News About Kindred People and Places
Here are some current happenings at Kindred facilities across the country.
Naomi "Ginger" Stewart
Nursing Supervisor
Kindred Hospital Kansas City
"Ginger" has been honored by Kansas City's business magazine,
Ingram's, as one of the Heroes in Healthcare for 2007. Winners
are chosen based on how they exemplify patient-focused healthcare.
"It was truly a very special honor for me and our facility. This
is my 38th year in this building and every year becomes more special and
reminds me why God has placed me here. In a letter to the editor to thank
them for this selection I had to remind them that sometimes it is the
people you work with, that have supported you, mentored you and at times
believed in you when you didn't believe in yourself that helped mold me
in to the nurse selected for this very special reward."
A typical day for Ginger begins before 6 a.m. and ends, “on a good
day,” around 8 p.m. Stewart often stays on duty after her shift
is over to help the remaining nurses. “I just can’t see them
struggling by themselves, so I help them if there is a shortage,”
Ginger said. On days of inclement weather, she brings an extra set of
scrubs in her car in case she has to camp out at the hospital.
Ginger is as well known for her patience as for her hard work. “I
am frequently called into situations with belligerent, abusive families
to quiet the storm,” she said. “Jesus gives me the strength.”
Her ambition in coming years is to teach, preferably outside of the classroom.
“I would want to teach in a clinical situation,” she said.
“I love what I do. I want to instill that in the younger nurses.”
Adopt-A-Grandparent Program Bridges Generations at Hillcrest
By Pam Wall
Community Liaison
Fitchburg, MA --- If it’s the second Thursday of the month, then
it’s Adopt-a-Grandparent day at Hillcrest Nursing Center. Once a
month, 28 students from the 5th grade class of Mrs. McCue at St. Bernard’s
Elementary School visit the center and their adopted "grandparent."
They may make a craft project, or play a game of bingo. The program runs
from October to June. Then the following Christmas, the students –
who have moved on to junior high – return to visit their adopted
grandparents.
The program started at Hillcrest eight years ago and is coordinated by
Hillcrest Activities Director Sue Canody and United Way coordinator Barbara
McGowen. "The whole idea is develop a bond between these groups,"
Canody said.
At their final get-together in June, there’s a pizza party and ice
cream, and the resident "grandparents" give each child a plant
to tend as a reminder of their time together.
Deacon Jesus Lucio
Environmental Service Aide
Kindred Hospital San Antonio
Here at Kindred
Hospital San Antonio some may see this angel of grace as just a 61-year-old
retiree and former employee. However, Deacon Jesus Lucio’s spirit
of giving is still very visible in our patient care areas and hallways.
When most people think of retirement, they think of spending more time
with their family, traveling, sleeping/relaxing more, fulfilling hobbies,
or just doing whatever. But not Deacon Jesus or "Jesse," as
many of us still call him. Jesse retired from the Environmental Services
Department last September after more than six years as an Environmental
Service Aide, and he has returned as one of our most called upon chaplains.
During his employment with the hospital, Jesse earned his accreditation
as a Deacon of the Catholic faith. This has been a blessing for Jesse
and his church, but also for our hospital as our patient population is
predominately Spanish speaking and Catholic. Having lost his wife to cancer
in 2006, Jesse’s humble spirit and faith have never once wavered.
He has continued to visit, talk and pray with the patients, families and
employees, regardless of race, creed or faith. He also facilitates special
services during holidays for patients, families and employees.
If you're looking for proof that there really are angels among us, you
don't need to look for wings and halos. Jesus is here.
Denise O'Connell, LCSW, CCM
Clinical Coordinator, Brain Injury Unit
Brewer Rehab and Living Center
Pictured here is LCSW Denise O'Connell of Brewer Rehab and Living Center
(Brewer, ME), with a patient.
Brewer, ME --- Denise O’Connell, LCSW, CCM, the Clinical Coordinator
of the Brain Injury Unit at Brewer Rehab and Living Center, has been awarded
the 2007 Social Work Leader Award by the Society for Social Work Leadership
in Healthcare. She is a member of the NASW, the Case Management Society
of America, the Brain Injury Association of Maine and is in the preceptor
program for social work students at the University of Maine.
Her coworkers nominated her and described her as "very organized,
supportive of staff" and someone who "has worked in this setting
for over 15 years and maintains her professionalism always." She
is also very diplomatic when advocating for her patients and schedules
monthly inservice education to increase their knowledge about topics related
to brain injury.
Denise is also described as innovative and creative in meeting the needs
of her patients with the unique ability to bring out the best in everyone.
Furthermore, Denise is a positive role model and true example of what
a social worker should be.
