4^th Quarter 2007

 

 

Vondell Cornell, Public Safety

Nominated by Lynette Salter, Radiology

Officer Cornell is a responsive and reliable employee who is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the safety of the hospital. Recently, while making her daily rounds, she walked into the Radiology Department to see if everything was OK. One of the staff members expressed concern about the emergency exit door, which is often broken due to people tampering with it. As a result, outsiders use the door to enter and exit the hospital, rather than just for emergencies. Once Officer Cornell learned of this, she made it part of her daily routine to check and secure the door. Thanks to Officer Cornell, we have a safer and more secure working environment.

 

Al Florendo, F-Yellow

Nominated by Nadine Couch, NM, F-Yellow

Al is a conscientious nurse who truly makes quality care and patient safety job one!  Additionally, he is regularly seen teaching and guiding the new employees and nursing students. For this reason, he is often recognized by staff for his outstanding leadership abilities. Al treats his patients and their family with care, kindness and compassion. It’s no wonder that his own personal motto is “You have to have heart to be a nurse.” Al has heart and a whole lot more!

 

Lois Hull, Patient Advocacy

Nominated by Jackie Barnes, Medical Records

Lois doesn’t care whether you are from Park Avenue or the park bench, if you have a problem, she’ll do everything in her power to resolve it. And she doesn’t stop until the job is done. One staff member, who was assisted by Lois, reports that she is like “an angel sent from Heaven.” We are fortunate to have Lois at the helm of the Patient Advocacy Department because she has a natural desire to help people and demonstrates compassion and empathy to all who walk through her door.

 

Terrence Johnson, Environmental Services

Nominated by Diana Ruth Kamara, RN, CTICU

Although Terrence is new to the hospital, he already exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated employee. Recently, he was asked to clean everything in a contact isolation patient room. Terrence did not hesitate. He diligently cleaned the room and disinfected all the equipment beyond the satisfaction of the manager who made the request. He took down the curtains, laundered them and hung them back up after they were cleaned. Terrence provided excellent service and performed all his tasks with a willing spirit and pleasant disposition.

 

Charina Pegando, RN, Family Health Services

Nominated by Gloria N. Igwe, NM, Family Health Services

Charina is a very respectful nurse who is highly sensitive to the needs of her patients and colleagues. She tends to the babies, as if they were her own and never refuses to do her assigned duties. Charina is an industrious worker who often finds creative ways to solve problems. She was especially helpful during the ‘Epic Go Live’ event. During this time, Charina familiarized her colleagues with the system and thus reduced a lot of their anxiety. Charina is a top-flight professional with a heart of gold.

 

Bernadette Pepchinski, RN, Patient Care Services

Nominated by Linda McGinnis, Patient Care Services

A young man was admitted to University Hospital with a devastating virus that left him temporarily paralyzed. The patient had been on vacation with his wife and seven month old baby when he fell ill. To make matters worse, the patient was not from this country. When Bernadette learned of this, she reached out to help. She immediately got in touch with an acquaintance whose husband had had the same diagnosis and recovered. When our patient was transferred to Kessler, the former patient and Bernadette visited him. The family stated, “This was the best Christmas gift we could have ever received because it brought us hope, help and peace of mind.”

 

Penny Petilla, RN, Family Health Services

Nominated by Gloria N. Igwe, NM, Family Health Services

Penny is the personification of a great employee. She repeatedly demonstrates that through dedication, hard work and discipline, much can be accomplished. Penny is also renowned for being a resourceful problem-solver. Recently during the ‘Epic Go Live’ event, she took the time to patiently explain the system and answer the questions of her colleagues. Penny always has a smile on her face and continues to be kind and polite. It’s no wonder she’s referred to as the department’s “best friend.” 

 

Kathleen Roenbeck, F-Yellow

Nominated by Linda Jones, Bed Management

Kathleen is a seasoned unit clerk who is reliably kind, helpful and honest. She is very efficient and communicative when it comes to bed management issues, and as a result, keeps the flow of admissions into the unit well organized. Kathleen has an easy going disposition and is well-respected by her colleagues.  She is a true professional!

 

Kim King-Smith, EKG

Nominated by Diana Johnson, Department of Nursing

When a visitor on I-Blue appeared to be in distress, an employee called out for help. It turned out that the visitor was having a seizure. Kim, who was nearby, responded immediately. She supported the individual’s head so he wouldn’t fall or hit the wall and summoned a transporter to assist. Kim took command of the entire situation. She even stayed by the visitor’s side as he was transported to the ED and helped to reassure the patient’s family members. Because of her caring and quick thinking, the visitor received the care he needed in a timely fashion.