Elaine Ollerton George, a respected Charge Nurse, Clinical Educator, and community health advocate, is using her latest feature interview to raise awareness about the critical need for stronger community health initiatives and increased mentorship in nursing.
In her wide-ranging interview, George discusses her 14-year nursing career and her deep ties to West Valley City, emphasising the importance of supporting both patients and frontline healthcare workers.
“We need to look beyond hospital walls,” George says in the interview. “Preventive care, mental health support, and mentorship for young nurses are all part of the same solution. It’s about building healthier communities—together.”
George is particularly passionate about mentoring the next generation of nurses, drawing from her own experience balancing work, study, and family commitments. She began her career after volunteering at her local hospital during high school and has since mentored dozens of new nurses.
“Mentorship is everything,” she explains. “Nursing is hard. No one should feel they’re in it alone.”
The Need for Action
George’s advocacy comes at a time when the nursing profession faces unprecedented challenges. According to the American Nurses Association, over 500,000 seasoned RNs are expected to retire by 2027, and burnout is a growing crisis. Studies also show that mentorship reduces nurse turnover by as much as 30%.
In Utah, chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease continue to rise, with the Utah Department of Health reporting that nearly 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure. George stresses that preventive care and education are key to reversing these trends.
“Preventive care isn’t complicated,” George says. “It’s about small, consistent actions—getting regular screenings, making healthier food choices, and knowing where to go for help before it becomes an emergency.”
A Call for Grassroots Solutions
George encourages individuals to take action in their own neighbourhoods:
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Volunteer locally: Help out at school health events, food drives, or community clinics.
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Check on neighbours: Especially those who may be elderly, isolated, or managing chronic conditions.
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Support young healthcare workers: Encourage local students to explore healthcare careers and offer mentorship if you’re in the field.
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Prioritise preventive care: Book screenings, attend health workshops, and make wellness a family habit.
“You don’t have to be a nurse to make a difference,” George says. “It starts with simply showing up for your community.”
She also urges healthcare workers to seek out mentorship opportunities, whether as mentors or mentees.
“Mentorship keeps nurses going,” she adds. “It’s what keeps our profession strong and our communities healthier.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Elaine Ollerton George
Elaine Ollerton George is a Charge Nurse and Clinical Educator in Salt Lake City, Utah. Known for her leadership, compassion, and community outreach, she has been honoured as her hospital’s “Nurse of Distinction.” She actively volunteers with the Salt Lake County Health Department and local schools to promote preventive care and healthcare career pathways.
Contact:
Info@elaineollertongeorge.com
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