CONNECTA publication for Dignity Health Southern California Division - North Employees Fall 2022Arroyo Grande Community HospitalBakersfield Memorial HospitalFrench Hospital Medical CenterMarian Regional Medical CenterMark Twain Medical CenterMercy Medical Center MercedMercy Hospital Downtown - BakersfieldMercy Hospital Southwest- BakersfieldPacific Central Coast Health CentersSt. Joseph’s Behavioral Health CenterSt. Joseph’s Medical Center StocktonKindness Is Our CallingCOMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnersActs ofHumankindness
President’s Message“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” –AESOPIn this issue of CONNECT, we are highlighting the kindness of you - our employees. With humankindness central to everything we do - for our patients, for our communities, and for one another - the examples of compassion, teamwork, and encouragement are endless. I was recently asked, ‘What keeps me motivated?’ And the answer is simple, it’s each and every one of you. Earlier this year, employees across our division were asked to submit nominations for the first-ever CommonSpirit Health 2022 Acts of Humankindness Awards. Our division had the most nominations - 900 - of any division in the company! Every nomination offered a reminder of the courage and commitment each of you bring to work, day in and day out. The Southern California Division recognized 135 Acts of Humankindness Winners, who each received a personalized award during local celebrations over the summer. Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees! And, thank you to those of you who nominated your teammates. The stories were truly inspiring, some of which are in the pages that follow.As we make our way through the new fiscal year, with a new CEO for CommonSpirit Health, Wright Lassiter III, we will face the future together. One thing about being in health care is that we are always facing changes and challenges, but this team does so with resilience and perseverance. I hope you enjoy the unique stories from across the Southern California Division and join me in being proud to be part of an incredible team. Thank you for your continued commitment to making the Southern California Division the best it can be. With appreciation,Inside this issue:3 High Reliability Organization Tips for Success4 Transporter Delivers Comfort with Prayer Handkerchiefs5 Living Life as a “Kindness Coordinator”6 Labor & Delivery Nurse Delivers Love to Coworker7 MyWellness Program: Give Yourself a Hug8 Getting Patients Back to Doing What They Love9 Caring for the Women of her Community en Español 10 Taking Action to Help the Local Homeless Population11 Six-Word Stories from Emergency Department12 Driven to Give Back is in Her SPIRIT13 Navigating Red Tape for a Patient14 Turning a House Into a Home15 Congratulations SoCal Acts of Humankindness Winners16 Spreading Kindness by Keeping Patients Safe17 A Bright Light in a Dark Moment17 Kudoboard Korner18 In the NewsDid you know?You can stay in touch and up-to-date by following us on social media.@DignityHealthSoCal@DignityHealthSC@ DignityHealthSouthernCaliforniaCareer OpportunitiesThe power of humankindness moves with our employees–no matter where they serve in our CommonSpirit Health family. To see career opportunities offered throughout the system, click on the “My Dignity Health” icon located on your desktop. Then click on the “Careers” tab. Julie J. SprengelPresident & CEOSouthern California DivisionCommonSpirit HealthThis publication is written and produced by the Dignity Health SoCal Marketing & Communications Team. If you have a story idea or suggestions for submission, please send directly to Tracie.CheesemanGipson@CommonSpirit.org.
3Dignity Health Southern California DivisionDifferent Paths on the Same JourneyUnderstanding HRO TrainingNicholas Testa, MD Chief Physician Executive Southern California DivisionWe are all at a different place in our High Reliability Organization (HRO) journey and that’s okay. What’s important is that every hospital across the Southern California Division is implementing best practices to prioritize the safety of every patient while also ensuring the safety of our caregivers. Depending on where you work, you may be conducting HRO training during new hire orientation, your facility may be in the train-the-trainer phase, or you may be conducting refresher training for those who received the initial HRO training in previous years. No matter where you are in your HRO journey, know that we are all on the journey together to becoming the safest hospitals in the country.Why are safety coaches important?Safety coaches play an important part in reducing serious safety events in our hospitals. Safety coaches meet on a regular basis to share safety stories and discuss safety behaviors. Please think of them as a source of encouragement and an expert resource in the use of our error prevention tools. Thank you to all of our safety coaches for the extra effort you put into our High Reliability journey. Do you have a safety story to share? Please speak to your local Patient Safety Officer or Safety Coach.Looking for HRO training?Every employee and physician is required to complete the Safety by Choice, Not by Chance HRO training. The training sessions are offered on a regular basis at all Southern California hospitals. Please visit Pathways on your desktop or from a workstation in the education department to select your HRO training.8,259 Staff Trained341 HRO Classes Held232 Trainers128 Safety CoachesHRO by the Numbers3Dignity Health Southern California Division
4 CONNECT Fall 2022When you’re a patient transporter, you are on the move. But for Shannon Chambers, a transporter at Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital Downtown Bakersfield, slowing down, connecting with patients, and sharing a quiet, reflective moment with them is her “why.”Shannon believes God’s hand placed her in the hospital as a caregiver. Not only does she care for her mother, during the pandemic, she and her mother-in-law Tresa started making beautiful prayer handkerchiefs for patients, family, and staff. These homemade hankies are a powerful source of comfort and hope.“Since COVID, it’s hard for patients. They can’t be with their families and loved ones, but that connection is a part of their healing and recovery,” says Shannon. “And some people don’t have anyone. If it were me, I’d like to know someone cared enough to show me the same kindness. I would hope someone was there for me.”Patients who Shannon comes into contact with are blessed by her kindness. She can often be found in the ICU, comforting patients who are alone. She spends her lunch time sitting and holding their hand, talking, and praying. Being present at the bedside is such a comfort to patients during their most difficult moments.“I had one patient who had been in and out of the hospital several times and was having another surgery. She was very scared, so I gave her a prayer handkerchief and reassured her that God was with her,” recalls Shannon. Shannon followed up to see how she was recovering from the procedure. The patient was overjoyed when she learned that the staff had taped the handkerchief to her hand, so it stayed with her during surgery. To date, Shannon has handed out over 300 prayer handkerchiefs, which served as tokens of inspiration to name her a recipient of a 2022 Acts of Humankindness Award. “It’s the little things that matter,” shares Shannon.” A prayer, finding out what they need–I love what I do. My favorite part is transporting them from their room to their loved ones who are waiting to take them home.” Transporter Delivers Comfort with Prayer HandkerchiefsShannon hands out homemade prayer handkerchiefs whenever comfort is needed. When Shannon isn’t caring for patients, she loves taking care of her mom.COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnerActs ofHumankindness
5Dignity Health Southern California DivisionWhen Lisa Bulis comes into the room, the first thing you notice is her warm smile and friendly demeanor. When she speaks, it’s her Oklahoma accent that draws you in. At age 49, Lisa was inspired to go back to school to become a nurse after caring for her mother through her illness before she passed away. “I love helping patients and their families figure out difficulties pertaining to their health and life,” she shares.Indeed. As a care coordinator at Dignity Health - Bakersfield Memorial Hospital (BMH), Lisa is an indomitable patient advocate, putting her heart and soul into ensuring patients receive the highest level of quality, safe care with kindness and compassion.Lisa’s colleagues state she goes above and beyond - from securing short- or long-term placement for challenging patients, to helping to locate forwarding addresses for the numerous get-well cards patients receive after they have been discharged. Lisa’s giving nature also shined when the call came in that pajamas were needed for the Pediatrics Department. She immediately got to work and organized a pajama drive. “I thought it would be an easy project since so many people walk past our office every day, coming and going from work,” she says. “And it was fun to decorate the area and the donation box!” Lisa’s enthusiasm inspired staff and physicians to donate nearly 100 pairs of pajamas for our tiniest tots, children, and teens. When asked about a touching moment in her career, Lisa recalls a young paraplegic man who was in need of some positivity. “Life had dealt him a difficult hand. Plus, he had lost his phone and was feeling disconnected,” she recalls. “Since I had just purchased a new phone, I gave him my old one. I thought it would lift his spirits by having something everyone his age has–a connection to the internet.”Her colleagues describe her as a beacon of light and a testament to the humankindness culture. Living Life as a “Kindness Coordinator”Lisa (in red plaid) and her coworkers collected hundreds of pajamas for pediatric patients at BMH.COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnerActs ofHumankindnessIn Her Spare Time When Lisa isn’t caring for patients, that same kindness carries over into her home life where she enjoys creating a safe, welcoming space for the blue jays and hummingbirds that visit her yard. Lisa says it’s rewarding to keep her garden in full bloom for the neighborhood birds.
6 CONNECT Fall 2022Angie Patterson admits the Family Birth Center at Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital Southwest Bakersfield can get hectic. She says it takes a village to make the unit run efficiently–and another village to keep it clean. In true admiration for the behind the scenes team who makes the unit sparkle, Angie wanted to show her appreciation. “We couldn’t do our jobs without the support from our ancillary teams. That includes EVS,” says Angie. Those rooms can look like a war zone sometimes. Our housekeepers work so hard to get the rooms cleaned up and turned around for the next patient. They do an amazing job!”Angie thinks of her coworkers as family and they think she’s pretty great too, writing in her Acts of Humankindness (AOH) nomination: “Angie is always kind and helpful to staff and patients alike. She puts everyones’ safety and needs first.” So no one was surprised when Angie had the idea to adopt a coworker for Christmas to show how much they are appreciated.During the Christmas holiday, she started an “adopt a Birth Center employee” campaign, raising thousands of dollars to ensure an EVS employee on the unit was able to have an amazing Christmas. “Angie got all of us involved and we were able to let that employee know how much we appreciated her hard work,” the AOH nomination read. “We were happy to help out during a difficult time for her. It was a touching moment, bringing us all together, both day shift and night shift, in solidarity to share love, thankfulness, and caring for our fellow employee.” In all, Angie and her team were able to present their co-worker with more than $1,000 in cash and hundreds of dollars in gift cards.“It was very emotional when we gave her the card,” recalls Angie. “Everybody was crying. So many people came together to support this employee.”It’s that sense of camaraderie that Angie appreciates most about her job. “We get to be there for this monumental event. To be a part of a family’s happy day. It’s so rewarding.” Labor & Delivery Nurse Delivers Love to CoworkerCOMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnerActs ofHumankindnessAngie PattersonIn Her Spare Time Angie loves to spend time with her own family, including her five adult children, two grandchildren (shown here), and her three rescued pitties.
7Dignity Health Southern California DivisionMyWellness Program: Give Yourself a HugAt CommonSpirit Health, our value of compassion and our mission to improve the health of the people we serve is demonstrated by caring with listening, empathy, and love. The same care and attention we offer others is critical to our own health — body, mind, and spirit. Our MyWellness program is dedicated to encouraging each of us to be kind to ourselves and to prioritize our own well-being.MyWellness has more than 100 ways to inspire and motivate you along your well-being journey, and it rewards you for your progress. Eligible employees can earn points by completing selected healthy activities, like mindfulness sessions, volunteering, sleep improvement, healthy eating, tracking physical activity, and more. Try working one-on-one with a coach, take a self-guided Journey or track a Healthy Habit that matters to your self-care—while having some fun too.You can earn and redeem points worth up to $450!It’s easy to get started! Simply click on the Employee Central icon on a Dignity Health computer desktop.
8 CONNECT Fall 2022Getting Patients Back to Doing What They LoveDignity Health - Arroyo Grande Community Hospital is fortunate to have an absolutely stellar nursing staff, and Christine Mead, RN, Physical Rehabilitation Care, is one of its brightest stars. Christine is known for greeting patients and staff alike with her warm smile and cheerful demeanor.Christine was inspired to become a nurse during college when she started working as a physical therapy aide in an outpatient office. That’s where she gained experience and enjoyed connecting with patients and forming relationships. “The patients were comfortable asking me questions and discussing their concerns,” she recalls. “That’s when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in nursing. Plus, my beloved grandmother was a nurse and I’m honored to carry on the family tradition.” For Christine, it was the perfect decision as she’s found this career to be rewarding, and her patients benefit too. They often say they love her and are always sure to mention her name when talking about the wonderful care they received.“My favorite part of nursing is caring for patients at a time in their lives when they are facing challenges that sometimes seem insurmountable,” she says. “The excitement the patient has the first time a flaccid limb moves, the first time a patient can eat solid food after being on tube feedings, or the first time I hear a patient say a word; these are special moments that happen in Acute Rehabilitation.”For her patients, those are moments of bonding and human connection at a time they will never forget. Patients appreciate her so much, they often call after they’ve been discharged to thank her again, and again.Christine also spreads that goodwill to her coworkers. She serves as a resource for new nurses, and the students she precepts benefit greatly from her experience and knowledge. Knowing she makes a difference in someone’s life for the better motivates her to do her job to the best of her ability. For these reasons, and many more, Christine was an Acts of Humankindness Award recipient in 2022.COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnerActs ofHumankindnessIn Her Spare Time Christine is a mother to three beautiful children. She loves reading, going to the library, and always enjoys a day at the beach.
9Dignity Health Southern California DivisionCaring for the Women of her Community en Español Eloisa Medina, Lay Patient Navigator, works for the Oncology and Hematology program for the Spanish speaking population of San Luis Obispo County at Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center. She works tirelessly to ensure that these patients and families who are impacted adversely by cancer are cared for. Eloisa’s inspiration comes from her own personal heartbreak. She lost her mother to pancreatic cancer and during so, realized that there was nobody to give guidance to her and her siblings during that time. In the midst of dealing with her own sadness, Eloisa had to be the interpreter for her siblings. “I quickly realized that there was a great need for support for the Latino population, in terms of having accurate information and treatment options explained to them in their own language,” Eloisa states. “A well-informed patient makes the best choice with health care decisions.”Her selfless acts of caring for our Hispanic population have impacted countless lives. Eloisa takes special care to meet with patients and their families. They appreciate her diligence, knowing they can call her and she will relay their concerns to their physician, and call them back with the doctor’s recommendations. Sometimes, she becomes an integrated part of the Palliative Care team, going out of her way to help her patients. She often visits patients in their family home to learn their needs firsthand. She can determine whether they have a support system, and then work alongside that support system for the benefit of the patient.Her grateful patients have referred to her as an angel. “Being there for patients and their families is my favorite part of my work,” she says. “I’m honored that they place their trust in me.” These are just a few reasons why Eloisa was a recipient of this year’s Acts of Humankindness Award.In Her Spare Time Outside of work, Eloisa enjoys spending time with her five children and her grandson, Jordan, watching movies or getting together for dinner. She also loves to hike to get back in touch with nature and recharge her soul. COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnerActs ofHumankindnessEloisa Medina
10 CONNECT Fall 2022Taking Action to Help the Local Homeless PopulationSince joining the care coordination team at Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center, Christina Trezza-Horn, Clinical Social Worker, has quickly shown others through her work ethic, drive, and can-do attitude just what can be accomplished for our patients and community in the homeless population. Christina was not given a template for her position, but instead was asked to draw upon her 25 years of experience in human services to identify opportunities to use this position to best serve homeless patients in our community. Soon after, Christina coordinated with law enforcement to do monthly street outreach. She joined the street medicine team, re-vamped and enhanced our respite programs at our local shelters, and joined the county-coordinated entry service providers to ensure the most high-risk cases have their medical needs addressed. Driven by her faith, Christina believes God’s purpose for her is to serve and help others, especially the most vulnerable. Her commitment to serving the underserved has shown this organization what that looks like, not only in the acute setting, but beyond the walls of the hospital - from making sure her clients on the street have water, to helping distribute food insecurity bags, to identifying programmatic gaps in care.Christina has quickly earned a name for herself in the community and is respected by all who work with her. Her entire role is based around advancing social justice. However, she has taken this task above and beyond what could have ever been expected in this role. Her efforts were recognized when she received a Values in Action award for embodying the values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence, and collaboration–all of which are required for the population she works with. “My faith and the desire to serve people - especially during crisis situations or when they are at their most vulnerable - is what led me to a career in health care,” says Christina.In Her Spare Time When she’s not serving the homeless population, Christina enjoys hiking and spending time with her daughter and husband.Christina serves the most vulnerable population, and meets them where they are to offer care.
11Dignity Health Southern California DivisionSix-Word Stories from our Emergency Departments Our Southern California Division Emergency Department sta members play the most vital role in providing health services to our family, friends, and neighbors. Each and every day, they make sacrifices for us as they serve on the front lines of care. Together, our ED team saves lives.– ROBERT EVANS, ER TECH Arroyo Grande Community HospitalFeeling the difference made by caring. – KEVIN NEWSOME, ER TECH Mercy Hospital Southwest - BakersfieldKnowing my service made a difference. – MANDY HALL MSN. RN, CEN DIRECTOR OF NURSING, ED Mercy Medical Center MercedAdvocacy, empathy, camaraderie, diversity, intensity, unpredictable.– NICOLE LEGER, RN, ED Marian Regional Medical CenterOur team rises to any occasion.– NATASHA LUKASIEWICH, DIRECTOR, ED French Hospital Medical CenterEmergencies, never scheduled, but always ready.– JUSTIN DURRER, RN, MANAGER, ED Mark Twain Medical Center Safe healing, dignity, respect and compassion.– MICHELLE CATON-WHEELER, ER NURSING DIRECTOR Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Our team is like our family. – MARIA PADILLA, ER NURSE Mercy Hospital Downtown - BakersfieldTeamwork, compassion, tenacity, helping the community. – CURTIS PLUMMER - RN, ED St. Joseph’s Medical Center
12 CONNECT Fall 2022Driven to Give Back is in Her SPIRITIf you have a question about Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center (SJMC), Christina Sinclair is someone you can count on to have the answer. What started as just a job 18 years ago has turned into an impactful career for Christina and SJMC. As the Executive Assistant for Michael Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Christina is an integral member of the hospital’s administrative team. “She is one of the most caring people I know, and always willing to help with a great attitude and smile,” Michael shares. “She is constantly exploring and implementing ideas to improve staff morale and meet the needs of the community.”Christina makes an impact every day at St. Joseph’s with her involvement in many hospital events and activities. This includes taking the initiative to lead committees for the hospital’s staff picnics, annual pumpkin carving, and wreath decorating contest.She is also a member of the SPIRIT Club, an employee-led organization that stands for Special People Involved Reaching into Tomorrow. “I love the impact SPIRIT Club makes in the community,” Christina says. “We organize donation drives for backpacks, school supplies, and new shoes for the kids; diapers for struggling moms; warm coats and blankets for a local homeless shelter; and luggage drives for the foster kids to give them a little bit of dignity as they move to their new families.” When asked what inspired her to work in health care, Christina shares, “I started working in this field at a young age when I was a single mom raising my son. But it became much more than that. No matter your position in the hospital, you feel like you can make a difference.”Members of the SPIRIT Club deliver backpacks to Parents by Choice. From left to right: Stephanie Iaccino, Director of Community Engagement (Parents by Choice); Sr. Abby Newton, Vice President, Mission Integration; Christina Sinclair, Executive Assistant; Dayle Daniels, Administrative Liaison; and Kellie Ryan, Communications Manager.The SPIRIT Club promotes the annual pumpkin carving contest. From left to right: Danielle Tibon, Senior Data Analyst; Christina Sinclair, Executive Assistant; and Shirley Padilla, LMS Administrator.12 CONNECT Fall 2022
13Dignity Health Southern California DivisionNavigating Red Tape for a PatientToni Amoroso is a Clinic Supervisor for Pacific Central Coast Health Centers (PHC) who exemplifies humankindness in every interaction with others. Her calling to get into health care came after seeing three of her siblings suffer from cancer. “My sister lost her battle with breast cancer. and my brother lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. But God did answer my prayers with my third sibling who survived Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with a stem cell transplant,” she shares. “I cared for all three of my siblings throughout their illnesses–it just came naturally to me to help.”Toni brings that same level of care to PHC, where her favorite part of her job is helping patients to bring resolution to a problem.Recently, an extremely ill patient at Arroyo Grande Specialty Center was experiencing tremendous difficulties completing necessary disability forms for the State of California. Through no fault of the patient, the state began requiring additional provider certifications in order to process disability requests causing delays for several months. In coordination with the PHC Patient Experience Department, Toni worked tirelessly, attempting to contact the disability office by phone, oftentimes enduring hold times of a few hours. The situation got worse when the patient said she was about to lose her home because she was unable to pay her mortgage without the disability payments. Toni went down to the local disability office herself, stood in line and refused to leave without securing a supervisor’s intervention. “I wanted to help this patient because it was heartbreaking watching her struggle to get her disability approved. She has Parkinson’s disease and having to deal with all the red tape of a government agency on top of that was upsetting,” recalls Toni. “I made her a promise that I would keep on it until she received her first payment.” Toni’s tenacity helped. The patient was paid within 48 hours and was able to keep her home. Toni says she’d do it again in a heartbeat. “It’s nice to lend an ear, give guidance, and help patients with anything they are confused about,” she says. “It brings me joy knowing that I made their day a little bit better.” Toni Amoroso, Clinic Supervisor at PHC, goes above and beyond to help patients with government forms to ensure they receive the care they need. In Her Spare Time To regroup after a day filled with navigating red tape, Toni is soothed by the unconditional love she receives from her two pups.
14 CONNECT Fall 2022Turning a House Into a HomeWhen he saw a mother in need, he didn’t hesitate to help. Michael Richards, Inservice Education, was one of seven winners awarded the Acts of Humankindness Award at Dignity Health - Mercy Medical Center Merced (MMCM). Mike was honored for going above and beyond when he witnessed someone in need in our community. Mike was driving home and noticed a lady walking down the street with two young children–one on her arm and one next to her–all while carrying bags of groceries. “I could feel the weight of the world on this young lady’s shoulders as she was literally balancing a toddler on her back, with a handful of groceries, for the long walk ahead,” remembers Mike. “We’ve all been there before—a time when you just need a helping hand to get yourself up.”With that thought in mind, Mike pulled over to offer her assistance. The lady was Spanish-speaking, so to assure her that he was genuinely trying to lend a hand, he showed her his work badge as proof that he was a hospital employee who wanted to help. She accepted, and Mike gave the woman and her children a ride to their house. When they arrived, he carried the groceries inside and noticed the home was fairly empty and that they were all sleeping on the floor.The next day, Mike shared his encounter with the hospital’s (then) Community Health Manager and our current Director of Mission Integration, Lillian Sanchez-Ramos, who is Spanish-speaking, in hopes that she could speak to the woman to better understand her situation. Lillian called her and learned that the family had recently moved back to the U.S and had very little to their name. “After hearing this woman’s story, I instantly felt a call to help because I had once been in her same situation–living in a foreign country with little means and a young son,” recalls Lillian. “I’m fortunate enough to be at a place in my life where I’m able to give back.”With Mike and Lillian’s efforts, the hospital collected donated items, both gently used and brand new, to help furnish the home. Items provided to the family included beds and bedding, furniture, a refrigerator, dishes, clothes, toys, and other household essentials. Not only did these donations make their house a home, Mike also continued to purchase groceries for the family. “As the facilitator for New Employee Orientation here at Mercy, I strive to ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to our Mission, Vision and Values,” Mike shares. “The words, ‘especially those who are vulnerable’ get to me every time.” While it was a group effort to collect the donations for the family, Mike and Lillian took on the responsibility of picking up large items from employees’ homes and coordinating deliveries after work and on the weekends. Still, Mike is humbled by the experience. “All I did was give her a ride home in my old truck,” he says. “Our patient caregivers do this all the time. But me? I go home every day thinking how I fell short when an opportunity presented itself. Now, I often find the opportunity is with someone I don’t even know, and I’m honored to help.” COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnerActs ofHumankindness
15Dignity Health Southern California DivisionCongratulations to Our Acts of Humankindness Winners The Acts of Humankindness Awards are special recognitions to honor and celebrate our employees, volunteers, and physicians based on nominations submitted by colleagues that were powerful and inspirational stories of individuals displaying humankindness to patients, coworkers, and others in our community. Congratulations to all of our outstanding Acts of Humankindness winners in our Southern California Division - North hospitals.Arroyo Grande Community HospitalAudrey AritaDomingo GonzalezTami LangevinMatt MartinezChristine MeadBakersfield Memorial HospitalPamela Boehler Lisa BulisJeannie Caton WheelerShana GonsmanAlison McGheeBinh Nguyen Dustin NeefusMoira Thomson French Hospital Medical CenterAshley AgnitchElizabeth Bakke Breanne DavisKelly GriderEloisa MedinaSean QuinnMarian Regional Medical CenterYesenia Becerra Ruvalcaba Max BoveriDaniel FultonAngelina GomezMeghan McMillian Bertha MerrillCindy RosauerNaomi SolanoNicholas Webb Mark Twain Medical CenterJanna FauttShelby FitzpatrickJaymee LoverinChaela MartinezMarley MorehouseSusan WrightMercy Hospital BakersfieldYiuvany Aguilar OnofreAutumn AlvarezMarissa AlvarezFelicia BoydShannon ChambersJoey Ramirez-GaitanMonica GradyJoseph NicomedesAngela PattersonLucia Ramirez Mercy Medical Center MercedGahrett BauerJessica EscobarGloria MontalvoRicardo RamirezMichael RichardsNatalie RodriguezCorissa VelasquezPacific Central Coast Health Centers Liz CavazosMegan HernandezMaria MarquezSamantha Samaniego Jocelyn SmithYani QuintanarSt. Joseph’s Medical CenterEmma AlarconDiane BertilacchiJacquie DemellowBrian GonsalvesLawrence GrayMonica LaySr. Abby NewtonRespiratory Intensive Care UnitMelissa RosenbergDebajyoti Sinha Rachelle Tauro St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health CenterKimberly Burton Dani EsmondLisa HeltonMaria Ojeda15Dignity Health Southern California DivisionMike Richards accepts his Acts of Humankindness Award from MMCM's Interim President, Rick Moreland. By Mike being aware of his surroundings on his way home from work and taking the time to speak to and help a complete stranger, the hospital staff was able to assist a family truly in need.COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnersActs ofHumankindness
16 CONNECT Fall 2022Spreading Kindness by Keeping Patients Safe“There is never a doubt when Lupe is involved, whatever needs to be completed will get done - that’s a guarantee.” These are the sentiments shared when nominating recent Acts of Humankindness (AOH) award recipient Maria Ojeda, a.k.a. Lupe. “Lupe demonstrates acts of humankindness so frequently that they could quite possibly go unnoticed,” her nomination stated. Motivated by working with others and ensuring patients stay safe and clean is what inspired Lupe to get into health care. As a Housekeeping Aide for Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center, Lupe is often the first person to volunteer to help with anything that needs to be done. “It’s not only a job, this is my second home,” shares Lupe. “I try to help my coworkers by making sure every unit is clean. It can be hard work–70 percent of the job is double-checking.” When describing Lupe’s work ethic, her AOH nomination noted, “Whether it’s covering for a coworker who went home sick, picking up an extra unit when we’re understaffed, or popping over to help a fellow coworker who is struggling on a particular day, it’s just who Lupe is. No matter what is going on in her life, Lupe never appears flustered, strained, or overburdened.”In Her Spare Time Outside of work, Lupe enjoys traveling and spending time with her three children and grandchildren. But most of all, she loves bringing people together with food. She often cooks for her family and hosts large gatherings with loved ones. “I enjoy seeing how happy people get when enjoying my meals,” she says. “That’s why I do it.” COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnerActs ofHumankindnessLupe (far right) enjoys having fun with her granddaughters.Lupe and her family vacation in Las Vegas.
17Dignity Health Southern California DivisionA Bright Light in a Dark MomentTapping into a patient’s feelings and needs is a gift–one that is instilled in Chaela Martinez, a Cancer Center Access Representative at Dignity Health - Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC). “My father has always been the main source of inspiration in all I do,” shares Chaela. “Witnessing his cancer diagnosis and his last days has only reinforced my drive to continue working in the Cancer Center.”Chaela has been the sole registration person for the Cancer Center for almost five years. Nearly every interaction begins and ends with her. Whether it’s following up with patients to check in on them, organizing their treatment appointments, or scheduling them with the appropriate provider–even those not covered under her clinic–Chaela says patients are her number one priority.“Knowing and understanding how to best support each patient’s needs during their health care journey is my favorite part of my job,” she says. “I truly enjoy demonstrating humankindness every day.”What’s more, Chaela is always willing to help her coworkers because she knows it benefits the patients. She jumps in to cover at other clinics and assist with training newly-hired employees. Regardless of what is going on personally or professionally, she always strives to make sure the patients are taken care of. It doesn’t matter if it’s their first visit or last, she wants each patient to walk away feeling like they matter.Yet, she remains humble and never expects recognition. These are just a few reasons why Chaela’s team was inspired to nominate her for an Acts of Humankindness award. COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH 2022Award WinnerActs ofHumankindnessKudoboard CornerKudos to everyone recognized throughout the Southern California Division, including Lupe Ordonez, Food Services, from Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center whose post reads: “Kudos to Lupe Ordonez! She is our patient p.m. cook, and is working extra hours and doing a great job while we are short staffed in our kitchen. Great job Lupe, we are proud of you!”Kudoboard is a quick and easy way to recognize your team’s excellence, a heartfelt moment, or a coworker for showing humankindness.AGCHMRMCMMCMKUDOS Do you have a colleague at PHC who inspires you or has shown you humankindness? Consider sharing a message of gratitude to recognize them.Post your words of encouragement on our online PHC Kudoboard by scanning the code above with your smart phone’s camera. BMHMTMCPHCFHMCMHBSJMCWant to recognize a coworker on Kudoboard? Scan your hospital’s QR code and get posting.17Dignity Health Southern California Division
18 CONNECT Fall 2022In the News The Dignity Health Southern California Division communications team tracks breaking news, and quickly responds by inviting clinicians to offer insight on a health topic discussed in the media. Taking part in these opportunities shows that Dignity Health is a knowledgeable community resource for health and wellness.French Hospital Medical Center The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas Vendegna, spoke with NBC affiliate KSBY about Monkeypox preparations happening in Central Coast communities and how residents can protect themselves.Arroyo Grande Community HospitalCBS affiliate KEYT covered news of Dignity Health’s plans to build a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital.Marian Regional Medical CenterThe Santa Barbara Independent reported on Marian Regional Medical Center’s verification as a Level II Trauma Center, recognizing its dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients.Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Fadi Saied and Dr. Karl Balch were guests on KGET’s Studio 17 to discuss what it means for Memorial Hospital to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Hip and Knee Replacement.
19Dignity Health Southern California DivisionPacific Central Coast Health CentersKEYT News Channel 3 featured Dr. Scott Robertson, PHC CEO, who discussed the difference between COVID-19 and allergy symptoms.Mark Twain Medical CenterThe Calaveras Enterprise covered the hospital’s Community Needs Report, which shed light on the lack of mental health resources in Calaveras County and the impact on area teens, including increased rates of self-harm, depression, and suicide.Mercy Medical Center Merced Mercy Medical Center Merced’s Interim President Rick Moreland was on hand for the official opening of phase one of the Mission’s new Village of Hope campus in Merced, which was featured in the Merced County Times. Through support from the hospital, Village of Hope will provide housing, food, and respite care for those who have experienced homelessness. Mercy Hospital - Bakersfield The announcement of Mercy Hospital Bakersfield’s new CEO Benjamin “BJ” Predum made local and trade news, including articles in the Bakersfield Californian and Becker’s Hospital Review.St. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton St. Joseph’s was named a 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospital®. The recognition is the hospital’s first time to be among the top-performing teaching hospitals in the U.S. The list is published annually by Fortune and was featured in local and regional outlets.
330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 400Glendale, CA 91203In an effort to help new and expectant parents prepare to welcome their bundle of joy, Dignity Health’s SoCal North Division has launched a pilot campaign to promote the OB service line on Pinterest. A popular social media platform, Pinterest users discover new things and share pins with friends, family, and others with similar interests. The SoCal North Marketing Team’s pins feature helpful parenting tips in both English and Spanish. Topics include understanding baby’s first movements, how to catch up on sleep as a new parent, and conditions to look out for after giving birth, including postpartum depression. The paid media campaign will run throughout the fall season, and the pins can also be accessed year-round by moms-to-be on our Pinterest account.Featuring Tips for Parents on Pinterest