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Catrina Levin wins 2025 Optum Super Hero award

There’s a kind of care that doesn’t ask for attention — but makes all the difference. Discover why Nurse Catrina Levin's dedication and empathy truly deserve recognition.

June 5, 2025

With more than 11,000 nominations this year, the Optum Super Hero award honors some of our most extraordinary team members — those who strive for excellence in everything they do and create exceptional experiences for our patients. Those like ProHealth Physicians nurse Catrina Levin, who was recognized for her outstanding patient care, dedication and service.

From marine biology to nursing: A path of purpose

From a young age, Catrina loved science and the sea. “I probably wanted to be a marine biologist when I was growing up,” she recalls. “I’ve always loved the ocean.”

But it was watching her father manage Lyme disease — hooking up his IV, helping with treatments — that gave her an early glimpse of what nursing could be. “I really enjoyed it and learned a lot.”

By high school, the path was clear: nursing. The combination of care and skill spoke to Catrina, and her strengths in math and science made it feel like the perfect fit.

She was always the quiet one — more observant, more at ease listening than speaking. Her childhood days were spent outside, immersed in hours of exploration, picking through the farm-like surroundings, finding peace in her own world of curiosity.

Catrina has been a nurse since 2007. For 13 years, she worked in labor and delivery. It was challenging work, deeply emotional and full of high stakes.

“It’s difficult to put into words how important it is to advocate for patients,” she says. “They need us to be their voice when they can’t. I tried to be that.”

Eventually, Catrina knew she needed a change. “In labor and delivery, when things go wrong, they can be really wrong. It’s very tough.”

She interviewed with ProHealth Physicians on the first day of the COVID-19 lockdown but couldn’t bring herself to leave her hospital team right away. “I couldn’t leave my hospital colleagues,” she says simply.

She stayed a bit longer. But when the time came, she didn’t regret it. “I had missed too much. Now I don’t work weekends or holidays. Being more present for my kids makes me a better mom.”

Transition to primary care: Balancing care and family

Catrina has a 12-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter, both into science, both full of questions.

“My son especially — he’s very inquisitive,” she says with a smile. At home, she reads, crafts and crochets to unwind. “I’m more introverted,” she explains. “Those are the things that recharge me.”

At work, Catrina is a clinical lead. She provides guidance to a team consisting of medical assistants, one nurse and one phlebotomist. She also helps patients navigate their care.

“It’s not always easy. Sometimes everyone comes to you at once with questions,” she says. “And other times, I walk away from a patient interaction feeling like maybe I could’ve done or known more. That’s hard.”

Despite these challenges, Catrina approaches every day as a chance to learn. “Empathy can be heavy. But I try to imagine what it’s like to be in their shoes, and then think: What’s the best way I can help?”

Her years in labor and delivery left a lasting impression. “It’s such a high moment in people’s lives, but it doesn’t always go as planned,” she says. “A baby’s born in the elevator, or the heart rate drops, or you have seconds to act. You carry that with you.”

Still, being part of such a defining time in a family’s life was deeply meaningful. “You try to balance safety with the family’s wishes. It’s stressful, but it’s a privilege.”

Now in primary care, that same balance carries over. Catrina remembers one patient who needed a new injectable medication. The process was complicated, but she stuck with it. "I wanted her to feel cared for. That personal connection — it matters.”

Recognition and teamwork: The heart of nursing

Catrina doesn’t crave recognition. So, when she was surprised with the Optum Super Hero award, she was caught off guard. “I’ve never been one to seek the spotlight. I’m here to do what I do,” she says. “But it was an honor. I was shocked and happy.”

She laughs remembering the snowstorm that day. “There weren’t as many people, so it ended up being a more intimate celebration. That was actually kind of perfect.”

Her team means a lot to Catrina. “We have a great team in the office,” she says. “There was some turnover, but not anymore. Everyone works hard. It really takes all hands on deck.”

When asked what advice Catrina would give to new nurses, she doesn’t sugarcoat it. “It’s not easy. You’re going to question it. But then you have those moments when you know — it’s worth it. The good outweighs the hard.”

A few years ago, Catrina’s daughter saw that clearly. “She wrote something about wanting to be a nurse. One day, on the playground, someone got hurt. I overheard her say, ‘My mom is a nurse. She’ll be able to fix it.'"

That’s what it’s about. Showing up, even quietly, and making things better.

“I have to remind myself — I'm here to help. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it,” she says. “I couldn’t have gotten here alone. Everyone I’ve worked with has shaped me into the nurse I am.”

And that nurse — the steady one, the kind one — is exactly who patients, and her team, are lucky to have.