Selina Abraham, RN, F-Yellow
Nominated by Nadine Couch, NM, F-Yellow
Selina epitomizes the spirit of a team player. She readily assists her co-workers with the physical care of patients and uses her keen sense of observation to identify and resolve problems in their early stages. Recently, she phoned a physician throughout the night because she felt it was important to keep him apprized of his patient’s condition on an hour-by-hour basis. Although Selina was apologetic for interrupting the physician’s sleep, he was extremely grateful to her for being vigilant and highly attentive to his patient.

Harry Barnes, Materials Management
Nominated by Cathy Saporito, RN, F-Blue and her husband, Michael
Always goes beyond the call of duty. Always has a smile on his face. Always conscientious. These are just a few of the characteristics we can attribute to Harry Barnes. Recently, when the son of one of our nurses was brought to the hospital with a baseball injury, Harry jumped in to help out. He obtained a wheel chair for the injured boy, stayed with him until his mother parked the car and then wheeled him to the ED. A short time later, Harry returned to check on the child. It’s no wonder they named a song after him...We’re just wild about Harry!

Kay Chang, CPHQ, JD, Quality Improvement
Nominated by Dr. Vincent Barba, Quality Improvement
Kay is an inspiration to all those with whom she works and is a highly valued QI specialist in her department. Her work ethic and dedication to University Hospital is unparalleled. She is a tireless proponent of improving the care we deliver and is thoroughly committed to the progress of her department. Kay acts as a valuable resource to those around her and never fails to smile, even under great stress. Kay is one of the treasured secrets of the QI Department.

Jocelyne Crevecoeur, RN, D-Green, Oncology
Nominated by Linda McGinnis, Critical Care Nursing and Rosalina A. Manongdo, PCC, NM, D-Green Oncology
Jocelyne is a very compassionate, caring nurse with a calm disposition. Her soft-spoken voice, coupled with her positive attitude, often produces a healing effect on patients. Jocelyne is renowned for giving her heart and best care at the bedside. On a day that brought two admissions, a grieving family and many staff members asking for help, she responded to all with extraordinary patience and kindness. Jocelyne is a model of professionalism and an inspiration to us all.

Sabrina Cruz, RN, FICN
Nominated by Gloria Igwe, NM, FICN
Sabrina is one of the hardest-working and most diligent employees of the neonatal intensive care nursery. She always goes the extra mile to help out and is a highly engaged employee. She is often heard saying, “All babies in the NICU are mine and I’m going to take care of them like they’re mine.” With an attitude like this, everyone wins – the babies, the moms, the staff and the entire University Hospital. Hats off to you Sabrina!

Theresa Decembre, D-Green
Nominated by Linda Jones, Bed Management and Roseline Ibuakah, RN, D-Green
Theresa is an outstanding worker, especially when it comes to customer service. She always has a smile on her face, despite the pressures and challenges that arise in the department. Regardless of what the issues may be, Theresa finds a way to resolve them with politeness and ease and most importantly, to the satisfaction of those around her. If you are having a bad day, just go to D-Green and see Theresa. She’ll make your day!

Esperenza Herrera “Espie” and Carolyn Thomas, Ambulatory Care Services
Nominated by John Erickson, EMS
This special duo deserves recognition not only for the excellent work they do everyday, but also for the extra help they provided to the people working on the DeafTalk Interpreter Service Project. Espie and Carolyn took the time to personally escort the various team members to key areas in the ACC. They also went “above and beyond” to ensure that there were no road blocks to getting the job done. Because of Espie and Carolyn’s assistance, an important project was completed in a timely manner. And for this, we commend them.

Richard Hughes, PA, Surgical Clinic
Nominated by Aniq Sherrod, Surgical Clinic
Recently, a patient came to the trauma clinic hoping to have his disability papers filled out. He was told that the papers had to be signed by the attending physician, who was taking a well-deserved lunch break at the Chinese Buffet across the street. Richard called the physician and told him he was on his way over to have the papers signed and then he would return the papers back to the patient. When the secretary commented how amazing it was that Richard would run the papers over to the restaurant, he simply stated, “It was no big deal. I’m happy to do it.” But it WAS a big deal. Because of Richard’s compassion, kindness and ability to problem-solve (never mind his sprinting skills), the patient was able to receive the monetary compensation he needed. We applaud Richard for his insight and generosity of spirit!

Paulette Johnson, Printing and Duplicating
Nominated by Kitty Donohue, Service Excellence
Paulette is a “Grade A” professional who goes to great lengths to get any job done. In addition to her excellent work ethic, she is always pleasant, smiling and exceptionally friendly. She also volunteers to explain to staff the workings of the duplicating machines. Recently, Paulette was asked to handle a “last minute” specially-sized job that involved duplicating, laminating and special trimming. Paulette stayed late and then arrived early the next day to complete the job to perfection. This type of spirit is nothing new for Paulette. Her sunny disposition and dedicated work attitude is just “who she is.”

Nonceline Joseph, Respiratory Therapy
Nominated by Kelly McLean, E-Blue
Nonceline has on numerous occasions, gone out of her way, to assist the nurses on E-Blue. She regularly volunteers to suction out tracheotomy patients, multiple times per shift. Nonceline is also a tremendous resource to co-workers, answering in-depth questions about the ventilators. On one occasion, when the assigned respiratory therapist was busy, Nonceline stepped in and offered to help. She is professional, cordial and very approachable. Those who know her say she is a true gift to University Hospital.

Elizabeth Kwoczka, Quality Improvement
Nominated by Dr. Vincent Barba, Quality Improvement
Liz is an incredible resource to the QI Department and to University Hospital in general. She is a self-starter who continually seeks to improve the operations. A first-rate professional, she is always ready to help those in need, going above and beyond the call of duty daily. Liz holds the “team” together and is an inspiration to those around her. She is a teacher, organizer and exemplifies all this is good at UH.

Linda Langley, Environmental Services
Nominated by Rosalina A. Manongdo, NM, D-Green, Oncology
Linda is a hard-working, compassionate and dedicated employee. She always has a smile on her face while performing her tasks. Patients often express their complete satisfaction with her performance. Linda repeatedly demonstrates extraordinary patient care, even though that is not her direct responsibility. When she is on duty, the unit is sparkling clean. And as for her energy level? She is like the “Duracell Battery” – she just keeps on going and going and going. Thanks Linda, for your spirit and exceptional work ethic.

Miriam Lustre, RNC, ANM, FIN
Nominated by Stefanie Giddens, RN, BSN, FIN
Miriam is a valuable asset to the FIN unit. She exemplifies what Five Star Service is all about. Miriam is very intelligent, possesses great nursing skills and most of all, is superior when interacting with patients and staff. She has constantly contributed towards the strengthening of the staff morale and has accomplished difficult goals for the betterment of the unit. It’s no wonder they feel blessed to have her.

Susan McVicker and Dr. Patricia Murphy, Family Support Team and Dr. George Stapleton, Emergency Department
Nominated by Susan Palma, PCC
In July 2007, a catastrophic accident occurred on the New Jersey turnpike, resulting in the death of a mother and injury to her two children ages, 7 and 14. The 14-year-old was seriously injured and the 7-year-old was treated and given the “OK” for discharge. While in the ED, the entire staff supported and embraced this devastated family. Susan and Dr. Murphy fulfilled the role of mother, family, nurse and role model. They gave more than 110% with every interaction. The staff was able to work more effectively because of their abilities to bring just the right touch during this terrible crisis. Susan and Dr. Murphy put their arms around the patients, their family and the co-workers on duty. Their actions meant more than words could ever express.

Emergency Medicine Resident, Dr.George Stapleton, also provided exceptional care to the family, both physically and emotionally. It seemed all the youngest child wanted to ease his pain, was nothing more than a jelly donut. When Dr. Stapleton learned of this, he immediately walked across the street and bought the little boy an entire box of donuts. The smile on the little boy’s face brought tears to the eyes of the staff, as he ate two donuts and saved the rest for his family. Dr. Stapleton demonstrated sensitivity and kindness, a special kind of medicine that will long be remembered by this little boy.

What better time than right now, to recognize not only Susan, Dr. Murphy and Dr. Stapleton, but also the entire
Emergency Department for their kindness and superlative care they provide to the thousands of people who pass through their doors every year. The ED staff should be recognized for all the lives they save, the pain they relieve and the hearts and hands they hold. Our thanks and admiration is extended to each and every one of them.

Waverly Mitchell, Physical Plant
Nominated by Kitty Donohue, Service Excellence
Waverly is a soft-spoken, patient gentleman and a true professional. He makes every effort to get the job done right, despite challenges and tight time frames. Recently, he was asked to hang a curtain in the hospital lobby on very short notice. Even though Waverly was in the middle of a very disturbing computer crisis, he put it aside and responded to the request immediately. In a short period of time, Waverly showed up with a ladder and an assistant and the curtain was hung. Waverly is appreciated for his kindness, responsiveness and his “get the job done” attitude.

Tahesha Nevius, NA, Nursing – Float Pool
Nominated by Rosalina A. Manongdo, PCC, NM, D-Green
Takesha’s passion is to provide excellent patient care and meet the needs of all her customers. She is pleasant, compassionate and very caring. She is also flexible and willing to assist anyone. Patients under her watchful eye, often write positive letters about Takesha’s care. A true team player, she works collaboratively with everyone to provide the best of everything to our patients.

Stella Oknokwo, RN, H-Blue
Nominated Karen Romano, NM, H-Blue
Stella recently received accolades from not one, not two, but three patients who were under her care. They all hailed Stella for her expert clinical skill, her responsiveness in dealing with issues requiring immediate attention, and her ability to be sensitive and emotionally supportive. As caring and kind as Stella is, she also remains strong, professional and fully in charge. The patients and their families will never forget all that she did for them. Thank you Stella, from the bottom of our hearts!

Felicia Olaga, NA, FICN
Nominated by Jacinta Ogbonna, NM, FICN
Felicia is one of the hardest working and most diligent employees of the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery. She takes over tasks without being asked and possesses excellent customer service skills. Felicia has developed great rapport with the staff and parents and because of this, has created a positive atmosphere and solid foundation for the unit. She is a team player who works successfully in her own quiet and unassuming way. Felicia is well respected by her peers and not only a Five Star winner, but also the recipient of the quarterly nursing award in her unit.

Manisha Patel, Food and Nutrition Services
Nominated by Janet Reid-Hector, Ed.D., R.D., CNSD, Food and Nutrition Services
Manisha serves meals to our patients with an exceptional level of warmth, friendliness and courtesy. She always demonstrates compassion, especially to the very ill, and consistently uses her cheerful disposition to lift their spirits. Manisha takes the time to assist the patients by helping them complete their therapeutic modified menus, and patiently and calmly resolves service issues. Recently, one patient was so moved by her customer-focused approach, that he wrote her a poem of thanks and embedded it in a beautiful piece of artwork designed just for her. We are very proud and fortunate to have Manisha as part of the Food and Nutrition Services Team.

Jose Pereira, Physical Plant (Co-Generation Plant)
Nominated by Gloria Tillery, Physical Plant
Jose is a team leader when it comes to accomplishing difficult goals. Throughout August, he did additional work to prepare the plant for inspection. He’s also willing to keep inventory of office supplies, handle purchases, and keep the fax machine equipped with toner and cartridges. Jose is an independent and industrious worker. In addition to keeping the Power Plant clean, he also helps to decorate the office for the holidays. Because of him, the environment is clean, the machines are working and the atmosphere is uplifted and positive. We thank him for his energy and admirable work ethic.

Kathleen Roenbeck, F-Yellow
Nominated by the F-Yellow Nurses
An experienced unit clerk, Kathleen possesses superior organizational skills and is very professional. She remains calm and collected at all times and never complains when the work load gets high. Despite being very busy, she always has a smile on her face and goes out of her way to complete a task. Kathleen regularly assists the nurses, especially with admissions and phone calls. Kathleen controls bed management issues and even helps to strip the beds and get water for the patients. She is a genuine professional!

Soji Samson, RN, H-Blue/Telemetry
Nominated Karen Romano, NM, H-Blue/Telemetry
Soji, the assistant nurse manager on the evening shift, is the unit’s best cheerleader. Despite the continuum of challenges and obstacles, she is able to overcome them with her expert organizational skills, leadership ability and positive disposition. Since the evening shift on telemetry is a very busy time, it requires someone who can help run a smooth and productive operation – Soji is that someone! It’s not just the people from H-Blue that love her, but also Bed Management, Cardiology, and the Emergency Department. In a nutshell, Soji is priceless and highly appreciated by all.

George Samuel, Pharmacy
Nominated by Stefanie Giddens, NM, RN, BSN, FIN
George is a hard-working, dedicated pharmacist who takes all measures to ensure that the nursing units receive their medications in a prompt manner. He is highly responsive and always provides assistance, often without being asked. When George senses that the nurses could use some extra help, he rolls up his sleeves and pitches right in. An astute and compassionate professional, George embodies the spirit of Five Star Service.

Takima Small, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Nominated by Tina Jalloh, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Takima is an extremely hard-working and dedicated employee. She is always willing to take the extra step to ensure that her patients get great care. She will go out of her way to make sure the patients are comfortable when she is drawing their blood. Recently, Takima was taking the blood of someone who was very scared, due to an experience in her childhood. Takima calmed the patient down and took extra time with her. As a result, the patient wrote a note to the director, stating that Takisha is compassionate, courteous, pleasant and professional. Hats off to Takima for using her excellent clinical skills and kind, sensitive disposition in the treatment of our patients.