2012

November 2012

Dorothy (Dot) Grady – Emergency Room
A coworker nominated Dorothy.

Recently Dot was out with her family and friends at a restaurant. A patron of the restaurant sustained a fall and Dot stepped in to offer aid and assistance to the injured person. Dot didn’t have to step in but she did because her CARING Values are something not only displayed here at work, but in her personal life too. Here is a letter that the husband of the injured woman wrote:

This is a one-month follow-up on your Good Samaritan intervention at the Cottage Restaurant. My wife, despite some health issues appears to have been lucky enough to avoid major damage. She is still having significant pain in various places but specific problems are improving. Your efforts at the scene are remembered with great appreciation. I was quite willing to defer to your experienced leadership. It has been a long time since this 79-year old physician had to deal with a trauma patient. It is with grateful appreciation that I write this letter and hope that at a future date I can provide you with a pleasant, quiet dinner since you were deprived of that on that particular evening.

Maria Curlej – Trauma
A coworker nominated Maria.

Maria is currently working in the Trauma Department as a CRNP but while an employee on 8 Ashman she has some incredible acts of CARING and we’d like to nominate her for a Gold Star. These are just a few examples of the CARING acts that Maria has done for patients and coworkers. We were thankful to have her on our floor. It was a pleasure knowing and working with her.

• We had a trauma patient in his late 20’s and he was here for an extended length of stay. He lived about one hour away. The patient had small children and when they would come to visit they would stay for a couple of hours. Maria brought crafts for them to do when they were here and then when they would be done with the crafts, the patient would hang them in his room. He was very appreciative of this and it actually brought tears to his eyes when he talked about it.
• We had a patient who had problems following gastric bypass surgery. She was uncomfortable with the bathing options so Maria bought her some sprays and shampoos that made her feel more comfortable.
• One of her patients was elderly and liked to play cards. Maria made it a point to find the time to sit with him and play cards. His face lit up!
• Another patient was on 8 Ashman for an extended length of stay. In the end he passed away. We got to know him very well. He liked cars. Maria bought model cars for him to work on to pass the time away. He eventually got bored with the model cars and then she bought him birdhouses to paint. If you were special to him, he painted one for you. Maria helped him feel special by allowing him to give small tokens of appreciation to the staff for the care he received.
• An employee was having some medical issues requiring her to lose weight. This employee was very successful in losing 20 pounds. Maria scheduled a makeover appointment for her to encourage her and make her feel good about herself. This employee is so excited and talked about the makeover all week.

Diane Kurchak – Nursing Administration
A patient’s wife nominated Diane.

My husband was admitted to GS5. He started to have arm and chest pain and was having trouble breathing. A rapid response was called. Diane Kurchak, a nursing supervisor, came to his room. They then transferred him to 8 Rose. Diane was there with him and a code blue was called. She stayed by his side the entire time. I can’t say enough about how caring and compassionate Diane was. She was so comforting to me, my husband and our son. She remained with us throughout the whole ordeal, keeping us informed through every moment. Diane’s presence made such a difference for us while we were going through a life or death situation. She went above and beyond the line of duty. We can’t thank Diane enough for everything she did. Just to let you know what an impact Diane had on my husband – I remembered that Diane was wearing a blue outfit that day. When my husband was finally able to talk about what he remembered he told us, “I do remember that a lady in blue was with me and I remember she held my hand.”

September 2012

QUARTERLY GOLD STAR WINNER
Cortney Benton, RN - 8 Ashman.
Cortney received two Gold Stars this year.

#1: I want to thank all of you for the help, kindness and concern you have shown to me and other patients. It takes special people to be able to deal with all the problems and complications day in and day out. Big smiles, listening ears and big hearts mean the world to someone that is sick and worried. Cortney Benton in particular was just wonderful. She was an angel. I had the privilege to have this magnificent and caring nurse several times throughout my stay. She was always in our room checking on me and my roommate. She was always going above and beyond to care for our needs. Not only was she extremely caring and attentive but for being such a young nurse she really was incredibly smart. She took time just to sit at the edge of my bed to explain everything to me about the procedures and the different medications. This made much of my anxiety disappear. I still think back to this young girl and I really don’t think she knows how much she made a difference in my life or my roommate’s life. When my roommate was discharged he looked at me and said, “You know we were two of the luckiest guys in this hospital because we had the most wonderful nurse there could be.” She was always there to check and see how things were going. I knew I was in good hands with this nurse. I hope Cortney receives recognition and knows how much she made an impact on my life. I routinely play Powerball and I mentioned to Cortney that it was killing me not to be able to go and buy tickets. On her day off she went and bought me some Powerball tickets just to see me smile. This girl truly makes a difference in your hospital and I want you to know what a magnificent employee you have working for you. For this I will always be grateful. Cortney and the staff are wonderful and I will be your best advertiser. My mouth runs all the time and I will tell people that if they are at Conemaugh Memorial they will be in very good hands.

#2: Our Dad was an inpatient on 8 Ashman. Over his stay, my Dad and our family had the privilege and honor to have Cortney as his nurse several days throughout his stay. I don’t even have words to describe this young nurse. I’ve never seen my Dad light up as he did when she would walk in. He referred to Cortney as his “little buddy”. The family can’t thank her enough for what she has done for our Dad. He is being treated for atrial fibrillation and was having trouble. Dad won’t speak up because he is afraid of bothering people. When Cortney walked into his room she instantly knew something was wrong. She assessed my Dad, called the doctors and called us. We believe my Dad pulled through because of her quick assessment. But beyond that, Cortney really learned about my Dad. She knew that it bothered him not to be shaved and how much he loved his coffee in the morning. Every morning she would shave him and have a cup of coffee ready for him and she knew exactly how he liked his coffee fixed. I know these are just little things but to have a nurse do these little things for a patient means more than you will ever know. She left such an impact on him and I’m sure she does this with every patient she has. She was so welcoming as soon as she entered the room each time with a bright smiling face. She always asked Dad and us if we had questions. Every day my Dad asked if Cortney was working. He told us he knew he was in good care with Cortney and he felt safe with her as his nurse. Cortney is outstanding and is truly compassionate with her patients. She goes above and beyond in her profession. We want to let her know how much we appreciated having her as our Dad’s nurse.

Marion DiMauro - Wound Clinic
A patient nominated Marion.
While I was at the Wound Clinic at Conemaugh Miners Medical Center in Hastings having my wound checked and cleaned I became very dizzy and lightheaded. Marion picked up on this immediately and called for Dr. Shayesteh. She held my hand and tried to calm me down. She visited me several times while I was in the ER and she even called me in the hospital that night just to make sure I was OK. She made me feel safe and treated me like a family member at a time that was very scary for me. She went above and beyond and she is the epitome of a Gold Star employee.

Dr. Kamran Shayesteh
A patient nominated Dr. Shayesteh.
While I was at the Wound Clinic at Conemaugh Miners Medical Center in Hastings having my wound checked and cleaned I became very dizzy and lightheaded. The nurse called for Dr. Shayesteh. He stayed with me while the nurse went for a wheelchair. He called ahead to the ER and even went as far as to come with me to the ER, explain everything to the ER doctor and he visited with me several times to assure me that I was in good hands and would be fine. He exemplifies what I would hope every doctor would be like, caring and compassionate! 

Ron Allison – Security
An employee nominated Ron.
Security Officer Ron Allison encountered two visitors having a confrontation. Officer Allison, putting his own safety aside, confronted the aggressor and detained him for the Johnstown Police. Ron went above and beyond by putting another person’s safety above his own. This surely reflects our CARING values as Ron’s compassion to help others most likely saved someone from being seriously injured. Thank you Ron!

Emily Edminston – 10 Rose
A patient’s daughter nominated Emily.
My father was a patient on 10 Rose. Many great patient care staff cared for him however one person stands out. My father and I would especially like to thank Emily Edminston. I have a background in nursing and I greatly appreciated the time and consideration she gave to my father. Despite many questions, Emily was always patient and compassionate to my father. She explained, multiple times, the details of his ongoing treatments. She was always prompt in responding to his requests. My father was completely comfortable with Emily knowing that he could count on her. What I found exceptional was her compassionate outgoing attitude. She never once acted as if this was just a job. Emily showed that nursing was her true vocation. You have a great member on your team. We wanted to make sure you know what an asset she is. Thank you!

Kathy Wess – Nursing Administration
A coworker nominated Kathy.
I am blessed to have Kathy as a coworker. My Mom and Dad were both in very poor health and were residents of different nursing care homes. Every day I speak to Kathy about my family and her family. We always say that every day we ask the Lord for strength to get through the difficult times and to learn from them. In December my Mother’s health took a turn for the worse. In our conversation I shared the news with Kathy. Kathy told me that despite their frail health I needed to somehow get my parents together to say their goodbyes before it was too late. Since I am unable to drive, Kathy volunteered to help me on my mission to bring my parents together for one last time. On February 22nd Kathy took me and we got my Dad and took him to see my Mother at Arbutus. On March 1st, my Mother went to be with the Lord. Every day I thank Kathy. She gave up her own time to give a gift to my family that will never be forgotten. I have a picture of my parents taken on that day. In difficult times we are blest. Kathy Wess is a very special person and she is a blessing in my life.

Jamie Eckenrod – Rose 6
A patient nominated Jamie.
I had to write to tell you how impressed I and my wife were with your employee Jamie Eckenrod. Jamie was a very caring and compassionate care giver. Any time I had a question or my wife had a question, Jamie was polite and very helpful with answers. She never made excuses or made us feel as though we were bothering her. And, when we had questions she couldn’t answer, she went out of her way to help us - to the point of going home and researching our questions. She came back with some very helpful information. She treated me with respect and she always had a smile on her face along with sincerity in her voice. My wife also said she is so grateful for the help Jamie gave me and how she constantly went out of her way. R6 is lucky to have her as an employee!

Eileen Fiorina – Diabetes Clinic
A coworker nominated Eileen.
While Eileen was at Conemaugh Miners Medical Center, a patient informed her that it was her 60th wedding anniversary. The dietary manager at Miner’s was off sick so Eileen took it upon herself to arrange a celebration for the patient and her husband. Eileen arranged for a special dinner. With her permission, she borrowed the nurse manager’s small round table and put a white cloth with fancy napkins and flowers on the table. Eileen found glasses with the letter “M” etched on them (for Miner’s). The patient’s last name happened to start with “M”. With the nursing supervisor’s permission Eileen gave the couple the two glasses as a memento of their special anniversary. Eileen obtained permission from the couple and Administration for a photo to be taken. The nursing supervisor took the pictures and they are submitting them to the local paper. We want thank Eileen for going out of her way to make this couple’s 60th Anniversary a special day despite the wife being a patient in the hospital.

Stephanie Nolan – MS7
Stephanie had two separate nominations. One nomination was by a patient and one by a patient’s family member.
#1: I want to take this opportunity again to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you for all your excellent and devoted care that you gave my mother this. It is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered. Without a doubt you are the best nurse my mother has ever had and she was very fortunate to be under your care. Many nurses could learn a lot from you. It wasn’t only your medical knowledge that impressed us. It was your personable side that you showed my mother and our family. It made her hospital stay more comfortable. I also want to thank you for your words of encouragement and concern about me as a caregiver. It meant a lot to me. Again, I want to thank you for everything. You are a wonderful, caring person along with being an exceptional and trusting nurse.
#2: I was recently a patient in your hospital. As an employer and manager I have dealt with many employees and recognize the efforts they put forth. Though I was in great distress one of your employees deserves special recognition. It is Stephanie Nolan. Stephanie performed her duties tirelessly. I hope the organization will recognize her duties. I can’t express enough the appreciation I have for her to keep me comfortable and that my medical needs were met.

Cortney Benton – 8 Ashman
A patient’s family nominated Cortney. This is Cortney’s 2nd Gold Star.

Our Dad was an inpatient on 8 Ashman. Over his stay, my Dad and our family had the privilege and honor to have Cortney as his nurse several days throughout his stay. I don’t even have words to describe this young nurse. I’ve never seen my Dad light up as he did when she would walk in. He referred to Cortney as his “little buddy”. The family can’t thank her enough for what she has done for our Dad. He is being treated for atrial fibrillation and was having trouble. Dad won’t speak up because he is afraid of bothering people. When Cortney walked into his room she instantly knew something was wrong. She assessed my Dad, called the doctors and called us. We believe my Dad pulled through because of her quick assessment. But beyond that, Cortney really learned about my Dad. She knew that it bothered him not to be shaved and how much he loved his coffee in the morning. Every morning she would shave him and have a cup of coffee ready for him and she knew exactly how he liked his coffee fixed. I know these are just little things but to have a nurse do these little things for a patient means more than you will ever know. She left such an impact on him and I’m sure she does this with every patient she has. She was so welcoming as soon as she entered the room each time with a bright smiling face. She always asked Dad and us if we had questions. Every day my Dad asked if Cortney was working. He told us he knew he was in good care with Cortney and he felt safe with her as his nurse. Cortney is outstanding and is truly compassionate with her patients. She goes above and beyond in her profession. We want to let her know how much we appreciated having her as our Dad’s nurse.

Mike Weaver – MS7
Mike had three separate nominations from various staff.

#1: Nurse Aid Mike Weaver was making his rounds on the floor of MS7 and saw a patient choking. He immediately called for help. I and another RN went into the room and found the patient to be cyanotic and gasping for air. We called a rapid response. We were able to stand the patient up and Mike did the Heimlich maneuver. A large piece of meat was expelled from the patient. Mike truly saved this patient’s life. Afterwards the patient shook Mike’s hand. It was awesome.

#2: Mike deserves a Gold Star for saving a patient’s life. The patient was choking on a piece of meat. If Mike had not been rounding I don’t think the patient’s outcome would have been so good. The staff has all rallied behind Mike for saving the patient’s life and hope he can be recognized.

#3: A rapid response was called on a male patient who was choking. Nursing Assistant Mike Weaver performed the Heimlich maneuver on the patient. By the time we arrived from the rapid response team the patient was talking with a pulse ox of 98%. Mike stepped in and save the patient’s life. Thanks for the strong work!

Mandy Shaffer – E4
A patient’s family nominated Mandy.

On the night of my Dad’s 71st birthday he ended up in the ER with chest pain and shortness of breath. He has recently been in and out of MMC for cardiovascular procedures and thought he was on the mend. Needless to say he was unhappy with the setback requiring hospitalization. All of his caregivers have been wonderful but one employee went the extra step for her patients. Her name is Mandy Shaffer and she is a nurse’s aide on E4. My Dad jokingly told her he’d rather be fishing than to be in the hospital. The following day Mandy showed up in my Dad’s room with a gift bag that had a blue “birthday boy” ribbon in a birthday cupcake, a lollipop, Easter treat and a toy fishing rod and plastic fish. It is not that she went out and spent her own money as to why I am nominating her. I am nominating her because she always had a smile, she was very personable and she put my Dad at ease. She was compassionate and always put her patient’s first. She could have easily forgotten about my Dad when she clocked out. She was respectful and polite and innovative. By giving him the toy fishing rod she took his mind to a place he’d rather be. She never made excuses. I never heard her say she couldn’t do something and of course she had a Great Attitude. My Dad’s words were, “Boy that Mandy, she is something else.” She didn’t have to do what she did. It never was expected but my family just wanted to say THANK YOU to her!

Eric Snyder – GS4/Palliative Care
Eric received three separate nominations from one patient and two patient families.

#1: I would like to acknowledge the care and compassion that was shown to my mother while she was a patient on GS4 Palliative Care. Although all the staff treated her well, one nurse aide stood out and treated my Mom as if she were family. He was Eric Snyder. Eric would enter her room with a huge smile for her and the family. He always acknowledged the family and talked to us and listened to our concerns. Eric would hug my Mom and he always spoke so gently to her. Even though she could no longer speak, her smile said it all. He always made a point to look at her when he passed her room and always took the time to come in and talk with us when we were upset. Eric made us feel as if our Mom was the most important patient on the unit. With his care, concern, compassion and great attitude he made her passing a little easier to accept. Eric should be recognized for his caring attitude toward patients and families. We will never forget him and the excellent care he care our Mom.

#2: I was recently a patient in Palliative Care. It was a rather lengthy and painful stay. The doctors were having a difficult time finding the right combination of medications to ease my pain. All the staff went above and beyond however one nursing assistant stands out in my heart and mind. That gentleman is Eric Snyder. Eric always had a smile on his face. Even though I was a number on an ID band, Eric treated me like a person. Please recognize Eric for his utmost professionalism and wonderful attitude. If I ever have to be admitted to your hospital again I’ve already told my physician that I want it to be GS4.

#3: I would like to nominate Eric Snyder for a Gold Star. He is an outstanding individual and a credit to Conemaugh. I met Eric when my Dad was a patient on GS4/Palliative Care. My Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and his health was declining rapidly. Prior to transfer to GS4, Dad decided to stop all treatments and allow nature to take its course. Upon his arrival to GS4, Dad was depressed and unsure of what was happening. He was lucky enough to have a wonderful caretaker in Eric Snyder. Everyone was nice but Eric stood out. My family tried to spend as much time as possible with Dad but in the times that we could not be there, we found solace in Eric. When my Dad had trouble sleeping, Eric would come and sit with him and they would talk. Eric would help him relax. He spent hours taking care of him and I feel he is the reason my Dad reached acceptance. One day my Dad said, “Eric and I talked last night and I came to the decision that I have lived a very full life and that I am ready to move on. I have no regrets.” By the time my Dad was discharged from Palliative Care, he had a new outlook. With Eric’s help, Dad was able to find peace. We are all eternally indebted to Eric and I know my family and I will never forget all he did for my Dad and for us as well. I have seen Eric interact with other patients and his caring and compassionate attitude glimmers through. I watched him sing to an elderly woman while she ate. He shows true compassion. When he sees someone suffering, he suffers with them. He does not pity, he works to ease their pain and every time he is with a patient he devotes his whole self to that patient. Most importantly Eric uses his smile as a bridge to connect with the patient. It is the first thing every person sees and it helps the patient feel at home and the families feel at ease. Eric is an excellent example of all the qualities a health care worker should have. It is apparent to all that know him that he is committed to Excellence. Every Patient. Every Time.

Dorothy Peterson – CPG Billing
A patient nominated Dorothy
I just want to tell you what a wonderful employee you have in Dorothy Peterson. Throughout the last eight to ten years our insurance has changed multiple times because of my husband’s job. Sometimes getting medical bills processed was a challenge. We’ve dealt with Dorothy in the past and she has always been such a comfort. In my opinion, Dorothy has always done her best in going above and beyond the call of duty to make things easier for me to get to the bottom of the problem, get it solved and get the bill paid.

My husband passed away at Memorial Medical Center in September as the result of an accident. I had bills that needed taken care of. Being in a state of grief, I was unable to cope with some of the details. Dorothy graciously offered to help me figure things out. She told me not to worry about it, that she would be more than happy to help me. At a time when your heart is broken there are no words to express the way Dorothy stepped in and helped ease my pain. She gave me one less thing to worry about. I just want to say thank you and let you know what a great job she does. I’m sure I am not the only patient who has had this experience with her. Dorothy is a wonderful asset to Memorial Medical Center. She is a wonderful and compassionate lady. God Bless You always.

Angela Miller – Meyersdale Home Health
A coworker nominated Angela
I want to nominate Angela for a Gold Star. Alone, Angela would deserve this award just based on her positive attitude and respect for her coworkers. However, this Christmas she truly went above and beyond. Angie had an elderly patient and when she asked him what his plans were for Christmas he mentioned that he and his wife would not be exchanging presents as they were experiencing a financial crunch due to his health issues. Angie was concerned about the couple and wanted them to have a Merry Christmas. Angie purchased some gifts for the couple. She also purchased food items so they could prepare a holiday feast. She also bought them a fruit basket. Angie knew that her church had a program to assist people in financial need. Angie asked the church if they could purchase heating oil for the patient. The week after Christmas they delivered 100 gallons of oil. Angie is very busy with her job and two small children, but she still took the time to help this patient and his wife. I personally spoke to the patient and his wife. They told me that they felt Angie was a “God-send” and they appreciate everything she did for them. It meant more than they could say. This is just one example of Angie’s compassion towards her patients. When one of her patients recently passed away, Angie took a meal to the grieving spouse. She has taken flowers to her patients who have been admitted to nursing homes and she has taken food baskets to patients at Thanksgiving. Angie consistently lives our vision and values. She is a true asset to the hospital and the Meyersdale office!

Ron Allison – Security
An employee nominated Ron
Security Officer Ron Allison encountered two visitors having a confrontation. Officer Allison, putting his own safety aside, confronted the aggressor and detained him for the Johnstown Police. Ron went above and beyond by putting another person’s safety above his own. This surely reflects our CARING values as Ron’s compassion to help others most likely saved someone from being seriously injured. Thank you Ron!

Seated L-R: Karen Carpenter, Angie Frampton and Cortney Benton
Standing L-R: Dan Pyle and Jim Love

Cortney Benton – 8 Ashman
A patient nominated Cortney

I want to thank all of you for the help, kindness and concern you have shown to me and other patients. It takes special people to be able to deal with all the problems and complications day in and day out. Big smiles, listening ears and big hearts mean the world to someone that is sick and worried.

Cortney Benton in particular was just wonderful. She was an angel. I had the privilege to have this magnificent and caring nurse several times throughout my stay. She was always in our room checking on me and my roommate. She was always going above and beyond to care for our needs. Not only was she extremely caring and attentive but for being such a young nurse she really was incredibly smart. She took time just to sit at the edge of my bed to explain everything to me about the procedures and the different medications. This made much of my anxiety disappear. I still think back to this young girl and I really don’t think she knows how much she made a difference in my life or my roommate’s life. When my roommate was discharged he looked at me and said, “You know we were two of the luckiest guys in this hospital because we had the most wonderful nurse there could be.” She was always there to check and see how things were going. I knew I was in good hands with this nurse. I hope Cortney receives recognition and knows how much she made an impact on my life. I routinely play Powerball and I mentioned to Cortney that it was killing me not to be able to go and buy tickets. On her day off she went and bought me some Powerball tickets just to see me smile. This girl truly makes a difference in your hospital and I want you to know what a magnificent employee you have working for you. For this I will always be grateful. Cortney and the staff are wonderful and I will be your best advertiser. My mouth runs all the time and I will tell people that if they are at Conemaugh Memorial they will be in very good hands.

Karen Carpenter – Interventional Radiology
An employee from Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center nominated Karen.

I am nominating Karen Carpenter for a Gold Star because she demonstrated a wonderful team spirit and with good cheer went out of her way to help me with a problem here at Meyersdale. We needed a piece of tubing with a stop code for one of our patients who had a nasal J-Tube. She took time out of her busy day to listen to my dilemma and research what was available in her department. At her suggestion, I looked on the product web site to view the tubing she had available in IR at Memorial. Unfortunately we could not use the product. When I told Karen, she took more time out of her busy schedule to assist me. She made calls and checked with numerous departments throughout Memorial to track down my tubing. During all of her interactions with me she displayed Conemaugh’s CARING Values. She was very respectful of me, my dilemma, and the patient. She displayed a positive attitude throughout the process. She was also very kind and compassionate and always put the patient first. Thank Karen for reaching out and bringing us together as a team in the Conemaugh Health System.

Dan Pyle – Vascular Lab
A Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center employee nominated Dan.

I want to recognize Dan for exemplifying the CARING Values of the Conemaugh Health System. Dan graciously agreed to accommodate the needs of the medical staff and patients of Meyersdale Medical Center due to the fact that a vascular technician was on vacation the week of Christmas. Dan always has told us that if we ever needed coverage to let him know and he would help. When I approached Dan with our dilemma, without hesitation he made the commitment to be here at Meyersdale when we needed him. Dan could be the poster child for our Values:

Always Put the Patient First: Dan indicated he’d be here for any patient in need.

Respect: Respect is earned and not given out. Dan sets the example of quality work. Patients come first. He doesn’t given excuses and no job is out of the question for him. He earns respect.

Innovation: Due to his strengths, Dan is always investigating ways to make the quality of examination better and makes sure that no patients are turned away.

No Excuses: Dan could have easily informed me that due to the holiday season coverage may not be available. However Dan’s first comment was “Sure, when do you want me to come to Meyersdale?”

Great Attitude: I believe above everything else, Dan always keeps a great attitude.

We want to THANK Dan for his commitment to Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center and to our patients.

Angela Frampton – Dietary
An employee nominated Angela.

I was trying to obtain food for tube feedings for my brother who lives in Erie and is very ill. We had been getting regular deliveries of food for his tube feedings but there was a terrible mix up with the order and delivery. It was a Friday so with the weekend upon us, we were not certain we would have enough food for my brother until Monday. Since I assumed our hospital dietary department would have to obtain food for tube feedings I took a chance in calling them to see if there was any advice from them on what to do. Angela Frampton answered the phone and truly was my angel. Even though not part of her job, Angela took it upon herself to start making telephone calls to various contacts. Angela had to spend hours making these calls. During the process she checked back with me numerous times. She finally was able to find a place in Erie who could accommodate our needs. My brother has since passed away but the kindness and compassion that Angela gave to him and my family is very comforting. Angela was incredible and if this is how she treats a complete stranger, I can only imagine how she treats her customers at the hospital. Conemaugh is very fortunate to have such a CARING employee.


Jim “JR” Love – 6 Rose
A patient’s family nominated Jim.

Our family wants to thank Jim “JR” Love for the help, kindness and concern he has shown my husband and family during his recent open heart surgery. It takes a special person to be able to deal with all the problems and complications day in and day out especially when working long shifts but big hearts, listening ears and genuine concern mean the world to someone that is sick and trying to recover and to the family who is worried.

JR in particular was just that kind of person. He was awesome. We call him my husband’s guardian angel in those critical hours following surgery. As he monitored my husband, he routinely kept us updated on his condition and what we might expect. He provided care that was above and beyond our expectations. Not only was he incredibly caring and attentive but he was incredibly intelligent. He never made us feel foolish when we asked questions. He always sat with me and the family to explain everything about procedures or medications and what we could expect. His caring demeanor and willingness to explain things made our anxiety disappear.

My husband has always suffered from chronic back pain and he was in terrible pain following surgery because he had to lie on his back for so many days. After a day and a half with no pain relief I asked if we could bring in his T.E.N.S. machine. JR was familiar with the equipment and knowing how much pain my husband was in he went to see if he get could this approved. After a few minutes he returned and said, “Let’s go for it”. He wrote a note in my husband’s chart and instructed his coworkers on how to use the unit and made sure they knew it was approved since his shift was ending. I brought the machine in and within 45 minutes you could see my husband’s pain subsiding. JR did not have to go out of his way to get this approved but he did it without a second thought. I hope JR receives recognition and knows how much of an impact he had on my husband’s recovery. JR truly makes a difference in your hospital and I want you to know what a wonderful employee you have working for you. For this my family will always be grateful. JR and the CCU staff are terrific.