Why I Came, Why I Stayed: Donna Wellwood is proud of Methodist’s growth over the past 41 years

In “Why I Came, Why I Stayed,” you’ll get to know people who are making a difference every day at Methodist and how they contribute to providing The Meaning of Care. To explore career opportunities at Methodist, visit bestcare.org/jobs.

Tell us about yourself and your background with Methodist.

I’ve worked in Human Resources (HR) at Methodist for more than 40 years in various positions. I started as file clerk in 1984 and I’m now the director of employee relations.

I’m married to Gary Clawson. Together we have three sons, Jerry Jr., Jeff and Mark Wellwood, and Gary’s daughter, Tara Ropski. From this crew, we have 15 very active and wonderful grandchildren. We’re fortunate that they all live in Omaha, except for one granddaughter in Texas and a grandson away at college. We love spending time watching their activities and sports, but we also love the impromptu chili dinners any weekend while watching college football.

Gary and I love working in the yard together. We have been known to create a pond to sit by while Gary enjoys reading and crossword puzzles and I enjoy crocheting.  
 

Why Methodist? What attracted you?

I started working at Methodist in July 1984 because my previous husband was promoted in his full-time job and could no longer work his part-time job. I wanted to work in a hospital because of the stability and sustainability. I didn’t have clinical skills, education or experience, but I knew I could do something to earn what we needed to get our kids through Catholic elementary, high school and college in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I chose Methodist.
 

What is it about Methodist that keeps you coming back?

When I started working in HR, I had no idea how multifaceted it was. Recruiting, benefits, HRIS, compensation, employee relations and organizational development. To me, that meant opportunity, learning and growth. I didn’t let the grass grow and worked very hard. Anytime my manager approached me with an opportunity, I said yes. I have worked at Methodist Hospital, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Shared Service Systems, Methodist Women’s Hospital, Methodist Fremont Health, the Foundation and the corporate offices. With each experience, I worked with amazing and talented individuals who live our core values daily. 

Do you have any favorite Methodist memories?

A significant memory for Methodist and the health care industry in 1989-1990 was the paradigm shift changing nursing shifts from eight hours to 12 hours. This was a monumental change in the workforce. When our nurses worked eight-hour shifts, each shift had a clinical supervisor as well, and it was decided we would have one service leader for the new 12-hour shifts. We were able to find positions for all of our nurses without losing any staff.

My favorite memories and what I am most proud of are Methodist's growth and expansion in health care and for the opportunity to participate as an employee donor – through Methodist Hospital Foundation – for Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, Methodist Women’s Hospital and Methodist Hospital’s updated and expanded Surgery Department and, most recently, the newly expanded Emergency Department.  

 

Have you had a mentor or colleague at Methodist who made a difference for you? 

I have worked with the most intelligent, professional and caring people in my time at Methodist. Employees, managers and especially my HR co-workers truly live our core values and are The Meaning of Care each and every day.

In May, just as Paula Pittman and I began to discuss succession planning for my position, I became ill and I’m currently on leave. My projected retirement date is mid-September 2025.    

From Paula Pittman, chief human resources officer:

“Donna is such a wonderful person who lives out our mission and embodies The Meaning of Care. She’s truly an example of someone who worked hard to get where she wanted to be. I’m not sure I have the words to fully express how much she’s meant to me over the years I’ve known her and how great of an asset she’s been to Methodist, especially in employee relations.”