Living the Mission
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Sister Rosalie Locati, SP (left), congratulates Helen Germaine.
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Jesus’ words from the Gospel of Matthew perhaps best describe the spirit of the Providence Health Care (PHC) Board of Directors’ Exemplary Performance Award. The Award was created in 2007 to recognize employees who exemplify the Providence Mission in extraordinary ways. To date, 38 employees throughout the PHC ministries have received the Award; 14 are Sacred Heart’s own.
These are individuals who believe their work—whether it’s cleaning floors, delivering mail or making a patient comfortable—is merely a means for making a positive difference in this world.
Service in action
It’s not uncommon for people to be admitted to the hospital in clothing that can’t be worn again. While there are clothing closets on campus to supply necessities for these patients, there are times when an employee might feel a person could benefit from something more.
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Frank Browne, MD, presents an award to Tanya Thames. |
A social worker saw the gratitude the patient had for this act of kindness, and set out to determine who the giver had been. It was Tanya Thames, a registered nurse who simply wanted to make sure her patient’s most basic needs were addressed.
Helen Germaine (pictured above) has been a housekeeper at Sacred Heart for 27 years, and it is not uncommon for patients to express deep gratitude for her positive presence and her thoughtfulness. For Helen, the job isn’t about simply cleaning patients’ rooms, it’s about ministering to them in their time of need.
She was surprised when her supervisor, manager, coworkers and administrators gathered around her cleaning cart one morning to watch a PHC Board member present her with the Exemplary Performance Award. And it had to be a surprise—after all, she’s always made it clear she wants no recognition for the work she does. Humbly, she accepted the Award, saying, “I love the patients. Once they’re here, they’re part of my life.”
Catherine Carlin, a Surgery nurse who is described as “the most caring, understanding and complete patient advocate,” who is always willing to do whatever is needed.
Heidi Cooper, RN in the Intensive Care Unit, accepts challenges with a can-do attitude, professionalism and leadership, setting an example for others.
Sandra Hoerner, surgical tech, spends free time cleaning staff lounges and takes extra measures to ensure her coworkers’ jobs are made as easy as possible.
Debbie Hjortedahl, mental health counselor, whose dedication and compassion not only help make psychiatry services in the Emergency Department effective, but also helps calm the most anguished patients.
Deanna Jones, RN in the Intensive Care Unit, heard of a coworker in dire financial straits and anonymously left the single mom the amount of money needed for new tires.
Hugh Polensky, director of Chaplaincy, who personally fills shifts when employees are gone, and has offered great sensitivity and compassion to staff during difficult times.
Larena Snyder, surgical tech, always helps out wherever needed and is a great resource for other staff. She is enthusiastic and unwavering in her work ethic.
Doug Sprague, clinical educator in Radiology, tirelessly works to create annual two-day symposiums that highlight the professionalism of Sacred Heart’s services.
Steve Toland, Parking & Security officer whose keen attention to details led to the safe return of an endangered child to thier rightful parent.
Joann Waldo, RN on a cardiac advanced care unit, whose research and teaching supports the whole care team’s commitment to the highest quality of care.
of compassion and respect
for our patients.”
Steve Both is a registered nurse in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, where patients often have long hospital stays. Last summer, a patient’s 9-year-old son was having a particularly difficult time dealing with his father’s illness and the issues related to leaving behind his friends on the west side of the state.
When Steve took his own two sons trick-or-treating for Halloween and later to a hockey game, he stopped by the hospital to pick up the lonely boy to include him in the fun.
“Steve recognized the needs of this child and went above and beyond to make a difference. I wish I could put into words what these acts meant to the boy and his mother,” wrote Nurse Manager Dean Hayman in his nomination.
“These individuals embody the spirit of Mother Emilie Gamelin who dedicated her energy and resources to serving people in a spirit of humility, simplicity and charity,” says Sister Rosalie Locati, SP, who arranges the award ceremonies for recipients.
“They are models of compassion and respect for all our patients.”
“It’s very humbling to hear the stories of things our employees are doing,” remarked Elaine Couture, chief operating officer, while recognizing an Award recipient.
“These are people who don’t give a second thought to putting the needs of others ahead of their own. I’m honored to be surrounded by such caring individuals.”
— Kate Vanskike Smith
Heart Beat, Spring 2008
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