Lead Operations Engineer

Education/Background:

Lynnette Kenne is a native of the Algona, Iowa area. She attended Mount Mercy University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa College of Nursing. Additional training includes Duke University Patient Safety Leadership Course, Trinity Health Strategic Leadership Program, Managing Patient Safety at the VA National Center for Patient Safety, and Lean Training through the VA.

Lynnette has worked in several healthcare systems including Mercy Medical Centers Clinton and Mason City, Iowa locations. Previous positions include Progressive Care staff nurse, Clinical Nurse Manager for a 30 bed orthopedic/neurology unit and Director of Nursing for Acute Care. Most recently Lynnette held the position of Patient Safety Manager at the Iowa City VA Health Care System and joined the University of Iowa Department of Quality Improvement Program in 2014.

Lynnette’s Lean journey started at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City in 2007 where with the help of senior leadership and a Lean sensei, she initiated daily huddles on the inpatient units. She and her leaders grew in their understanding of Lean principles and tools, along with what it takes to be a Lean leader. Managing daily improvement suggestions from staff became her work along with developing leaders and staff in their ability to problem solve in a systematic way.

Here at the University of Iowa, Lynnette continues to use and teach her problem solving skills. She has worked with teams who have improved processes, including: the review of outside pathology slides, the patient referral process to the HCCC, ED to OR handoffs for Class A trauma patients, Eye Clinic retinal injections, standard process for CVC insertions, and most recently has a focus on sharp injury reduction in the OR setting.

Outside of work, Lynnette enjoys sewing, baking and in the summer tends to her flower and vegetable gardens. The north shore of Lake Superior is a respite for her and her family. Lynnette’s other interest – photography – captures the rare beauty and solitude of “UpNorth.”

Responsibilities:

•  Develop and deliver material for our two day training sessions
• Coach teams on optimal workplace design/layout
• Work with inpatient teams to develop short and long term methods for improving patient flow and length of stay
• Collaborate with other OE staff to identify and support any emergent process needs within UIHC

Lynnette’s favorite process improvement principle is the use of “Visual Controls, So No Problems Are Hidden.” Showing the problem allows improvements to happen and is a sign of a safe and healthy organizational culture.

Contact:

Address: C52-G GH
Phone: (319) 467-5096
lynnette-kenne@uiowa.edu

When asked, “What inspires you?”

“It is when you see a leader share with their team that they do not have the answer and they (the leader) need the help of the team to make things better. I get inspired when leaders show that the people they work with are the most valued aspect of the organization.”