Strength, Hope, and Caring Awards 2005

Introduction

Every day, individuals and teams go above and beyond to achieve extraordinary outcomes on behalf of Duke Hospital. The Strength, Hope, and Caring Awards program is designed to recognize a clinical staff member, non-clinical staff member, leader, physician and a team on a monthly basis.

Featured here are the award-winning stories from August 2004 to August 2005.

Click the name of an award recipient to read more.

• Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic Team
• Emily Baker, BSN, RN,
  Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant
• Deborah Beddingfield,
  Patient Advocate
• George S. Bisset, III, MD,
  Professor of Pediatrics and Radiology
• Van Blalock, PharmD,
  Clinical Pharmacist
• Bradley H. Collins, MD, FACS,
  Assistant Professor, Transplant Surgeon
• Department of Radiation Oncology
• Dialysis Unit Team
• DUH Food Services
• Pamela B. Edwards, EdD, MSN, RN, BC,
  Director, Education Services
• Eye Center Team
• Carlos A. Falcon,
  Pharmacy Technician
• Fetal Diagnostic Center Team
• Linda M. Gilliard, MS, RD,
  Oncology Dietitian
• Joseph A. Govert, MD,
  Assistant Professor
• Donna Greenwood, BSN, RN,
  Kidney Transplant Coordinator
• Janet Hall, CRNA,
  Anesthesia
• Dee Harman, BSN, RN,
  Emergency Services
• Jessie Harrington,
  Data Technician II
• Marcella J. Harris, RN,
  Adult Bone Marrow
• Janet M. Hayes,
  Emergency Department Unit Coordinator
• Infusion Center Team
• Angie Kabigting, RN,
  Unit 7300
• Ronald J. Kanter, MD,
  Associate Professor of Pediatrics
• Daniel M. Kaplan, MD,
  Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
• Amy Kessenich, BSN, RN,
  Director, Center for Excellence
• Carolina M. Kroninger, RN, CNIV,
  Children’s Health Center
• Michael H. Luster, RCIS, BS,
  Cardiovascular Technician II
• David Marcozzi, MD, FACEP,
  Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
• Annie McManus,
  Medical Secretary
• Mobile Cath Lab
• Francesca Monachino, OTR/L,
  Occupational Therapist
• Terence Neal, RTT,
  Radiation Therapist
• Charletta Parker,
  Biomedical Waste
• Pastoral Services
• Joseph G. Rogers, MD,
  Associate Professor of Medicine
• David Sindram, MD, PhD,
  Surgical Resident
• Social Work
• Sara Sullivan, RN, MSN,
  Operations Administrator
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Care Team
• James E. Tcheng, MD,
  Associate Professor of Medicine
• Units 4100, 4200, 4300
• Unit 9200
• Thomas Parker Vail, MD,
  Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Robin Warren,
  First Shift Dispatcher
• Marty Woods,
  Duke Life Flight
• Evelyn D. Yankana, BA, RN,
  Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic
• Zac Zajac,
  Valet

Selection Committee and Nominators

Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic Team
Team Award

The Adult Bone Marrow Transplant (ABMT) Clinic Team is dedicated to assuring the health and well being of the immunocompromised patients they care for each day. The staff implemented stringent infection-control procedures in response to an outbreak of parainfluenza.

The team’s nominator says each staff member “displayed flexibility, consistent prioritization of patient safety, and professionalism.”

We thank the ABMT team for their ever thoughtful and ongoing commitment to clinical quality and patient safety.

Emily Baker, BSN, RN
Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant, Unit 5200
Years of Service: 3

The children admitted to 5200 have a lengthy and challenging hospitalization.The staff become a family to these children and, in turn, the patients and their families become a part of the lives of Duke University Hospital staff.

Emily gives her own time, energy, and money to make a unique quilt for every patient that is admitted to 5200. These quilts hang outside the door of every room.

The squares that make up the quilts alternate between patterned and plain. Emily intends for the plain squares to be utilized by staff, and other patients and families as a place on which to write a special message. When the patients leave 5200 they carry with them the quilt inscribed with the thoughts and wishes from many individuals whose lives they have touched during this very difficult time.

Sadly not every child goes home. The families of these children are especially grateful to have the quilt that Emily has made as a lasting memory of their child’s courageous battle.

We commend Emily for her “blanket of hope” that provides strength to every patient and family undergoing a pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant.

Deborah Beddingfield
Patient Advocate, Patient and Visitor Relations
Years of Service: 2

When an outpatient’s visit unexpectedly became an inpatient admission, Deborah Beddingfield assisted the patient’s wife during a difficult time.

The couple was from out of town without any family members, and they were unfamiliar with the area. The patient’s car was still at the outpatient parking garage and all of their belongings remained at a local hotel.

Deborah helped the patient’s wife cope with this unexpected turn of events. Deborah accompanied the patient’s spouse on the bus to the outpatient parking to locate the guest’s car in order to return to the hotel with her.

At the hotel, she assisted the patient’s spouse in packing their belongings and helped her to safely return back to the bedside of her husband. It took them more than an hour to accomplish these tasks.

We thank Deborah for caring about the entire family experience at Duke Hospital.

George S. Bisset, III, MD
Professor of Pediatrics and Radiology, Vice Chairman, Department of Radiology
Years of Service: 11

Dr. Bisset, Vice Chair of Radiology, receives this award to honor the care and compassion that he displayed for one of our pediatric patients and the patient’s family.

Dr. Bisset went the extra mile to demonstrate the ideals of strength, hope and caring. He effectively communicated a complex situation to this patient and family.

We honor Dr. Bisset for his ongoing commitment to our patients and family’s understanding of their healthcare experience.

Van Blalock, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy
Years of Service: 28

Van Blalock received The Strength, Hope, and Caring Award for going above and beyond to respond to a patient’s needs.

The employee who nominated Blalock wrote that she received a call form a patient who did not have the medication he needed immediately upon discharge, nor did he have a way to get to a pharmacy.

“When I asked Van what we should do, he called the patient and reassured him, then personally delivered the medicine to the patient’s front door the next morning, on his way to the gym. During the 18 years I have worked on 7100, I am always thrilled to find out Van is the pharmacist on my shift. His strength, knowledge, skills, and great sense of humor have helped all of us through many a rough time.”

Our thanks to Van for his commitment to making the patient a first priority.

Bradley H. Collins, MD, FACS
Assistant Professor, Transplant Surgeon, Department of Surgery
Surgery Resident 1989-1997
Years of Service: 6

Dr. Collins is known as a compassionate and caring physician. He had a patient who needed a transplant. Dr. Collins went to the patient’s home church to speak and help with the fund-raising efforts for medication.

He became particularly attached to this patient -- so attached, that when the patient passed away he went to the patient’s home that same evening and was asked by a family member to deliver the patient’s eulogy, which he did. Dr. Collins went above and beyond to take very good care of this patient.

The physician who nominated Dr. Collins for the award wrote: “Since the start of his career here, Brad has delivered excellent care beyond patients expectations, quietly and consistently. I think he deserves recognition for the strength, hope and caring he delivers to our patients every day.”

Our heartfelt thanks to Brad for providing strength and hope to a patient, family and an entire church community.

Department of Radiation Oncology
Team Award

A patient who received treatment from the dedicated team in Radiation Oncology nominated the group for this award.

The patient wrote: “I consider myself fortunate, to have this fine team of professionals directing and monitoring my progress as a patient. I went all the way from despair to hope and a chance for survival, and was given the opportunity to write this letter.”

We thank the DUH Radiation Oncology Team for their ongoing commitment to caring for patients diagnosed with cancer.

Dialysis Unit Team Loretta Ezell, BSN, RN, Marlina Roberson, RN, CNIV, Dr. Novak, and Dr. Smarz
Team Award

This team went above and beyond to deliver highly compassionate care to an elderly patient from out of town.

The patient did not have any established relationship with local dialysis centers and presented to the Emergency Department requesting routine dialysis. The patient had been faced with an unexpected stay in Durham for a family member’s funeral.

While the patient did not meet criteria for emergent dialysis, the Dialysis Unit Team showed great sensitivity to the patient and the social urgency of the situation. The team arranged to provide her dialysis treatment needs during her stay in Durham.

Our "hats off" to the team's commitment to making the patient a top priority.

DUH Food Services
Team Award

The Duke Hospital Food Services Department works together to provide food for patients even under extenuating circumstances.

When the Duke Hospital kitchen had to be unexpectedly closed for 24 hours last November, the food services staff made the best out of the situation. They worked together to make sure that patients, visitors and staff received meals.

It was a wonderful showing of teamwork on the part of the entire staff -- one for which they are truly to be commended.

We thank the DUH Food Services Team for their commitment to making sure that the food is delivered, even in difficult and complex situations.

Pamela B. Edwards, EdD, MSN, RN, BC
Director, Education Services, DUHS; Associate Consulting Professor and Director, Nursing Education Program, DUSON; Deputy Director, Duke AHEC Program
Years of Service: 15

Dr. Pamela Edwards is the first recipient of The Strength, Hope, and Caring Award in the Leadership category.

She is honored for her passionate commitment to raising visibility and accessibility for the field of nursing throughout the state of North Carolina; for being a voice for our talented and frequently underserved rural citizens; and for stepping up to address the nursing shortage at Duke and rural North Carolina by creating partnerships between Duke and rural health organizations.

The staff member who nominated Dr. Edwards wrote; “While the shortage of nurses has posed one of the biggest challenges in healthcare nationally, Pam Edwards, along with esteemed colleagues, has created new pathways to make it possible for rural North Carolinians to get a state-of-the art nursing education at Duke.”

Our appreciation to Pam for her commitment to creatively responding to meet the healthcare needs of the citizens of North Carolina.

Eye Center Team
Dr. Judith Margolis, Reyna Evangelista, COA, Erica Scott Wiley, Dr. Robin Vann, and Marsha Seaton, CRNA
Team Award

These employees won the trust of a patient whose lack of faith in medicine kept her away from hospitals and physicians for 21 years. When cataracts made her vision so bad that she could not drive at night, her daughter, a Duke Hospital employee convinced her to have surgery here.

The patient’s daughter wrote: “As her daughter, I am forever grateful to these individuals for showing my mom the brighter side of healthcare. I encouraged her to put her trust in them, and she did. They didn’t let either of us down. After years of trying to convince her that healthcare doesn’t have to be cold and impersonal, these five demonstrated it to her in a matter of minutes.

"This is something I could never do for my mother, and as she gets older and needs more healthcare, her willingness to trust her healthcare providers will stem from what she encountered here at Duke. I cannot thank these individuals enough."

We thank this team for changing the healthcare experience for this patient and every life they touch on a daily basis.

Carlos A. Falcon
Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy
Years of Service: 4

A physician needed assistance transporting a patient from the unit to the Operating Room. The physician was unable to locate someone to assist, until he encountered Carlos.

Carlos stepped in to assist Dr. Gonzalez with the task when others might have claimed it was not their job. Carlos was on his break at the time and went above and beyond his job responsibilities to assist the physician and a patient in need. The physician was very appreciative of Carlos’ assistance, especially his instant willingness to help.

Our appreciation to Carlos for making the difference!

Fetal Diagnostic Center Team
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Team Award

The Fetal Diagnostic Center Team provides outstanding service to our patients everyday.

When a patient, who was experiencing a difficult pregnancy, received results around the Christmas holiday that she needed to have additional special testing. Dr. Boyd came in on her day off to perform the procedure along with a team of support.

This team met the medical and emotional needs of the patient through accelerating the receipt of the test results, making special phone calls and being flexible with their individual holiday schedule in order to meet the patient’s needs.

Thankfully, the patient received normal results and was able to enjoy the holiday with her family without being overwhelmed by the unknown.

Thank you Fetal Diagnostic Center Team for your dedication and commitment to patients and the lives that are yet to be born.

Linda M. Gilliard, MS, RD
Oncology Dietitian, Radiation Oncology, Nutrition Department
Years of Service: 4 months

Linda implemented a team approach to caring. She was instrumental in providing the appropriate care for a teenager with an unusual diagnosis.

The patient had a health issue that would cause eating to be difficult. This was particularly concerning since the patient was already quite malnourished. Linda met with the patient multiple times per week.

When the patient encountered further complications, including more weight loss, Linda took it upon herself to intensively work with the entire team of health care providers. She worked with the care team for the duration of the patient’s therapy.

As a result, the patient recovered from the complications and completed therapy successfully, including weight gain.

Thank you Linda for giving this patient the strength and hope to survive.

Joseph A. Govert, MD
Assistant Professor, Medical Director, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Internal Medicine
Years of Service: 16

Dr. Govert explains complex realities to patients without taking away hope. Employees and patients alike also note Dr. Govert’s ready smile and kindness. His sensitivity to all is recognized throughout the organization.

One of Dr. Govert’s nominators stated, “Dr. Govert brings smiles, hope, and laughter to any given situation. He respects the patient, their thoughts, suggestions and desires. He moves the care to where it needs to go. Duke Hospital and the pulmonary patients are lucky to have such a wise, determined, and respected physician as Dr. Joe Govert.”

Thanks Dr. Govert for making the difference.

Donna Greenwood, BSN, RN
Kidney Transplant Coordinator
Years of Service: 2

Donna was leaving Duke University Hospital one day, exiting through the tunnel that connects to the parking garage, when she noticed that her eyes were watering and she began to cough.

There were visitors present in the tunnel, including a woman with a baby, a family of seven, and an elderly woman. Each of the people was experiencing symptoms similar to what Donna was experiencing.

Donna quickly routed these visitors out of the tunnel through the exits for some fresh air outdoors. She called Duke Security with the assistance of another employee. Donna offered for the visitors to seek emergency care in our Emergency Department.

Donna stayed by the visitor’s side until Duke Security assured her that all the visitors were safe. Donna’s quick thinking and attention to the safety of those around her enabled her to proactively address a situation that could have led to a potential crisis.

Janet Hall, CRNA
Anesthesia
Years of Service: 14

Janet Hall, CRNA, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, was recognized for her sensitivity to a patient and his family.

While preparing the infant for surgery, Janet took the time to let his mother hold him. The child later passed away, but the patient’s mother thanked Janet for the gift of those few precious moments with her baby.

We express our gratitude to Janet for demonstrating the insight into the importance of the parent and child relationship.

Dee Harman, BSN, RN
Emergency Services
Years of Service: 8

Deanne Harman reached out to the family of a patient who was tragically injured and would not survive.

Upon permission from the family, she visited the family of the patient at their home and delivered some nonperishable food items knowing they had just moved to the area. The next morning, she also went to be with the husband as he struggled with the loss of his wife and with decisions regarding organ donation.

Dee Harman is the kind of compassionate and caring staff member who exemplifies the core values at Duke Hospital. We thank Dee for her commitment to service and caring.

Jessie Harrington
Data Technician II, Adult Cath Lab
Years of Service: 21

A patient moved to the area from another state to receive services from the Duke Heart Center.

On a particular day, the patient was due to come in for a consult. The patient had three young children under the age of four that had to accompany her on the visit, because she had no family in the area.

Jessie was asked if she would be willing to help with the boys while the patient talked to the physician. Upon approval from her manager, Jessie readily cared for the three very active children. The patient was able to talk to the physician uninterrupted and felt much relief.

The patient said she knew her children were in good hands when Duke staff greeted her at the door with smiles and assistance.

We thank Jessie for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Marcella J. Harris, RN
9200 Adult Bone Marrow
Years of Service: 5

For many patients that spend time on 9200, English is not their first language. As a bilingual nurse, Marcella has been a primary nurse for most of these patients.

She continually keeps them up to date on their progress, in addition to keeping them encouraged throughout the transplant process.

One particular patient’s goal, whose primary language is Spanish, was to discharge her prior to New Year’s Day. During the holiday the patient would have multiple caregivers, both English and Spanish speaking.

Marcella helped the patient understand the discharge instructions in Spanish, to insure proper translation for the family of caregivers. Marcella makes sure information is clearly communicated and available to each and every patient.

We thank Marcella for responding to the diverse needs of the patients we serve on a daily basis.

Janet M. Hayes
Emergency Department Unit Coordinator, Emergency Department
Years of Service: 5

A cancer patient presented to the Duke Emergency Department via Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and was immediately placed in an exam room. As the patient was resuscitated, her husband was escorted from the room to the family waiting room.

Janet Hayes, the Emergency Department Unit Coordinator, sat with the patient’s husband to comfort him as he waited. She made frequent visits to the room, and assisted with phone calls to family members.

The patient was later admitted to the hospital. Feeling concerned that the patient’s spouse would be waiting alone; Janet completed her shift and accompanied the patient’s husband to the unit. Janet did not leave his side until a family member arrived at 10 p.m. that evening.

Thank you Janet for your true compassion for patient’s and their families.

Infusion Center Team
Clinic 2F2G
Team Award

This team implemented an idea to create an out-patient infusion center for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinic 2F/2G in order for Rheumatologists to better monitor their care.

These team members have significantly contributed to service improvement for these patients.

Angie Kabigting, RN
Unit 7300
Years of Service: 7

Although she had several patients to care for that week, Angie Kabigting, RN, knew that one of her patients needed so much more than the usual care.

The patient was an elderly woman who was confused, afraid and dying. Angie cared for her, even helping her to eat and drink. She also just sat there, held her hand and spoke words of comfort to her. The patient left Duke to go to hospice care with her dignity intact because of Angie’s care.

We salute Angie and her compassion for caring for each and every patient.

Ronald J. Kanter, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics; Director, Pediatric Electrophysiology, Pediatrics
Years of Service: 18

When an 18-year-old cardiac patient was told it was a danger to his life to play sports, Dr. Kanter made it possible for him to take part in his school’s homecoming basketball game.

Dr. Kanter attended the game, with medical devices on hand, to assist if the patient became ill. The patient was fine, and his team won the game that night. Dr. Kanter went well beyond the call of duty to make a memorable night possible for an 18-year-old during his last year of high school.

Thanks Dr. Kanter for the strength and hope you provided to an entire school and community.

Daniel M. Kaplan, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, Hospital Medicine Section, Department of Medicine
Years of Service: 8 months

Dr. Kaplan consistently goes the extra mile to demonstrate care and concern for the needs of our patients. Although he has only been at Duke for a few months, he exudes an unwavering, compassionate disposition.

Dr. Kaplan responds to patient’s concerns promptly with consideration for the needs of patients and their families. Dr. Kaplan responded quickly to a patient who had concerns about night-time pain. He quickly accessed her needs, and communicated with the patient and her daughter regarding the patient’s pain management during the night.

The patient and the patient’s family were extremely satisfied with the compassionate care provided by Dr. Kaplan.

Thank you for your commitment to responding to patients and families during difficult times in their lives.

Amy Kessenich, BSN, RN
Director, Center for Excellence, Duke Heart Center
Years of Service: 13

Amy received more than 14 nominations from staff for exemplifying qualities of strength, hope, and caring. She stepped in as Interim Associate Operating Officer for the Heart Center and worked tirelessly, meeting the needs of patients, families, physicians and staff.

One staff member who nominated Amy for the award wrote: “Amy Kessenich is a true model for all of us. As an administrator, she always puts patient care as her number one priority. I have been in many meetings with her, and her focus always comes back to patient care. She exemplifies the definition of caring.”

Thanks Amy for your demonstrated and consistent leadership in caring, which translates to the strength and hope we offer all who come to Duke Hospital.

Carolina M. Kroninger, RN, CNIV
Children’s Health Center, 3rd Floor
Years of Service: 10

There were two teenagers that were seen in the pediatric neurosurgery clinic in the Children’s Health Clinic. Both received brain tumor diagnoses within 24 hours of their clinic visit.

The patient’s needed to be admitted for surgery. It was late in the day and Carolina was the nurse assigned to stay until the last clinic patient left. Carolina went above and beyond to meet the emotional and physical needs of the two patients and their families, delivering lab work and handling many details in order to prevent any possible delays.

She remained at the clinic beyond her shift until the patients were safely admitted into a hospital bed. The staff member who nominated Carolina wrote: “Carolina Kroninger exemplifies the ideals of strength, hope and caring.”

Michael H. Luster, RCIS, BS
Cardiovascular Technician II, Adult Cardiac Catheterization, Electrophysiology Labs
Years of Service: 13

Mike is a Cardiac Cath Technician blessed with the gift of song. His music has helped to soothe and inspire many cardiac patients who enjoy his vocals and guitar accompaniment.

Mike was asked to play for a patient who was nearing the end of his life and was having a particularly stressful time. To the comfort of the patient and the patient’s family, Mike’s music invoked a sense of peace. Through song, Mike was able to relax the patient enough for the long-awaited sleep.

The following day, the patient’s family knew death was imminent, and they asked Mike to play for the patient once again. Mike obliged the request, and the patient passed away peacefully during the second song. The family was so moved by the experience that they invited Mike to play at the patient’s funeral.

We thank him for sharing his gift of song.

David Marcozzi, MD, FACEP
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine; Director of Disaster Preparedness; Major, U.S. Army MC, Department of Surgery
Years of Service: 3

Dr. Marcozzi, a physician in the Division of Emergency Medicine, also volunteers his time with a local fire/EMS agency.

While on duty at Duke, he was called upon to visit the home of a community member who was in urgent need of help, but who was unable to be moved out of his home. Dr. Marcozzi treated the patient, arranged for labs and stayed with the man until he received confirmation of no abnormalities.

The patient did well and was evaluated the next morning by his visiting physician, who had been making routine home visits. The physician expressed his thanks and appreciation for the care of this patient. He wanted to personally thank Dr. Marcozzi for his outstanding and exceptional care.

Dr. Marcozzi’s nominator wrote “I feel that Dr. David Marcozzi epitomizes what this award is about. He is a dedicated, compassionate, and caring physician who went well beyond what was expected of him and positively impacted the care of a patient in our community. In addition, he represented Duke, the Division of Emergency Medicine and the Department of Surgery well through his actions and care of this patient.”

Annie McManus
Medical Secretary, Kidney Transplant
Years of Service: 35

On her day off, Annie McManus was at Duke accompanying her mother to a clinic appointment. Annie, a medical secretary in Transplant Services, noticed a visitor in Parking Garage I, who was having difficulty getting out of his vehicle.

Although he had driven to Duke, it was evident that he would have difficulty walking with his cane to the clinic building. Annie placed her mother in the car, and approached the visitor and asked him if he needed a wheelchair. The visitor stated that he did and acknowledged that this was the first visit that he had made from Virginia to the Duke clinic without his wife accompanying him.

While her mother waited in the car, Annie went to the reception desk to get a wheelchair. Since no patient transporter was available, she got the wheelchair for the visitor and went back to the parking deck. She then transported the visitor to his appointment because she did not want to leave him to struggle trying to get to his appointment alone.

We thank Annie for going the extra mile.

Mobile Cath Lab
Julio Diaz, Jo Parker, RN, CNIV, Donna Guthrie, BSN, RN, CNIII, Rebecca Healy
Team Award

The Mobile Cath Lab team was working with a physician on a particular day at a medical center in Virginia. They were attentive to his needs, very friendly, and provided amazing service and assistance.

The team greeted the patients, families and employees they encountered with a smile, and knew most by name. They engaged employees in friendly conversation and truly cared about how they were doing. The team treated the patients with such kindness and compassion.

There was a feeling of mutual respect and support. Everyone on the team pitched in to get the work for the day done in a timely and successful manner.

The staff member that observed and nominated this team stated: “This team has fun with what they are doing. You can tell that they love their job, love helping others, and love working with each other. Their enthusiasm is contagious. They not only put a good face to Duke’s name in outlying communities, but also provide a wonderful service through community outreach programs, fairs, and cath lab services.”

Thanks to this team for the incredible service they provide to our outlying communities.

Francesca Monachino, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist, Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Acute Care Division
Years of Service: 13

A patient had been in the ICU in the same hospital room for two months. The patient was very much aware of her surroundings and was unable to move out of the ICU due to dependency on a ventilator for breathing.

The attending physician wrote orders for the patient to be taken outside for a change of scenery. This involved a great deal of coordination of personnel and equipment. Francesca assisted her colleague in moving this patient outside.

Sadly, in the days that followed, the patient passed away. Her family members said it meant so much to their mother (and to them) for her to have been able to feel the sun on her face and enjoy the flowers and the trees.

We salute Francesca for meeting the needs of a patient and family at the end of life.

Terence Neal, RTT
Radiation Therapist, Radiation Oncology
Years of Service: 10

Terence was leaving work around 6 p.m. when he noticed one of our patients wandering around the basement level of a parking deck, obviously lost.

The patient, who normally came to the hospital with a relative, had arrived this day on his own and had missed his appointment. Terence brought the man into the hospital, made sure he received his treatment, and explained to him where to park and how to get where he needed to be.

Terence then called Duke Safety and waited with him until the escort came. By this time, it was close to 7 p.m.

Terence went the extra mile in caring for the patient, even after his workday had officially ended. Thank you, Terence.

Charletta Parker
Biomedical Waste, Environmental Services
Years of Service: 18

Ms. Parker is passionate about her work to insure that the outpatient dialysis facility is cleaned daily. She takes pride in her work and understands the significance of cleanliness due to infection control requirements within the dialysis facility.

Ms. Parker discovered that a patient was in need of help. Because she cares tremendously about her work and about the patients served, Ms. Parker was persistent in determining how to find help for this patient. Her persistence and care in the work that she does lead her to doing the “right thing.”

We salute Charletta for her dedication and service.

Pastoral Services
Team Award

The Pastoral Services director needed to take a leave of absence to care for his wife, who had suddenly become ill. The Pastoral Services senior team pulled together, demonstrating tremendous teamwork and strong support of their leader.

Their activities and responsibilities continued in the director’s absence without compromising service delivery to meet the spiritual needs of our patients and families or administrative accountability.

We thank this team for providing strength and hope to one of their own.

Joseph G. Rogers, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine
Years of Service: 1

Dr. Rogers volunteered his services at the Women and Heart Disease Conference, a Duke Heart Center sponsored event for the community. He spent the day counseling individuals regarding their risk factors such as cholesterol and weight.

During the event, a participant became ill. Dr. Rogers immediately assessed the participant and made her feel comfortable and less embarrassed over the incident. He was extremely caring and attended to not only her physical condition, but her emotional needs as well.

We commend Dr. Rogers for his every day commitment to serving patients in our community.

David Sindram, MD, PhD
Surgical Resident Department of Surgery
Years of Service: 2 years of residency, 3 years of research

The 6300 Inpatient Nursing staff discharged a patient for whom they had cared for on and off over the years. They shared many personal end of life milestones with the patient and the patient’s family. When it came time for the patient to move into hospice care, the good-byes were difficult. Fortunately for the patient, the family and the staff, Dr. David Sindram was there to help with the transition. The staff stated that his keen sensitivity to the needs of everyone was outstanding. The comfort and care he provided with his presence was appreciated tremendously. One of the staff members remarked, “David helped to give a renewed focus on why we are here. He is a role model for all of us.” Thanks Dr. Sindram for your commitment to caring.

Social Work
Team Award

The Social Work Department received recognition for the care they gave to a co-worker who was hospitalized last March. They visited, sent flowers, donated Personal Time Off (PTO) and even offered to cut grass for their co-worker. The coworker appreciated the staff’s kindness. We salute the employees of the Department of Social Work for the strength and hope they provided to a co-worker.

Sara Sullivan, RN, MSN
Operations Administrator,Hospital Administration
Years of Service: 24

Sara received a call from a nurse in an inpatient unit, regarding a family member of one of our hospitalized patient’s. The wife of the patient had not eaten since the evening before, and had no money with her.

Sara went immediately to the patient and delivered her a meal pass. Sara realized that the meal pass may not be enough and she wanted to provide more. Sara reached into her own pocket and gave the patient’s family member additional money for a meal.

The patient’s wife was very appreciative and so was the staff member that called Sara. Sara is a great asset to Duke!

Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Care Team
Esther Piantadosi, BSN, RN, Chris Roeback, RN, Dr. Nancy Knudsen and Dr. Betsy Tuttle-Newhall
Team Award

This team’s encouraging words, hugs, smiles, and compassion gave a patient’s family strength through a very difficult time.

One of the family members shared the following comments about the team members: “Esther Piantadosi made sure that the information exchange between our family and the doctors was a priority and offered her support, love and caring in person, by phone and by pager. She offered to be available at anytime we needed her for anything, even on her holiday vacation.

“Christine Roeback was always available to share encouraging words during my family member’s hospitalization…She was willing to provide those few moments of distraction and a much-welcomed chocolate snack on most evenings.

“We came to know Dr. Knudsen later in our Hospital stay, but quickly came to rely on her caring, down-to-earth common sense and style, as well as her medical judgment. In our early meetings with her, she promised to always be honest and straightforward and to give us her medical opinion based on her knowledge. When she looked us in the eye and gave us an update, relayed bad news or even said that there was no real change, we knew we could believe her. That alone was worth more than mere words can express.

“Whenever Dr. Tuttle-Newhall saw us in the unit, in the hall, or anywhere, she would come up to us and give us a hug. I mean a real hug. One that left no doubt that it was genuine and that it was meant to convey her support and help to give strength as we waited for the inevitable. It worked. We felt strength, hope and caring from that one, very meaningful gesture.”

>James E. Tcheng, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine; Associate Professor of Community and Family Medicine; Medical Director, Medical Intensive Care, Unit Department of Medicine
Years of Service: 19

Dr. Tcheng is the physician lead for the development and implementation of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) at Duke University Hospital.

He has worked diligently and tirelessly with physicians, physician extenders, nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, labs, and other ancillary services to ensure that the introduction and adaptation of CPOE is as seamless as possible.

He has optimized the advantages of CPOE in improving the delivery of care while carefully balancing the impact on physician and nursing time. He has devoted a tremendous amount of effort to leveraging the strengths of CPOE -- particularly in making sure that information is being provided to physicians at key decision points -- resulting in improvements in the care delivered to the patients at Duke.

He has been key in identifying and defining necessary patient protocols and interventions. Throughout, Dr. Tcheng has been encouraging and supportive of the CPOE team, and has instilled a culture of success and motivation that resulted in the successful implementation of CPOE. His leadership created a work culture that fostered a productive, collaborative implementation.

Thank you Dr. Tcheng for your leadership.

Units 4100, 4200, 4300
Team Award

Over the last year, the fourth floor team has worked very hard to open all of their beds to better serve our patients in the community who need neuro services.

The neuroscience team on the fourth floor also did an incredible job during the most recent JCAHO Stroke Certification Survey. These units are continually willing to help other units in need.

We salute this team for their willingness to step up to meet the needs of this community.

Unit 9200
Team Award

The nurses, physicians, and ancillary staff of 9200 experienced many adversities with several deaths over a short period of time. A simultaneous staffing shortage required the nurses to extend themselves further than usual.

The team pulled together and supported one another and voiced their personal sadness over the losses. Moreover, they planned activities both at work and outside to improve morale and support cancer awareness. Never at this time did the patients note a change in patient care or a lack of compassion from the nurses on 9200.

The team has continued to care for the families that experienced the losses over the past months. The nurses send cards of condolences to the families and continue to maintain contact to support them through difficult times. Some nurses attend funerals, make phone calls to check in, and form lasting friendships with the families that extend well beyond the initial grieving period.

We thank the 9200 staff for their commitment to serving the entire community.

Thomas Parker Vail, MD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; Director of Adult Reconstructive Surgery; Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedics
Faculty since 1992; Trained at Duke from 1985-1991

Every day Dr. Vail provides incredible care to patients requiring orthopedic surgery.

One patient wrote: “Dr. Vail demonstrated an exceptional degree of compassion and kindness both before and after my surgery. In the weeks leading up to surgery Dr. Vail assessed my medical condition, explained the treatment options and patiently answered my questions…Dr. Vail demonstrated that medicine can be both ‘high tech and high touch’ and that it is still possible to render personalized care in today’s chaotic health care environment.”

Thanks Dr. Vail for your sensitivity to caring.

Robin Warren
First Shift Dispatcher, Van Service
Years of Service: 16

Robin Warren was awarded a Strength, Hope, and Caring Award for her commitment to helping patients as a shuttle dispatcher for the Department of Traffic and Parking.

Her work with helping patients who need shuttle services to the Medical Science Research Building (MSRB) was specially noted, as many of these patients have illnesses that prevent them from walking long distances.

Robin works with the shuttle drivers and those requesting shuttle services, to find the best options for picking up and dropping off patients. She even utilizes the security cameras in the garage to direct drivers to the best places to go, to best serve patients.

Her caring attitude is evident in the kindness and understanding she displays on a daily basis.

Marty Woods
Duke Life Flight, Alamance
Years of Service: 2

The employee who nominated Marty wrote: “On May 20, the Life Flight Alamance base suffered a huge tragedy with the unexpected death of a team member. He was 32-years-old, and he worked at Duke for three months as an EMT for Life Flight.

“Although he had worked with Life Flight for only a short period of time, he had already demonstrated competency and was a valuable member of the team. With his death came not only the confusion of dealing with the death of a co-worker, but also staffing issues. If there is no EMT to drive the Life Flight ambulance, then the nurses have no way to transport our patients.

“Marty Woods, a fellow EMT, had already completed his shifts for the week and had plans with his family for the remainder of the week. On learning of his coworker’s death, he immediately cancelled his plans. He made time in his schedule to visit with his co-worker’s family, to support them during their time of grief.

“He then volunteered to work his co-worker’s shifts for the week so the Alamance ambulance could continue to operate. Marty demonstrated true strength, hope and caring with his actions. He is a true ambassador for DUH and for Life Flight.”

Evelyn D. Yankana, BA, RN
Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic
Years of Service at Duke: 17

Evelyn is an oncology nurse in the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant clinic.

The clinic had a patient who had a last minute change of plans in who his caregiver would be during his bone marrow transplant. His relative joined him all the way from another country. Since the family was from Evelyn’s native country, she began having conversations with the caregiver and realized that not only was caring for the family member going to be a challenge, but the American way of life was very different as well.

The caregiver was unsure how to shop, or even how to cook here in the United States, and did not have a driver’s license. Evelyn recognized this and stepped in to help.

On her time off, Evelyn arranged to take the caregiver to the grocery store and pharmacy, she spent time helping to prepare meals, and she also made arrangements with a local restaurant to prepare their native cuisine. Evelyn gives patients outstanding care everyday and went above and beyond for this family!

We salute Evelyn for making the difference!

Zac Zajac
Valet, Healthcare Parking Systems
Years of Service at Duke: 8 months

When a patient could not remember where her car was parked, her discharge from the hospital was delayed. Patient advocate Dexter Meath contacted several people to try to locate the patient’s car.

Emergency Department Parking Assistance Team member Zac Zajac vowed to stay on the phone with Dexter until he was able to locate the car. Once Zac found the patient’s vehicle, he delivered the car to the patient, who was subsequently discharged.

Meath wrote of Zajac “It is great to know that there are people at Duke who are willing to help you when you are frustrated and stuck and not sure who else to turn to for assistance.“

Selection Committee and Nominators

The selection committee is a sub-group of the Duke University Hospital Human Resources Advisory Group. It selected the award winners from the multitude of nominations that are received on a monthly basis.

Selection Committee

• Kimberly Crenshaw
• Gloria Morgan
• Beth Ormond
• Kimberly Overman
• Ruth Parker
• Lille Plumer
• Nancy Sanks
• Jon Seskevich
• Marie Sinkiewicz
• Pam Upadhaya
• Stephen Vaughn

Nominators

• Robin Anderson
• Bronwyn Bartle
• Linda Belans
• Leigh Bleecker
• Patricia Blunden Kasdorf
• Pam Boggs
• Susan Bonifield
• Wanda Bride
• Patricia Bumpass
• Syvil Burke
• Carolyn Carpenter
• Linda Chambers
• Dawn Chestnut
• Britt Crewse
• Margaret Crutchfield
• Rita Davidson
• Terri DeMuro
• Linda Dorman
• Debra Evans
• Joanne Field
• Jon Gardner
• Debra Georgas
• David Gordon, MD
• Tracy Gosselin
• Daphne Harrington
• Michael Hocker, MD
• Nancy Knudsen, MD
• Ken Kuzenski
• Nicole Larrier
• Jennifer Loftis
• Denise Mangum
• Colleen McLaughlin
• Patricia McNally
• Dexter Meath
• Carol Meguid
• Annette Moore
• Peggy Newman
• Beth Ormond
• Kim Osborne
• Becky Oskin
• Jessica Palmer
• Anita Patterson
• Maryanne Potter
• Lois Pradka
• Brenda Radford
• Carla Rilling
• Mark Rumbles
• Deborah Russell
• Freddrick Sidberry
• Grace Simpson
• Michael Sketch, MD
• Yvonne Spurney
• Kimberly Starkey
• Gayl Talbert
• Lynette Teague
• Janice Thalman
• James Travis, PhD
• Betsy Tuttle-Newhall, MD
• Carey Unger
• Laurie VanCamp
• John Vargas
• Juanita Williams
• Chris Willis
• Robyn Wood-Nobblitt
• J. Kelly Yardley
• MaryAnne Zabrycki