren’t necessarily bad nurses. Sometimes, slowness is actually presence. The best care I’ve seen often comes from those who move with intention, not speed.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Walk. Walking the Jordan River Trail is my daily reset. It helps me decompress, reflect on the day, and reconnect with nature and myself.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I garden. I’ll pull weeds, prune tomatoes, or water the herbs. It’s grounding. Touching soil brings me out of my head and back into my body.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building trust with newer nurses. I make space for questions, encourage curiosity, and model calmness. In return, I’ve gained respect and teamwork from people who now lead in their own right.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I misread a medication order. Thankfully, it was caught before it reached the patient. I owned up, reviewed the process, and created a personal checklist I still use. I learned that systems help, but personal responsibility is essential.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mentorship platform specifically for nurses in rural or underserved areas. Pair experienced nurses with new grads and include wellness tools and stress-management training.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
It’s simple, but Google Keep. I use it to save notes from webinars, community meetings, and patient care ideas. I like that I can pull it up anywhere.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. It changed how I view patient care and even how I parent. It’s a must-read for anyone in healthcare.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched Call the Midwife. It’s emotional, grounded, and a beautiful reminder of the human side of medicine.
Key learnings
- Slowness in healthcare can be a strength—presence and patience matter as much as speed.
- Mentorship and trust-building are key to career growth, especially in high-stress environments like nursing.
- Personal systems—like handwritten notes or checklists—can prevent costly mistakes and create mental clarity.
- Productivity doesn’t have to be digital—simple rituals like walking, gardening, and note-taking offer clarity and focus.
- Community connection builds resilience, both inside and outside the hospital.