We make a difference in our communities because of our outstanding people. And in January, we recognized ten team members as Employee of the Month for putting our mission into action each day.
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.
Thank you for impacting the lives of those in our community by fulfilling our mission. Our work wouldn’t be possible without you!
Continue reading to see the nomination stories for our January Employees of the Month.
Want to recognize a Kettering Health team member? Click here to nominate them for a Stars award or send them a Shooting Star shout-out!
“Mia demonstrated outstanding dedication and problem-solving skills during a recent chaotic class session where students faced multiple technological challenges. From troubleshooting devices that had been left in the cold to assisting in setting up email accounts and resolving system errors, Mia remained calm and resourceful throughout. Her collaborative spirit with her colleague, Matt, and her ability to engage and guide distracted students ensured that every participant was set up with the necessary tools to succeed. Mia’s unwavering commitment to supporting both the students and the team made the session a success and exemplifies the excellence we strive for at Kettering College. Her positive attitude and teamwork make her truly deserving of this recognition.”
“As an exceptional social worker/care coordinator, Paige consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the highest level of care for her patients. She is not only attentive to the unique needs of each individual but also provides invaluable support and education to their families. Paige works tirelessly to collaborate with outpatient care providers, ensuring patients transition smoothly and have the best chance for continued success. Her expertise in locating dual substance abuse treatment options has become a vital resource for our team. Paige’s dedication to her patients and her willingness to support her colleagues make her an indispensable member of our team, and we are truly grateful for her contributions.”
“Brittany’s exemplary care was evident after a long 12-hour shift when she noticed a patient recovering from a cesarean section who was unable to eat because the cafeteria had closed before dietary orders were entered. Recognizing the patient’s vulnerability, Brittany personally went out after her shift to buy dinner for the patient, ensuring she received nourishment and offering much-needed comfort during a challenging time. This thoughtful act not only addressed the patient’s physical needs but also supported her emotional well-being.
Brittany’s actions reflect a level of care that goes beyond the typical expectations of nursing. She embodies empathy, teamwork, and patient-centered care, fostering an environment where patients feel supported and valued. Her selfless act not only impacted her patient directly but also served as an inspiring example for her colleagues, showing the profound difference that kindness can make in a healthcare setting. Brittany’s dedication to compassionate care truly makes her a deserving candidate for this recognition.”
“One day recently our Cath Lab nurse Cecil took the initiative to jump in and scrub a critical procedure. The patient was very unstable, and he even went to the emergency room to assist with placing the patient on bedside ECMO. When he started here in our lab, he was not a trained scrub, but a while back he volunteered to be trained to help out his team. He always does what’s best for the patient and helps in any way that he can for his team in the lab. He didn’t shy away from what he knew needed to be done that day. He is a valued team member and an amazing nurse. We are lucky to have him. Cecil is always helping his coworkers; he never complains about his assignments and always keeps a positive attitude. If my loved one needed to be taken to the Cath Lab, I would feel comfortable knowing that Cecil is taking care of my loved one.”
“Kyla has consistently gone above and beyond in her role, wearing many hats and performing each task with diligence and a positive attitude. She has seamlessly taken on new projects, all while maintaining her current responsibilities. A prime example of this is when Kyla took on the challenging task of rescheduling 150 patients for a provider with a reduced schedule. In just a week and a half, she reduced the reschedule list to only 14 patients! Additionally, Kyla volunteered to assist with transitioning the surgery schedules to an electronic workflow, helping to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.
Kyla embodies a “team first” mentality and is always seeking ways to support office processes and assist her teammates. Her work ethic and willingness to help have made her an invaluable resource for the Brain & Spine team, and her positive attitude makes her approachable and easy to turn to for guidance. Kyla’s dedication to both the team and the patients truly makes her an exceptional asset to the practice.”
“Jeremy Parker is an incredible blessing to the ENTIRE emergency department. In my 12 years with this network, I have never encountered a more hardworking, kind-hearted, and problem-solving individual. Jeremy consistently goes above and beyond to support both his colleagues and patients, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met with care and compassion.
Recently, he demonstrated his exceptional work ethic by assisting a patient with a lift, running to complete an EKG, and then helping another patient who had become ill, all without hesitation or complaint. His ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure, while always remaining positive, inspires his colleagues to work harder and give more. Jeremy’s contributions truly make a difference to both the team and the patients we serve, and he is more than deserving of this recognition.”
“Mercades demonstrated exceptional calm and professionalism during a recent patient call. When a patient reported chest pain and shortness of breath, Mercades remained composed and reassured the patient, preventing unnecessary anxiety while she promptly called 911. She stayed on the line with the patient until paramedics arrived, providing consistent support and maintaining a calm, soothing tone throughout the call. Mercades’ ability to stay calm under pressure and offer such compassionate care during a critical situation truly highlights her outstanding skill and dedication. She handled the situation with grace and made a significant difference in the patient’s experience.”
“Tina consistently goes above and beyond in providing compassionate care to both patients and their families. A recent example of this was when she noticed a mother in the emergency department who was visibly upset due to her child’s serious condition. Tina took the time to step away from her duties to approach the mother, offering comfort and emotional support during a difficult time. She even took a moment to pray with her, which left the mother visibly moved by Tina’s kindness.
The connection Tina formed with the mother was so genuine that it felt as if they had known each other for years, though they were meeting for the first time. Tina’s ability to offer kindness and compassion without hesitation makes her an invaluable member of our team. Her actions truly reflect the heart of patient-centered care and show the profound impact a simple act of kindness can have.”
“Caitlin is an exceptional supervisor who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a dedication to supporting her team. Recently, when our lab faced a shortage of employees to cover night shifts, Caitlin selflessly took on the responsibility of working those shifts, ensuring her team could maintain their usual schedules. This is not the first time Caitlin has stepped up in such a way, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her in our lab leadership.
Her ability to balance her day-to-day supervisory duties while stepping into a night shift role speaks to her commitment and leadership. By willingly taking on the challenge of working night shifts, Caitlin allowed her staff to maintain their normal schedules, without disruption. Her actions reflect her selflessness and dedication to her team, and she truly embodies the values of leadership, teamwork, and sacrifice. The lab would not be the same without Caitlin, and we are grateful for everything she does to support her colleagues.”
“Damique is a consistent positive force on the MS5 unit, and we are fortunate to have her on our team. She is frequently recognized by patients for the exceptional care she provides, going above and beyond in everyday tasks. Recently, a retired police officer who is legally blind thanked Damique for her thoughtful assistance, as she took the time to apply condiments to his food and carefully directed him so he could enjoy his meal. Rather than simply dropping off the tray, Damique ensured the patient was ready to eat before leaving the room, exemplifying her dedication to providing personalized care.
Her actions, which may seem small but make a big difference, resonate with both patients and staff. On MS5, Damique’s commitment to the Kettering Health Mission of Caring is evident in every interaction. Her positive example encourages her peers to follow suit, ensuring patients receive excellent care during dining times and beyond. The impact of her thoughtful actions reminds us all that small details can greatly improve a patient’s experience, and we are lucky to have Damique as part of our team at Soin.”