A SPRING OF TRANSFORMATION

Some consider January 1 a time for new beginnings; but for me, I look forward to spring — when the flowers bloom, the sun and rain take turns ruling the day, and inner transformation comes out of hibernation. It reminds me of Isaiah 43, verses 18 and 19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

Spring is a time of transformation at Ascension, too. It’s an opportunity to renew our focus on our culture and seek ways to enhance the experience of our associates, consumers and patients alike.

In this issue, we delve into some of the ways we’re bringing programs to life with a fresh perspective. You will read about the students featured on the front cover and what a day of learning about science and medicine meant to them. We review the new Service Commitments and how this work will enable us to live out our Mission even more fully through kindness, listening and serving. Taking a new look at a tried-and-true concept, you will see how a renewed focus on rounding has accelerated our culture of safety. And you will be inspired through stories of fellow associates who share why they chose to stay at Ascension.

I hope this spring you will take time to step back and appreciate the many gifts you have received, and the gifts you bring to Ascension every day. Thank you for answering the call to serve, and enjoy reading about the experiences and programs featured in this issue of Good Day Ascension.

Joseph R. Impicciche, JD, MHA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Good Day Ascension / Spring 2023 - Issue 21

Good Day Ascension is published by Ascension Marketing and Communications for associates and family members across our integrated national health ministry. Stories in Good Day Ascension support our One Ascension journey and reflect the commitment of associates, clinicians and volunteers across the health ministry to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.

Executive Editor: Nick Ragone, JD, nick.ragone@ascension.org

Editor: Ted Siegel, ted.siegel@ascension.org

Design and Production: dcpubs.com

To share comments, ask questions or suggest articles for Good Day Ascension, please email GoodDay@ascension.org, or send a note to Editor, Good Day Ascension, Ascension Marketing and Communications, 4600 Edmundson Road, St. Louis, MO 63134.

All content copyright 2023 Ascension. Republication or any other use of the contents of Good Day Ascension without the express written consent of Ascension is prohibited. Any reference to or depiction of a product or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by Ascension. Online version available at Ascension.org/goodday.

Our Mission: Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered, holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.

Features

14 Building a foundation

An event for middle schoolers sponsored by the Ascension Foundation encourages young people to consider science careers.

17 Special nursing section

Listening is key in the Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast Ministry Market. ... Sumi Alias receives a DAISY Award. ... Clinicians are thriving through evidence-based practice. ... Nurses choose our 2023 theme.

21 Feeding the hungry

Ascension is addressing food and nutrition insecurity of associates in need.

24 I stay at Ascension because …

28 A place where youth move forward

The New Beginnings program supports the health and safety of young immigrants.

30 Caring for the whole person

Ascension takes a holistic approach to improving care for those with diabetes.

Departments

4 Mailbox

Patients and families share letters of thanks to caregivers.

5 Inspiration

Responding with reverence in everyday encounters.

6

Up front

Service Commitments reflect a new, unified approach. ... High-reliability practices advance safety and quality for patients. ... Spiritual Care’s unique role in the clinical setting. ... Foundation leaders share best practices through the Ascension Philanthropy Leadership Council.

12 Getting to know you

Meet Richard Fogel, MD, FACC, FHRS, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer.

13

Wellness now

Spring-clean your sleep hygiene.

32 News from across Ascension

What’s happening around the ministry.

Back cover

A personal trauma brings purpose to the work of Kevin Morton, DO, Medical Director and Trauma Surgeon, Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Madison Heights Campus, Michigan.

THE GOOD DAY ASCENSION TEAM WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE IN THIS MAGAZINE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE EDITIONS. SEND YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO GOODDAY@ASCENSION.ORG.

Messages from those we serve

I was scared to death when I had a callback on my mammogram. But everyone, including the scheduler, receptionist and technician, treated me with such kindness and good information that my fears were alleviated. Kara [Valenzuela], the ultrasound technician, is a real gem. She is personable and competent and made me feel calm and comfortable.

Patient at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Our daughter is doing great, and a large part of it is thanks to Dr. [Monica] Wehby, who’s now an honorary member of the family. I told her she’s stuck with us! She can’t get rid of us, even if she wanted to.

Mother of patient at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis

I’d like to give feedback about the exceptional care my dear friend received after a sexual assault. She was in shock as we entered Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Every nurse and doctor treated us with kindness, patience and understanding. We will forever be grateful to Rachel Cortez, SANE Nurse.

Friend of patient at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus

The entire seven-month experience I had at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown was incredible. The nurses would come in and say, “You are our life and motivation.” The other patients and I would look at them and say, “Are you kidding? You are our motivation! Thank you for being so positive through our whole experience.”

Patient at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee

The Emergency Center physicians and staff were just great! l felt very secure in their care and in the decisions they made for my tests and treatment. lt makes a big difference when you come in upset and not knowing what you need, and everyone is gentle, cheerful and reassuring.

Patient at Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit

I am extremely grateful for the phenomenal care my nurse provided. She was thorough, an excellent listener and clearly understood how to treat patients. I cannot thank you enough for giving me my life back.

Patient at Ascension Bay View Clinic, Milwaukee

A special shoutout to [Robert Guise] working in X-ray. He was incredible with my mom. She has great mobility struggles and can barely walk. His positivity, kindness and encouragement made it so much easier on her. He even recognized what a struggle it was for me to get her in the car and walked up front with us so he could help. What a wonderful guy! Bless your heart, you made our day!

Daughter of patient at Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital, Allegan, Michigan

[T]he care I recently received in the emergency room was the best care and treatment I’ve experienced in a long time. The nursing team was top notch. Nurse

Becky Weaver cared for me and she was a refreshing breath of air in the ER! I had a CT scan, and X-ray tech Kari Garcia was very considerate of my condition. In addition, nurse Mary Conley assisted in getting my IV started as my vessels aren’t the best, but she got it on the first attempt.

Patient at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital, Saginaw, Michigan

We [went] to Ascension Genesys Hospital, since it’s so close to our home. A nurse did triage in the foyer and I was taken back for an intake within a couple of minutes. Within a short amount of time, I saw an ER doc and a resident. … The care I received was top notch, professional and also very caring. My experience could not have been better.

Patient at Ascension Genesys Hospital, Grand Blanc, Michigan

I was treated by Dr. Elizabeth Larive and she and the nursing staff “rocked.” I want to thank them for a job well done and let them know that they are appreciated.

Patient at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Madison Heights Campus, Michigan

I lost 25 pounds by attending the wellness center at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, and that has been a goal for me for 40 years. The wellness program taught me how to eat, how to exercise, and just be healthy. I probably wouldn’t be sitting here today if it wasn’t for my stents and continued support through Ascension Saint Thomas.

Patient at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Murfreesboro, Tennessee