Employees going above and beyond - Carol Hobbs, physical therapist on E4

 

Each and every day our dedicated and passionate employees make a difference in the lives of our patients, visitors, and colleagues. We would like to highlight some of those stories. If you have a colleague you would like to recognize, please send the employee's name and how they made a difference to 

slhrounds@saint-lukes.org. 

 

The following story was submitted by Edie Nicholls, patient advocate, last fall.

"I had an awesome conversation with one of our patients yesterday. This gentleman first left a voicemail about "an employee he wanted to talk to me about." I thought "uh oh." I went to his room; he had just left for a procedure. He called me the next day and seemed persistent to talk to me.

 

I went back to his room, where he went on to tell me that he came into our hospital on Monday night. For the past four nights he had had trouble sleeping - he felt as if he couldn't breathe when he was lying down. He had just gotten over a bout with the flu and thought it was residual from that. He decided to come to the hospital. He took a bus that brought him as far as 41st and Main, where he walked the rest of the way to the entrance of the Women's Center. He stated that he was so out of breath, he had to stop every 10 feet in order to breathe. Here comes the amazing part.

 

He stepped through the doors to the Women's Center completely out of breath. He said a woman in white pants and a nurse's top stopped him immediately and asked him if he was okay. He was too out of breath to speak. She said, "Stay here, I'm getting you a wheelchair." He stated she ran down the hallway to get a wheelchair, got him in the wheelchair, and RAN him to the Emergency Department. She burst through the ED doors and stated, "I need some help. This man is in respiratory distress." He said that things happened very quickly after that. The weird thing is that he never saw her again.

 

He received a diagnosis of congestive heart failure and believes that the woman who met him at the Women's Center door saved his life. His doctors told him that if he had waited much longer, he would not have survived.

 

This man and his story brought tears to my eyes. As I sat there preparing to be told something bad, he was telling me what a wonderful facility and wonderful people we had here. I already am so proud to be a member of the Saint Luke's family, but this really grabbed my heart."

When Edie shared her story, the leadership team at SLH was determined to find out who helped this man. After asking around and reviewing security tapes, the mystery woman was identified as Carol Hobbs, physical therapist on E4. Thank you Carol for all you do to help our patients each and every day. 

It is time to begin thinking about that special R.N., nursing assistant, clinical nurse manager, or A.P.N./clinical educator who exemplifies excellence in your practice area. During Nurses Week, we will recognize those employees who you consider role models. In addition to the dedicated area-specific awards, there are five different awards for R.N.s and a special Nursing Assistant Award for Excellence. From the Rising Star Award for the fabulous new graduate, to the Mary Reed Award for the tenured bedside nurse, there is something for any outstanding nurse on your unit.

 

The application timeframe is short, so now is the time to begin nominating those who help make Saint Luke's the special place that it is. Applications for the various clinical excellence and leadership awards will be accepted until March 5 at midnight. Nominations are to be sent electronically to the email address (GRP - Nursing Award Nominations). Please refer to the fliers on your unit or contact your NPD unit rep for help and get those applications in! Please email Lyndea Rose, Nursing Professional Development Chair, with questions.

Saint Luke's Hospice is looking for new volunteers

 

At Saint Luke's Hospice, we pride ourselves on helping patients and families live as fully as possible, so that each patient's final journey is filled with a rich sense of dignity. Hospice provides support and care for persons in the last phases of incurable disease to ensure a life of quality.

 

Volunteers provide social support and respite to hospice patients and their families. They may visit patient families in their homes or in nursing homes to provide companionship, a listening ear, and a caring presence. As a new volunteer you have the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team devoted to continuously improving the quality of our patient care.

 

If you are interested in becoming a Saint Luke's Hospice volunteer please contact Melissa Tinklepaugh at mtinklepaugh@saint-lukes.org or call 816-360-8009.

 

Upcoming three-day volunteer training is scheduled for:

• March 26 ~ 5:30 - 9 p.m.
• March 28 ~ 5:30 - 9 p.m.
• April 2 ~ 5:30 - 9 p.m.