Special Edition Featuring... 2005 Humanism in Healthcare Award Winners

2rd Quarter Winners

Colin Dale, Ambulatory Care
Nominated by Krya S. Sinkowsky, Ambulatory Care
In addition to performing his own duties, Colin spent over three weeks assisting Infectious Disease and Medical Sub Specialties with JCAHO preparation. He coached people on-line and in person, hung signs, replaced electrical switch covers, archived files and developed and streamlined new forms. Colin worked weekends and nights and always in a cheerful and helpful way. Colin demonstrates quality, team spirit and courtesy every single day, regardless of the amount of work or stress surrounding him.

Nazli Janjua, MD , Department of Neurology and Neurosciences
Nominated by Adnan I. Qureshi, MD, Department of Neurology and Neurosciences
Dr. Janjua is highly committed to the development of the endovascular and stroke program. She has provided endless hours of clinical care, and always with a positive attitude. The department has received numerous compliments regarding her untiring efforts and selfless approach towards patients. Dr. Janjua is probably one of the most effective members of the team and demonstrates the highest level of organizational skills. She has been instrumental in improving the quality of care and level of satisfaction for our patients. Her true spirit of dedicated service makes her a role model for all those in her presence.

Tammy Lewandowski, RN, E-Blue
Nominated by the Orthopaedic Surgery Residents
Tammy is very knowledgeable with regards to her patients. She is highly conscientious about documentation, reading and reviewing patient notes and studying x-rays. Tammy makes it a point to attend the rounds with the surgery team. In addition to providing the highest standard of clinical care, Tammy is friendly, energetic and highly compassionate. For these reasons and more she holds the respect and admiration of the orthopaedic surgery residents.

Elsamma Mampilly, RN, Float Pool
Nominated by Susan Palma, Patient Care Coordinator
Elsamma was working in the CTICU when her patient was discharged. Instead of taking a well-deserved “breather”, she chose to ask her charge nurse if she could assist in I Yellow 1, which was experiencing an extra high level of activity. Elsamma worked there for the next four hours then returned to the CTICU where she continued working until 11 PM. Because of her team spirit and caring thoughtfulness, Elsamma lightened the work load for the other nurses and helped to make the holiday weekend run more smoothly.

Bridgette Ramos, RN, G-Blue
Nominated by a patient and her loved ones
Bridgette is a modern-day Florence Nightingale. Her tender bedside manner and warm presence is a comfort to both patients and their families. Always with a smile on her face, she demonstrates respect and compassion to all. No task is too much for Bridgette. “She makes you feel happy and as if you have no worries at all…she's a gem,” remarks a patient.

Ann Marie Sailsman, Pediatric Emergency Department
Nominated by Andrea Grant-Vermont, MD
Ann Marie is kind and compassionate and demonstrates a technical proficiency that is above average. She is enthusiastic, hard-working, and able to organize and prioritize tasks. Because of this, Ann Marie helps the day run more smoothly for the patients and her colleagues. Her good-hearted spirit is appreciated by many!

Robert Smith, Pharmacy
Nominated by the entire staff of E-Blue
Bob is always energetic and friendly. He works very hard to ensure the medications are quickly and accurately delivered. Bob tirelessly “zips” around the unit and patiently deals with all the requests of the department. He never complains. Bob is an excellent resource person. Whenever he is on duty the department knows that they we will have a great day. Bob is a thorough and highly professional pharmacist. He works diligently with the nurses and physicians, ensuring that policies on medications are strictly followed.

3rd Quarter Winners

Amy Bertolloti, RN, Pediatric Emergency Room
Andrea Hughie, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Ann Marie Sailsman, Pediatric Emergency Department
Nominated by Sallie Manongdo, RN, Nursing Office
Although none of the above nurses work on F-Blue, when a ‘code blue' was called there, they responded immediately. Andrea, Ann Marie and Amy knew that a ‘code blue' on a pediatric unit was a rare occurrence and that their expertise and support could be needed. They were correct. By choosing to become involved, they were able to assist the I-Blue response team which resulted in a successful outcome for the patient. This responsive and professional team demonstrates the true spirit of Five Star Service.

Mark Canning, APN, Psychiatry
Nominated by Lydia Lopez , NM and Gislaine Deraville, ANM, Psychiatry
Mark isn't just an asset to G-Yellow, he is a necessity! His kindness, compassion and ability to go the extra mile, make patients and staff feel they are receiving the best of care. Mark provides clinical, psychiatric and medical care in collaboration with the attending psychiatrist. He is frequently utilized as an interpreter and is often called to other units to help manage difficult patients. Mark acts as the welcome committee on G-Yellow and often takes the lead in psychiatric as well as medical emergencies. He formulates educational programs to improve the quality of patient care. Mark is an excellent resource person and a treasure to G-Yellow.

Ryan Castelli, RN, I-Blue
Nominated by Karen Romano, NM, I-Blue
Ryan has been identified by her patients as someone who provides extraordinary care. One patient commented, “Because of Ryan, my whole opinion about University Hospital has changed. I initially had my misgivings about the hospital but because of Ryan's good care and kind attitude I feel very positive.” Additionally, Ryan volunteers on a committee designed to improve team communication and to help us move toward magnet status. She truly exemplifies the “ownership” standard of Five Star Service.

 Nadine Couch, NM, F-Yellow
Nominated by John Nartowicz, Hospital Support Services
Nadine is a fair, no-nonsense, energetic manager who strives for excellence in all her assignments. Her ability to maintain high quality patient care in the midst of a complex construction project on her unit, demonstrates her organizational skills, patient attitude and cooperative spirit. She is admired and respected by many, but especially Hospital Support Services. Bravo, Nadine!

Jacques Pierre Louis, Radiology
Nominated by Irene Blow, Diagnostic Imaging
Jacques exemplifies the model employee. He is hard-working and extremely courteous. His bed-side manner is impeccable and he is an outstanding mentor to those around him. Jacques is a true asset to University Hospital and his department.

Officer Withey Miles, Public Safety
Nominated by Jeanine Frumenti, Nursing Administration
Officer Miles is not only a friendly and conscientious Public Safety Officer, he is also a skillful “detective.” While conducting inventory of the lost and found area, he came upon a purse. Inside the purse was a wallet containing an insurance card. Officer Miles contacted the insurance company and requested that the person whose name was on the card contact him. She did, and in no short time the purse and wallet were returned to the happy owner. The owner was impressed with Officer Mile's ability to “take ownership” of his job and go the extra mile to return the purse.

Adrianna Navarro, Radiology
Nominated by Irene Blow, Radiology
Adrianna is a very industrious, efficient and selfless technologist. Her pleasant and patient personality helps to put patients at ease while creating a positive atmosphere in the unit. She is an asset to the department and to the university.

Tyrone Raeyes, MD, Pediatric Emergency Department
Nominated by Juliann Kinney, Environmental Services
Dr. Raeyes doesn't just treat the patient. He treats the whole family. His kindness and understanding puts parents, children and famiy members at ease. He has an unusual degree of patience and takes the time to explain procedures and illnesses in great detail. When words aren't enough, he'll even draw pictures. Some call him a “gentle giant” - always smiling and pleasant. Even under the most difficult of situations he speaks to people, including his staff, with respect and consideration. He is truly a gift to University Hospital .

Leela Vadakkedam, RN, H-Blue
Nominated by Phyllis Melville
Leela is a devoted and conscientious nurse who is highly skilled at starting IV's. She never hesitates to use this talent and assist wherever it is needed, even if it is on another unit. Patients rave about her kindness and ability to make them feel at ease. “Leela has made my first hospitalization one I will never forget. She is very understanding and has comforted me tremendously,” reported one patient. Physicians too, report that Leela is enthusiastic and an exceptionally skilled nurse. Her knowledge about her patients and devotion to them is outstanding.

The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey
Winners of the 2005 Humanism in Healthcare Awards

The Humanism in Healthcare Awards honors those who have consistently demonstratedcompassion, kindness and a humanistic spirit in the delivery of care to patients and their families.
We are most proud of our winners,
Pauline Smith, CNA and Gary Sabino-Benowitz, RN, BSN
Thanks for giving from your hearts and providing exceptional care to our patients.

Pauline Smith, CNA, G-Blue
Nominated by the G Blue Nursing Staff
Pauline consistently provides exceptional care to the patients and families assigned to her. Beneath her quiet, unassuming manner is a healthcare provider with a heart of gold. When you speak with Pauline you quickly realize that it is her strong belief in God that is her driving force. She cares for each and every patient as if they were her own. Her manner is calm and serene but its effect on her patients and their families is powerful. Many families have raved over the difference in their loved one's appearance once Pauline has worked her “magic.” The nursing staff agrees. “Awesome” and “angel” are just a few of the words to describe this remarkable person and for that reason she has earned the respect and gratitude of the G-Blue staff.

Gary Sabino-Benowitz, RN, BSN, Education and Professional Development
Nominated by Doreen Monks, APN, formerly with Marketing and Media Relations
In an environment of cultural diversity and health care challenges, Gary brings to each person he works with a sense of concern and understanding. Whether he is working at a health fair, health screening, or health education program, he manages to touch everyone with his caring and humility. Gary takes the time to answer each and every question to ensure that his patients have a complete understanding of not only their health problems, but the solutions as well. At UH, our community is richly filled with many different cultures and nationalities. This diversity has always been our strongest suit, and our strongest challenge. No one has met that challenge more than Gary .
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