Debbie Kinney-Champ, UH Retail Services - Gift Shop Emporium
Nominated by Minnie Presley, The University Hospital Auxiliary
Debbie has excellent managerial skills and is a terrific problem-solver. When a customer is uncertain about what to purchase, Debbie will take the time and interest to help them make just the right selection. Your problem becomes her problem and whenever possible, she steps right in to help. Debbie is also very protective of the children who visit the store, making sure that they don’t wander away. It’s no wonder why so many people love her.

Robert Fede, MD, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Nominated by Nadine Couch, NM, F-Yellow
Dr. Fede is a highly skilled, well-respected physician. A “regular” on F-Yellow, he is renowned for his joyful disposition and smiling face. Dr. Fede is exceedingly concerned about his patients, which is why staff often say that he treats them just like family. Dr. Fede always takes the time to discuss with the nurses and residents, the plan of care for his patients. He is a true gentleman and a welcome member of the F-Yellow team.

Cathleen Noonan-Flores, Cardiac Cath Lab
Nominated by Al Parrella, Child Life/Pediatrics
Although Cathleen works in the Cardiac Cath Lab, she decided to treat the children of our Pediatric Unit to something special. On her birthday, she celebrated by throwing a birthday bash for all the children on F-Blue. She provided wonderful gifts for every child, pizzas with all the trimmings and a birthday cake for everyone to enjoy. Cathleen also spent the day playing games with the children. Her generosity brought smiles to the children and their parents and brightened the staff’s day. She is to be commended for her acts of kindness and generosity.

Ethel Hamilton, G-Yellow, Psychiatry
Nominated by Lydia Lopez, NM, G-Yellow
Ethel, a behavioral health aide with 30 years of service at The University Hospital, observed a patient with changes in behavior and overall appearance. Sensing that something was wrong, she immediately notified a staff member to get help. Based on the symptoms she observed and reported to the nurse, the Emergency Response and Brain Attack Teams were called in. It appeared that the patient’s blood pressure was at a dangerously high level and a stroke was suspected. The patient was subsequently sent to a medical unit and medically stabilized. Thanks to Ethel’s keen observations and swift intervention, the appropriate medical personnel could respond and the patient received the necessary medical care.

Jerome Hargrove, Environmental Services (Ambulatory Care Center)
Nominated by Verla Mickle, Ambulatory Care Services
Recently, Jerome observed a man entering the elevator and seconds later, heard a loud and disturbing “thump”. As it turned out, the man was having a seizure. Jerome quickly got to the man’s side, temporarily stopped the elevator and summoned a colleague to call EMS. Because of Jerome’s swift actions and his ability to handle a difficult situation, the man received the quick medical attention he needed. Jerome is the perfect example of someone who takes ownership and gets the job done right! We thank Jerome for his care and quick thinking!

Roseline Ibuakah, NA, Float Pool
Nominated by the family of a patient
The family of a patient nominated Roseline for the outstanding care she provided to their sister. They stated that their loved one “really looked forward to the times when Roseline would come into the room. She was very friendly and really took the time to listen.” Because of Roseline’s warm and compassionate disposition, our patient went home feeling well taken care of throughout her hospital stay.

Diana Ruth Kamara, RN, CTICU, E-Yellow
Nominated by Monaliza Gaw, CTICU, E-Yellow
Diana is an excellent role model and mentor who never hesitates to go the extra mile in delivering excellent patient care. A true team player, she inspires her colleagues through hard work, sincerity and humility. Ruth always shares her knowledge and work experiences with others, a philosophy which not only serves to educate the staff, but also helps to promote positive patient outcomes.

Mary Kutty-John, RN, F-Yellow
Nominated by Nadine Couch, NM, F-Yellow
Mary is a seasoned nurse who keeps calm under all circumstances. She has excellent judgment and as a result, is well respected by the physicians. It’s not uncommon for them to ask for her input and opinion about their patients. When the unit is extra busy, Mary will work extra shifts and willingly assist her co-workers. She also does an excellent job in the role of precept to new nurses and nursing students.

Ryann Casatelli Mattessich, H-Blue
Nominated by Linda Jones, Bed Management
Ryann is especially responsive to the Bed Management Department. When they request beds, she never places them “on hold”, but instead, thoroughly checks the unit to see if there are any availabilities. Ryann regularly telephones the Bed Management Department with updates on discharged patients, thus ensuring that more beds are available in a timely and smooth manner. In addition to her efficiency, Ryann is a pleasure to work with, thoughtful and very friendly.

Maritza Mendez, RN, F-Yellow
Nominated by Nadine Couch, NM, F-Yellow
Maritza is the perfect team player! Recently, she was observed assisting a co-worker with a patient who was “coding”. She remained in the room until the patient was stabilized and then started to return to the nurse’s station. En route, she noticed another patient, who in her opinion, just “didn’t look right”. Maritza immediately sprang into action (again) and assisted the assigned nurse until this patient too, was stabilized. After all was said and done, Maritza and her co-workers were able to smile and feel good that together, they had successfully helped several patients. When Maritza is on board, there is always humor, camaraderie and the knowledge that patients are receiving the best possible care.

Leisha Nepomuceno, RN, FICN
Nominated by Gloria N. Igwe, NM, FICN
“TLC” – to the max! That’s the kind of care Leisha provides to our tiniest of patients. Her work ethic and spirit exemplify the true essence of Five Star Service. But it’s not only the babies that benefit from this high level of care. Leisha is a very diligent and thoughtful worker who inspires and mentors her peers. Always going above and beyond the call of duty, Leisha willingly helps out anyone in need.

Meena Sahu, RN, H-Blue, Telemetry
Nominated by Karen Romano, NM, H-Blue
We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Meena, who recently received her Critical Care Nursing Certification. A critical care nurse is responsible for ensuring that acutely and critically ill patients and their families receive optimal care. This type of care requires complex assessment, high-intensity therapies and interventions, and continuous nursing vigilance. Meena’s achievement will not only benefit our patients, but will also hopefully inspire others to obtain this highly specialized level of education. Meena has demonstrated that through dedication, hard work and discipline, much can be accomplished.

Lilly Paulose, RN, D-Green, Oncology
Nominated by Rosalina A. Manongdo, NM, D-Green
Lilly is a highly professional and compassionate nurse. She is also an expert clinician and possesses excellent customer service skills. Every patient under Lilly’s care has only the most positive things to say about her. Hard-working and persevering, Lilly generally achieves whatever she sets out to accomplish. She is currently about to receive her BSN and plans to pursue her Master’s Degree immediately afterwards.

Salvador Sanchez, Cardiac Cath Lab
Nominated by Diane Alfano, NM, Cardiac Cath Lab
Salvador is one of the hardest working and most dedicated employees of the Cardiac Cath Lab. Recently, when the department’s radiology tech resigned, Salvador took over his quality assurance tasks without being asked. Prior to that, when the department’s network became infected by a virus, Salvador found a way to resolve the problem. Finally, when Salvador came to work on the weekend to archive files, he found the lab under water from a ceiling leak. He covered all the equipment with plastic and contacted Physical Plant, helping them drain the water from the lab. In addition, he contacted the lab’s physicians and manager to apprise them of the situation. Salvador is one of those rare employees who treat his work environment as if it were his home. If he sees a need, he fills it. He never says that something is not his job. Everything is his job. The staff love and respect him for his easy going nature, his willingness to help and his admirable work ethic.

Otis Walters, MD, Stroke Center/Neurology Team
Nominated by Pansy Harris-Lane, NP, Neurology
During his rotation with the Stroke and Neurology Team, Dr. Waters developed a great rapport with the staff and patients. When one patient was unable to be discharged from the hospital for lack of a wheelchair, Dr. Waters personally donated a new wheelchair. Dr. Water’s act of selflessness and kindness, in addition to his clinical expertise, made a tremendous difference in the life of this stroke survivor and many others like him. Dr. Waters continues to inspire the staff and find various creative ways to improve patient care and outcomes.

Eshawn Wigfall, Retail Services - Gift Shop Emporium
Nominated by Minnie Presley, The University Hospital Auxiliary
When it comes to making a great “First Impression”, Eshawn is a winner. Gracious and pleasant, she’s a person who gets the job done! In her own quiet and unassuming way, she helps customers with their purchases, provides directions to lost visitors and personally delivers purchases to our patients. Eshawn will even suggest to family members who are purchasing candy for loved ones, that they should first check with the nurse to make sure it is safe for the patient. She is a true provider of Five
Star Service.