When employees consistently demonstrate our Kettering Health values, they deserve to be recognized. And that’s exactly what our November Employees of the Month have done. Continue reading to see their nomination stories.
Employee of the Month recognizes the people you love to work with. The winners exhibit Kettering Health’s Standards of Behavior, live out our values, and demonstrate the healing presence practices outlined in Called to Care.
Below are photos and descriptions of why these 12 Kettering Health team members were recognized as November Employees of the Month.
Congratulations and keep up the great work!
Elizabeth Bour – Kettering Network Services
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health values of being caring and collaborative in her work
“I would like to nominate Liz for Employee of the Month not because of any special project that she did, but rather for all the good work she does EVERY DAY. Our team has been operating short-staffed for quite a while and Liz has been performing the work of three billers. Though I know the stress of the situation, she continues to shine like a bright light. Her positive outlook and kind words are there for everyone, every day–even when she admits it’s a tough day. I can’t imagine another person more deserving of this recognition for Employee of the Month. Liz, I thank you and can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you!! Thanks for sticking it out with us!!”
Mary Nester – Kettering Health Hamilton
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health values of being caring and collaborative in her work
“Mary volunteered to come into the office on a scheduled vacation day to make a splint for a child with special needs who could not tolerate a cast for his broken arm. Mary routinely modifies her schedule; stays late, comes in early, comes in on off days, and works through lunch to accommodate patient’s scheduling needs. She is highly flexible, traveling between offices to see patients, and she actively seeks to make sure patients can be seen at the nearest location and in the most timely manner, to be most convenient for them. Mary’s dedication to her patients and ensuring they receive the best and most prompt care highlights her devotion to serving our community. She lives out Kettering Health’s core values and sets a shining example for our department of the care and compassion we want to provide to those we serve.”
Dasha Caines – Kettering Health Washington Township
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health value of being collaborative in her work
“Dasha is a joy to work with! I love that she is willing to help change bedsheets, ambulate, or toilet patients and doesn’t make it seem like those tasks are just a nursing assistant’s job. She also communicates well with her co-workers and makes them feel appreciated, which promotes a healthy and positive work environment. Thanks, Dasha, for all your hard work. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and you are a fantastic nurse!”
“Dasha is frequently recognized by her patients in leader rounding. She has been described by patients as being knowledgeable, efficient, and delivering care in a swift manner.”
Erica Caserta – Kettering Health Main Campus
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health values of being innovative and caring in her work
“We had a patient pass away in CCU who was a veteran. Erica brought in a flag to lay over the patient to honor him. She shows support for her patients, families, and her co-workers.”
“Erica and her husband are Air Force veterans. She is a great role model in CCU acting as a charge nurse, precepting others, and being a resource when called upon. Erica brought in her flag from home knowing a patient was not doing well and was a veteran himself. While he was passing, Erica and fellow nursing staff laid the American flag over this patient to honor his service to our country. She also folded the flag and sent it down with him to the morgue. Erica has voiced that we should be actively asking our patients or families of service in an effort to honor all of our veterans in this way. Erica goes above and beyond her role as a nurse to support our patients and their families, especially in the darkest of times. She is encouraging and supportive of her peers and is a great example of an employee helping heal our community inside and out each day.”
Stella Freeman – Kettering College
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health value of being caring in her work
“I was recently working with a student who was telling me her life story. Throughout this story, she told me the various things that had happened in her life that weren’t aiding in her success. That all changed when she came to Kettering College because according to her, we were the only ones who would give her a second chance. She told me stories of various professors and staff members that helped get her to where she is today (graduating with her bachelor’s degree in sonography), but the one who stood out was Stella Freeman. She told me that Stella had made a direct impact on her life and had been someone that encouraged her throughout her hardships. Stella frequently prayed for this student, the student’s family, and even sent her birthday and Christmas cards. The student said, ‘Stella really opened my eyes to how people here at Kettering College care for me.’ Stella has made a lifelong impact on this student’s life. No matter where this student ends up, she will always have fond memories of Kettering College and I believe this is a direct result of Stella Freeman.”
Michelle McDonough – Kettering Physician Network
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health values of being caring and innovative in her work
“There was an upset patient who was unable to get their medication due to the pharmacy not carrying it. Michelle was training someone who was speaking to this upset patient and the patient ended up hanging up on the trainee. Michelle looked into the recent telephone encounter and could see what other pharmacy the patient wanted this to go to. Michelle called that pharmacy to see what could be done and was informed someone could give verbal authorization for this. However, the primary care provider and nurse were gone for the day. Michelle reached out to me to see if I could give verbal authorization to the pharmacist on the phone and eventually, permission was granted. Michelle called the patient and let her know of this update regarding her medication. Michelle went above and beyond to help this upset patient. She truly cares about people and does her best!”
Rio Blomquist – Kettering Health Miamisburg
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health values of being competent and collaborative in her work
“Rio goes above and beyond every day. She does not hesitate to help a co-worker in GI, OR, sterile processing, angiography, or wherever needed. She is the embodiment of helpful hands and is always assisting, on call, coming in, answering questions on the phone, and doing anything that is needed. The entire surgical and GI team knows this and are better because of Rio and her everyday assistance, call, and knowledge. I truly do not know what we would do without her!!”
Pauline Johnson – Kettering Health Greene Memorial
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health values of being caring and competent in her work
“Pauline has been a true asset to Kettering Health Greene Memorial. Every day, Pauline shows up with a positive attitude, and the will to go above and beyond for our patients. Anytime the patients need a nurse, ask a question, or even need a glass of water, she is on top of the patient’s need. Patients often tell me how much they love having a good conversation with Pauline and how much it makes them feel better to know even the housekeeper cares about their well-being. When I think of KH Greene Memorial, I think of the wonderful team and caring staff that we have, and Pauline has always been in that picture of the care that we give here. In the last five years I’ve been here, I have always been inspired by Pauline’s work ethic. I used to be a nurse aide on the floor and worked closely with the housekeeping staff. No task was too small or too big for Pauline, she always has a smile on her face, and is always willing to jump in and help. I aspire to be a wonderful and hard-working woman like Pauline in my career. She leads the way for our team because just a simple smile and conversation goes a long way.”
Stephen Couch – Soin Medical Center
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health values of being caring and collaborative in his work
“This evening I had a tough case of preparing a patient who had passed away so the daughter from out-of-state could say her goodbyes. Stephen not only retrieved a hospital bed and brought it to the green room, but he stayed with me and prepared the patient as if it was his job. Stephen showed his compassion and dedication to our mission and went above and beyond for the supervision team. He did way more than he had to and I am eternally grateful for his kindness and always helping me when I need extra sets of hands. Stephen, I hope you get this award. You are absolutely amazing, and I thank you for all you do day in and day out to help myself and the team. Stephen constantly goes above and beyond to help myself and others. There has never been a time that I have asked him for help, and he does not come to the rescue.”
Allison Saurber – Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health values of being caring and trustworthy in her work
“Allison takes time to meet with patients to help ease their worries. A psychotic delusional patient believed that police have disposable coffins for children and that the police are preventing her from doing her work. Allison took an hour out of her day to sit with the patient and help her understand that we are all here to help her. She may not have been willing to take her medications after this interaction, but Allison took the time to build trust with the patient. Allison is also willing to accompany groups outside in the courtyard or the gym to help the staff feel safe. She brings issues forward so we can problem-solve as a team. She works to make sure the patients are safe and respected, and each staff member feels supported. She is the prime example of a supportive leader on campus.”
“Allison, or Sarge, as she likes to be called, is the epitome of what Kettering Health wants and needs from their employees. She is thorough in her job and is a good leader for her people. She is easy to approach and helps out wherever she can. The main thing that makes Allison so great is that she makes everyone at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center feel safe when she’s here. Allison is kind and makes everyone smile, but she is also firm, and we never need to worry about our safety.”
Josef Marshall – Kettering Health Dayton
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health value of being collaborative in his work
“Josef has picked up extra days and goes above and beyond to help the Materials department keep our ship running. He helped me get additional supplies from another facility when we were out.”
“He has done an exemplary job taking over as inventory control. He has been learning on-the-go and has yet to make any mistakes or leave us wanting for any supplies. On at least two occasions, he has worked 12 consecutive days as we try to get him out of the weekend rotation. And he has done all of this while keeping an incredibly positive attitude. He just picked up a second shift this Sunday due to a call-off. He’s really stepped up during this time. I think he is beyond deserving of recognition.”
“Josef has been extremely instrumental in the success of the Materials department at KH Dayton during this transition period. The department, and even the managers helping fill in have looked to Josef for guidance on making sure every department has the supplies needed to take care of our patients. His calm demeanor puts everyone at ease. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our Materials team!”
Thomas Kroner – Kettering Health Troy
Recognized for living out our Kettering Health value of being caring in his work
“Tom was at Kettering Health Piqua finishing his last stop for the day. Tom overheard a couple in the emergency department that had just been released discussing how they would get to the Enterprise car rental location in Sidney. The couple’s car was totaled on I-75 and they were from out of state. Tom happened to overhear their conversation and offered to take them to get the rental car. It is people like Tom that contribute to the greatness and success of Kettering Health. This was a great act of kindness. Tom displayed compassion and kindness without making it a big deal to go the extra mile.”