HMC Employee of the Month - December 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Gloria Franks as Employee of the Month for December. Gloria is an LPN on Annex and has been with HMC since November 2008.

Gloria was nominated because of her positive attitude, her willingness to get the job done and the compassion she shows to patients and family members.

Having confidence is sometimes difficult when you are a new employee on a job. There are many uncertainties as you gain knowledge and begin to settle into your role. For Gloria, it was her sense of ownership and her desire to succeed that immediately kicked-in to help her develop into the confident and valuable employee she has become. Gloria’s compassion and commitment to doing the right thing and her willingness to resolve issues to make a better work environment demonstrate great confidence and an invaluable work ethic. She knows when it is appropriate to delegate while being willing to “pull up the waders and dive in” when needed. She demonstrates integrity in her work and always remembers our first priority, the patient and his or her needs.

A nursing supervisor commented, “Gloria has so many strong qualities as a nurse, I can always count on her to help in any way... she is always there!” Just knowing how to respond to a patient’s needs and those of the family is one of her most valuable assets.

Gloria, your compassion and sense of ownership demonstrate your dedication to making HMC a premier healthcare facility. Employees like you are why we are able to provide quality care and exceed our customers’ expectations. Thank you for making a “ Port of Excellence” attitude the guiding principle in all you do.

HMC Employee of the Month - November 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Wayne Pickens as Employee of the Month for November. Wayne works in sales and delivery for Home Supply and has been with HMC since October 1998.

Wayne was nominated because of his faithful dedication to his job and the sense of ownership he displays daily.

Vacation time is valuable to all of us. We always have in mind our next trip, our next chance for rest and relaxation or the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. This is also true for Wayne, however, recently when he was anticipating several days off, an issue arose that only he could handle. He was called with the task of making sure the facility had ample face masks in the event that a potential flu pandemic should arise. Normally contacting one supplier and placing the order is sufficient. With the masks, this was not the case. Wayne came in on one of his vacation days to call a supplier and place the order, only to find out later that the order wouldn’t ship. This process went on for hours as he called supplier after supplier, placing orders. This was a time consuming task but Wayne showed true dedication to his co-workers and his job by seeing the task through to the end. “The significance of this”, stated Home Health Director Gwen Baker, “was that he not only came in on days off, but stayed a whole day one of the days to make sure he completed the task at hand.”

Wayne ’s ability to recognize work as a reflection of himself proves his work ethic is beyond reproach. It is this work ethic and attitude that makes Wayne a perfect choice for this honor.

Wayne , you are a shining example of “ Port of Excellence” conduct in all you do. The sense of ownership you represent proves you are dedicated to making HMC a premier healthcare facility. Thank you for your dedication to HMC and for helping us achieve our Mission and Vision.

HMC Employee of the Month - October 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Chun Luong as Employee of the Month for October. Chun works as a Certified Phlebotomist in the Lab and has been with HMC since January 2005.

Chun was nominated because of his positive attitude, dependability, and the courtesy he shows to patients and co-workers.

Coming to the Emergency Room is not anyone’s favorite pastime. The nurses and auxiliary staff can do much to alleviate the patient’s fears and dreads. Chung Luong sees many ED patients in his work on night shift and weekends. One Sunday, a little woman in her 80’s was brought to the ED by family members. She was having a terrible time breathing, and her regular asthma medications were not working. Chung entered the room and spoke with the patient, explaining that he was there to draw her blood. Her thin skin showed bruises, and she quickly mentioned that it was hard to draw her blood. He was quiet and calm as he worked, and he told her he thought he could find a vein easily. In only a few moments, the stick was done and the blood drawn! The little woman relaxed and smiled. She asked Chung, “Are you done? I didn’t feel anything!” Chung’s professionalism and skill made the day a little easier for her.

Chun’s eagerness to help those in need shows his commitment to the belief that “our patient is deserving of the most compassionate and skilled service we can give.” He is open to change and is very flexible in his willingness to work any shift needed. Chun is committed to his team’s success and is dedicated to making HMC a premier healthcare facility.

Chun, with the exemplary service you provide and your willingness to help wherever needed, it is appropriate that you are selected as October’s Employee of the Month. Thank you for your dedication to HMC and for helping us achieve our Mission and Vision.

HMC Employee of the Month - September 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Morgan Stricklin as Employee of the Month for September. Morgan works as a Unit Secretary on Annex and has been with HMC since February 2008.

Morgan was nominated because of her consistently helpful and encouraging demeanor with co-workers, patients and their families. She anticipates the needs of those around her and is never too busy to come to their aid, even if it involves getting lunch for her team on a busy day or providing a cup of water to a patient’s family member to make their visit a bit less difficult. Her positive attitude is contagious and rubs off on everyone around her. Morgan is a true nurturer in every sense of the word.

Her director commented that Morgan is very reliable, flexible, and always willing to step outside her comfort zone and go to other floors to work when needed. Her work ethic is beyond reproach.

Morgan, with the enthusiasm you exhibit in your job, it is fitting that you are selected as September’s Employee of the Month. As we continue to strive for excellence, we want to recognize employees like you who demonstrate “ Port of Excellence” conduct in everything you do!

HMC Employee of the Month - August 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Lori Rose as Employee of the Month for August. Lori works in Environmental Services and has been with HMC since August of 2003.

Lori takes care of daily housekeeping operations on Annex in patient rooms as well as discharges. She performs her duties with pride and is someone who will stop and take time with patients even on her busiest day. Donald Jennings, her director, comments that Lori was given an assigned area in the Annex schedule after having been a relief housekeeper for all departments for several years. He says she is one of his high performers, an AIDET Champion, and a team player among her co-workers. Lori utilizes every opportunity when in contact with patients and their families to show compassion and comfort.

Lori has been caught on several occasions uplifting the spirits of a patient and then taking the time to listen to their needs. One co-worker said: “What I heard this morning as I was waiting on the elevator moved me to tears. I could hear Lori talking with a patient as she cleaned. Lori got still and I could hear the sweetest voice singing “Amazing Grace”. Lori stopped to listen to the patient sing and then rejoiced in what she had heard.” The care and concern Lori shows her patients, goes above and beyond her normal duties. By bringing a patient flowers or doing various other “little” things, Lori strives to make the patient more comfortable and feel special during his or her stay at HMC.

Lori, you have set a high standard through your commitment to others. Your consideration for our patients and their families exhibits your belief that “patients are our first responsibility and the central person around whom our business revolves.” This is how we achieve our Mission and Vision, one employee at a time, sharing themselves with others in such a special and meaningful way.

Congratulations, Lori, on your selection as August’s Employee of the Month. You are a respected member of the team and your positive influence on our patients’ lives makes a substantial difference. You are a true asset to HMC, exemplifying “ Port of Excellence” conduct in all you do.

HMC Employee of the Month - July 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Joey Crumby as Employee of the Month for July. Joey has been at HMC since August 2006, when he began work as a PRN paramedic and dispatcher. He became a full-time paramedic in February 2007.

Joey was nominated for his great attitude, professionalism, and the courtesy he shows to patients and employees. Those characteristics continue even in the ED, where lives can be in crisis. He was recently seen there, speaking with patient and family in quiet tones and helping them prepare for what would be happening next.

Joey also participated in our Smoother Sailing program and provided a slogan that we could use in advertising for the facility. The slogan became “I trust Hardin Medical Center to care for my family. Trust me to care for yours.” This shows confidence in our staff’s ability to provide quality care and the willingness of our staff to care for others. Great idea!

Joey, thank you for the professional care you provide and the time you take to communicate in positive ways with patients, family, and staff.

Congratulations, Joey, on your selection as July’s Employee of the Month.

HMC Employee of the Month - June 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Dana Harville as Employee of the Month for June. Dana is an RN and Charge Nurse on Annex and has been with HMC since November 19, 2001.

She is highly thought of by her co-workers. They describe her as a dedicated team player with a true sense of honesty, integrity, and good overall ethics. Her positive attitude is contagious and rubs off on those around her. Dana anticipates the needs of her patients and co-workers alike and is never too busy to come to their assistance.

She takes the time to bring needed comfort to each patient’s family by explaining the patient’s situation in terms they can understand. This allows the family to feel involved in the patient’s care. Dana is a great teacher and no task seems too difficult for her. She is not resistant to change and is dedicated to making HMC a premier healthcare facility.

Dana is a people-person in every sense of the word. The following quote was offered by one of her co-workers: “The main thing that impresses me about Dana is the fact that she has one of the best attitudes on the Annex. She is a joy to work with.”

Congratulations, Dana, on your selection as June’s Employee of the Month. You are a highly respected RN and co-worker in Nursing Services and other HMC departments. You are a true asset to HMC, by exemplifying Port of Excellence conduct in all that you do.

HMC Employee of the Month - May 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Greg Wilson as Employee of the Month for May. Greg is an LPN in the Nursing Home and has been with HMC since November of 2005.

Greg was nominated because of the countless times he has been commended by residents, family members, and co-workers for his helpfulness and his concern for others.

Many new Nursing Home employees have mentioned Greg during 90-Day Breakfasts as a person in their department who has been most helpful to them during these first months. Other employees have commented during rounding on Greg’s helpfulness to them. Greg has obviously made “Commitment to Co-Workers” a priority.

One recent incident illustrates Greg’s caring nature and concern for others. The story was told by a family member in a community setting away from the facility. This woman related that she truly appreciated Greg, especially during her mother’s last days here in our nursing home. She said she always had a fear that she would not get to be with her mother when she died. She had mentioned this to Greg and other employees several times when her mother was well. On the day that her mother’s death was imminent, Greg called and told her the signs of dying and explained that it was time for her to come and be with her mother. The woman said how caring and compassionate Greg had been for her needs, as well as for her mother’s. Betty Franks, D.O.N., comments, “Being a caring, attentive nurse is not always easy. Greg Wilson’s residents love him, and he always has their best interests in mind.”

Greg, you have set a high standard through your commitment to others, your ability to demonstrate caring and compassion, and your consistency in doing so. Thank you for dedication to others and your dependability. This is how we achieve our Mission and Vision, one employee at a time sharing himself or herself with others in such a meaningful way. Congratulations on your selection as May’s Employee of the Month.

HMC Employee of the Month - April 2009

Hardin Medical Center is proud to announce the selection of Debbie Mabry as Employee of the Month for April. Debbie is responsible for the pre-admission registration process at HMC, and she will celebrate her one-year anniversary at the facility on April 24th. Debbie was commended for her kindness and compassion to fellow workers and the patients at HMC. She is a capable employee, a great team player, and is always willing to help others. She is a thoughtful person, remembering her coworkers on special occasions. Debbie sets a great example for all HMC employees and is congratulated on receiving this honor.

HMC Employee of the Month - March 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Leta Bingham as Employee of the Month for March. Leta came to work at HMC in October 1997 as a secretary in Home Health. She has been with the department since that time, and she became the biller for Home Health in 2000.

It is a pleasure to recognize Leta, who is generally the “go to” person when there is a question about the Home Health department. She is someone her co-workers can count on when they have questions and need assistance. Leta is a good resource for general computer information as well as regarding Oasis and billing. She understands her value to the departmental team and is quick to offer assistance and fill needs.

Sometimes situations arise when all of our skills and experience are brought into play. This happened recently in Home Health, and Leta’s willingness to use those skills and experience to help others really made her shine! On her own initiative Leta offered to help out in Home Supply when the group recently lost its biller. She went to director Gwen Baker and offered to fill in until someone could be found for the position. When the new biller arrived, Leta continued to assist in training her. During this time Leta was asked to help out for a few days when a hospital biller had to be out. Leta willingly agreed and fit this into her already busy schedule.

I’ve heard that the Chinese word for ‘crisis’ can be interpreted as ‘opportunity’, and Leta certainly made it so in this instance. This is a very practical demonstration of “ownership”—one of our employee standards. Ownership means thinking of yourself as more than an employee. It means thinking of yourself as having a vested interest in the success of Hardin Medical Center and doing all you can to insure its success and that of your fellow employees. Leta does that very well from a personal as well as a professional perspective. I’ve been told she is the first to contact co-workers when they are ill and she’s always in the forefront to organize celebrations for special events. In short, her director states, “Leta is the heart of the agency.”

HMC Employee of the Month - February 2009

The Executive Council is proud to announce the selection of Lori McCann as Employee of the Month for February. Lori came to work at HMC in August of 2007 as a part-time admissions clerk working weekends in the Emergency Department. She became a full-time billing clerk in Business Affairs, where she works today.

Lori was nominated by one of our employees who found herself a patient in the ER on a holiday when Lori was on call. “Her friendly, efficient manner made my evening go smoothly and put me at ease immediately. If you can say a hospital stay is wonderful, mine was, and it began with my initial contact with Lori.”

Lori’s concern for our patients and her emphasis on customer satisfaction was demonstrated recently when she was assisting a difficult gentleman who had questions about his bill. After Lori provided the information the patient requested, he still had concerns. Lori personally escorted him to the appropriate person she felt could assist him. She remained calm, courteous, and professional in an obviously stressful situation, and she did not discuss the matter later in the day among friends, although there was opportunity to do so. Respect for patient privacy is foundational to our Port of Excellence efforts.

Her supervisor also complimented Lori’s excellent work ethic and her dedication in finishing what she starts, “She is serious about her work and sets a good example for others.”

Congratulations, Lori, on your selection as February’s Employee of the Month. Your calm, pleasant personality brightens our days, and your demonstrated capability and your focus on customer satisfaction are valuable assets to HMC. You’ve set a good example!

HMC Employee of the Month - January 2009