Power To Look Book: Second Issue

The power to

impact the lives of others A look back at some of the Bright Spots across CommonSpirit Health at Home.

Volume II

Our mission, vision and values Our mission At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

Our vision A healthier future for all - inspired by faith, driven by innovation and powered by our humanity.

Our values Compassion Care with listening, empathy and love.

Accompany and comfort those in need of healing.

Inclusion Celebrate each person’s gifts and voice.

Respect the dignity of all.

Integrity Inspire trust through honesty.

Demonstrates courage in the face of inequity.

Excellence Serve with fullest passion, creativity and stewardship.

Exceed expectations of others and ourselves.

Collaboration Commit to the power of working together.

Build and nurture meaningful relationships.

Honoring Our Superheroes As caregivers, in every sense of the word, the team at CommonSpirit Health at Home symbolizes hope and has the power to impact the lives of others through courage, compassion, advocacy and resilience. Our legacy of care is built on the foundation of kindness and protection, continuing to thrive thanks to the collective commitment and dedication of the entire team. Every day, the ability to provide care and support to those in need is remarkable, and it is important to recognize these heroes.

The power to campaign was created to honor employees—our superheroes—and their unique abilities or special talents. Each Bright Spot is designed to connect their power to their purpose. This booklet showcases some of the stories shared in the past year.

The power to

be an exceptional advocate Karen Salter, RN at CHI Memorial Health at Home in Chattanooga, TN, is truly an advocate for her patients and is fully dedicated to ensuring everyone she serves receives the highest quality care. During a recent home visit, she quickly recognized the seriousness of the patient's condition and went above and beyond to ensure he received the proper care required.

After an emergency room visit that resulted in the patient being sent home, Karen was still concerned about the patient's condition and contacted the their oncology team. To emphasize the urgency of the situation, she paid a visit to the oncology office. Dr. Harrison was so impressed with Karen's diligence, he commended her for her exceptional care and arranged for the patient's direct admission to Parkridge Hospital.

Karen's commitment didn't stop there. She followed up over the weekend, coordinating with Dr. Harrison and the patient's family to ensure he was properly admitted and receiving the care he needed.

“Karen’s dedication to providing not just medical care, but also emotional support and understanding, is a shining example of what it means to be a truly exceptional nurse. Her empathy, professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile are invaluable to our patients and our entire team,” Kendra Onsgard, Chief Nursing Officer.

Thank you, Karen, for your exceptional commitment to patient care and for embodying the values of CommonSpirit Health at Home!

Submitted by: Kendra Onsgard Chief Nursing Officer CommonSpirit Health at Home National Office Loveland, OH

The power to

make an impact Robert Glass, Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician at AmeriMed Home Infusion in West Chester, OH, is making a difference every day through his work.

He is an incredibly skilled pharmacy technician who continues to go above and beyond the scope of his role to ensure his team members and our patients are receiving the support they need. Robert's always willing to lend a hand, whether it's helping with purchasing, handling prior authorizations, troubleshooting an IT problem, staying late or answering calls on his days off.

“Robert's dedication to our patients and his team is truly remarkable. He's an invaluable member of our team and we're incredibly lucky to have him,” Maddy Duchemin, Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician.

His ability to extend himself to others is just a natural part of who he is and his efforts, every day, are truly appreciated. Thank you, Robert!

Submitted by: Maddy Duchemin Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician AmeriMed Infusion West Chester, OH

The power to

inspire others Michael Mull, Physical Therapist at Reid Home Health in Richmond, IN, is an outstanding leader who consistently embraces change and inspires his colleagues to do the same. His willingness to help and encourage others is deeply appreciated, making him a true asset to CommonSpirit Health at Home. Thank you, Michael, for your dedication and commitment to excellence!

Submitted by: Sommer McDaniel Director of Clinical Services Reid Home Health Richmond, IN

The power to

make a lasting impression David Cano, LPN at CHI St. Vincent Health at Home in Morrilton, AR, is making a lasting impression on our patients. During a visit, a patient interrupted his RN to express his profound gratitude for David after he "saved his life twice!"

The patient reached out to David’s manager and proceeded to praise him for his dedication and the exceptional care he provided. Thank you, David, for your life-saving work and commitment to our patients.

Submitted by: LaVerne Chisum Director of Clinical Services CHI St. Vincent Health at Home Little Rock, AR

The power to

care for your community Every day, across CommonSpirit Health at Home, our clinical caregivers work hard to provide every patient we serve with top-notch, quality care while also striving to build healthy communities across our ministry. On occasion, our caregivers are called to use their skills outside of the home.

Ashton Rakow, Occupational Therapist for CHI Health at Home in Lincoln, NE, was able to use her expertise to help someone in need. While at a local coffee shop, she heard a mother cry for help as her three-year-old daughter was choking. Ashton quickly jumped into action to perform the Heimlich maneuver, dislodged the stuck food and saved this little girl's life.

“Ashton’s quick thinking and decisive action exemplify the dedication and compassion that run through our entire team,” Carrie Ehrlich, Manager of Clinical Services.

Thank you, Ashton, for your outstanding care and service!

Submitted by: Carrie Erlich Manager of Clinical Services CHI Health at Home Lincoln, NE

Click here to submit a Bright Spot Story!

Help us recognize more caregivers across the organization who have the power to make an impact through their daily work.

The power to

provide unwavering support Michael Ahrendt, Senior Vice President of Home Infusion for CommonSpirit Health at Home, exemplifies leadership through his unwavering support and commitment to our values. He demonstrates that true leadership extends beyond the workplace, offering compassion and care when it's needed most.

Last Thanksgiving, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my husband.

Upon learning of my loss, Mike immediately reached out to see what he could do to support me during this difficult time. He encouraged me to take all the time I needed to heal and be with my family.

In addition to the team members who attended, Mike drove nearly three hours from Toledo to Mason, OH, to show his support. His presence was a source of comfort and support for me and my family as we honored his memory.

I am so blessed to have leaders that genuinely care about me and my life. It isn't always just about the duties of my job but about the people that God has placed in my life. I have been blessed to be employed by AmeriMed for almost 16 years and the leadership that Mike provides for each of us is above and beyond his job description. He is a great friend, an amazing leader and a true man of God. For that, I am so blessed to report directly to him. Thank you for all you do, Mike, for the entire AmeriMed family, and may God bless you with the care you give to us all.

Submitted by: Terri Little Client Relations Executive AmeriMed Home Infusion West Chester, OH

The power to

embody humankindness Kelli Watts, LPN at CHI St. Vincent Health at Home in Little Rock, AR, was recently recognized for going above and beyond to communicate with her patient in a timely manner.

Understanding the unique challenges faced by a patient with leukemia, who often experiences sudden drops in hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet levels, Kelli proactively identified early symptoms during her routine visits and obtained PRN orders for lab draws. According to the patient's Case Manager, Kelli’s vigilance has been instrumental in managing the patient's condition and reducing the need for hospitalizations.

Recently, Kelli was on her way home when she received a call about the patient's critical lab results. Without hesitation, she volunteered to personally visit the patient, assess her condition and provide feedback to the patient's provider. This allowed the physician to make an informed decision about whether to direct the patient to the emergency room immediately or schedule a follow-up appointment at the cancer center the next morning. Kelli’s unwavering dedication to her patient ensured they received the right care at the right time.

“The level of care Kelli provides is truly inspiring. She is a living example of our values in action,” Nadine Baxter, Advanced Practice Nurse.

“Thank you, Kelli, for embodying the spirit of humankindness and making a real difference in the lives of our patients! Your dedication is an inspiration to us all,” Laverne Chisum, Director of Clinical Services.

Submitted by: LaVerne Chisum Director of Clinical Services CHI St. Vincent Health at Home Little Rock, AR

The power to

provide exemplary care and service

Kelly McGinnis, Admissions Coordinator at AmeriMed Home Infusion in West Chester, OH, is truly an asset to her team. Her ability to create a smooth and timely process for new patients is remarkable. Kelly has a keen eye for detail and stays on top of every referral throughout the day.

Dedication to our patients and providing exemplary care and customer service are her superpowers.

Submitted by: Terri Little Client Relations Executive AmeriMed Home Infusion West Chester, OH

The power to

guide recovery through education

Kristen Peterson, Physical Therapist at Dignity Health at Home in Phoenix, AZ, has a superpower as both a staff and patient educator. Her extensive cardiopulmonary expertise allows her to clearly explain diagnoses and guide her patients toward successful recovery. Kristen's compassionate approach creates strong connections with every patient, which leads to significant progress in their journey toward healing. Kristen's vast knowledge and dedication to our patients are truly inspiring. Thank you for all you do, Kristen!

Submitted by: Kelsey Randall Director of Clinical Services Dignity Health at Home Phoenix, AZ

The power to

be an exceptional advocate Our team at American-Mercy Home Care in Cincinnati, OH, consistently goes out of their way to provide the best care possible. Recently, one of our own leaders, Terri Barger, at the National Office in Loveland, OH, found herself in need of home care services for her father and worked with our team at American-Mercy to ensure he had the best care experience possible.

The patient asked his daughter to share just how grateful he is for the outstanding service and kindness he received from American-Mercy Home Care.

When he started receiving care, one of his main concerns was how difficult it was going to be to navigate his own recovery. Overcoming the hurdles that came along with his recovery wouldn't have been possible without his home health aide. Their visits were a source of comfort, easing his burdens and reminding him that he wasn't alone.

Additionally, his physical therapist went out of the way to ensure each appointment was a positive experience as he worked towards regaining his mobility. The support he received throughout his time with American-Mercy gave him hope, knowing that he was not facing these challenges alone.

“From the bottom of my heart and his, we thank you for all of the help you and the team are providing,” Terri Barger, Manager of Revenue Cycle Support and Remittance Processing.

Thank you to our team at American-Mercy Home Care for the excellent care you provide on a daily basis. We appreciate you and everything you do to care for our patients and their family members.

Submitted by: Terri Barger Manager of Revenue Cycle Support and Remittance Processing CommonSpirit Health at Home National Office Loveland, OH

The power to

provide unwavering support

Nicole Majerus, RN at CHI Health at Home in Little Falls, MN, is truly dedicated to her patients and colleagues. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure both patients and coworkers receive the support they need. Nicole’s commitment to teamwork, coupled with her positive attitude, creates a supportive and uplifting environment.

Thank you, Nicole, for your dedication and for making a real difference in the lives of those we serve!

Submitted by: Candis Keehr Director of Clinical Services CHI Health at Home Little Falls, MN

The power to

exude compassion with every interaction Judy Hill, a Clinical Scheduler at VNA Health at Home in Bardstown, KY, consistently brightens everyone's day. She goes above and beyond to ensure our patients receive timely care, demonstrating genuine concern for their well-being and extending that same kindness to her colleagues, making them feel supported and valued in every interaction. Her dedication and compassion are truly inspiring and she is a shining example of our values in action.

Submitted by: Jennifer Hunter Registered Nurse VNA Health at Home Bardstown, KY

The power to

navigate change as a team Renea James and Beth Cranston, Managers of Revenue Cycle, truly embody CommonSpirit's values through their compassionate and thoughtful leadership.

Recently, Renea and Beth embraced the significant task of restructuring the Revenue Cycle Billing, Collections and Financial Intake departments.

They skillfully merged these areas into two unified regions, navigating the complexities of combining distinct functions with grace and professionalism. Their focus on coaching and training their teams ensured a smooth transition and fostered engagement and success for everyone involved.

Adding to their achievements, Renea and Beth also took on the responsibility of integrating Client Registration into Revenue Cycle. They approached this implementation with compassion and kindness, ensuring a seamless integration for all.

Their unwavering commitment has resulted in an aligned Revenue Cycle team that stands as a testament to their exceptional leadership.

“Renea and Beth have demonstrated that efficiency and positive outcomes can be achieved through compassion, dignity and kindness, reflecting our values in action and I look forward to continuing to learn and collaborate with both of them,” Terri Barger, Manager of Revenue Cycle Support and Remittance Processing.

Thank you, Renea and Beth, for your outstanding contributions to CommonSpirit Health at Home!

Submitted by: Terri Barger Manager of Revenue Cycle Support and Remittance Processing CommonSpirit Health at Home National Office Loveland, OH

Employee Bright Spots The power to... recognize our people!

Earlier this year, we introduced a new platform to recognize even more of the wonderful submissions we receive. This new slide deck, which can be found in the Weekly Connection, gives quick shoutouts to the amazing work our people do to make the healing presence of God known. Here are some of the amazing stories this new tool allowed us to share!

Audrey Young, Supervisor of Client Registration CommonSpirit Health at Home National Office - Loveland, OH “Audrey demonstrates the value of collaboration every day, but yesterday she went above her normal call of duty. She took the initiative to work with an agency in our pilot program to educate the different teams on the steps needed to complete the new processes. We are grateful that we have someone like Audrey who leads by example with collaboration and excellence.”

Hannah Olson, RN Case Manager CHI Health at Home - Omaha, NE “We recently received a beautiful thank you card from one of our deceased patient's daughters. One of the many statements about Hannah: ‘You’re truly an amazing person and nurse. I feel like you met your spiritual calling to help others in their final journey of life.’ Thank you, Hannah, for being an exceptional Hospice Nurse.

Hannah’s leadership inspires me to push myself and strive for excellence, and I’ve learned so much from her example. Thank you for being a great mentor, motivator and role model.”

Employee Bright Spots The power to... recognize our people!

Tanya Curtis, Director of Clinical Services CHI Health at Home - Plainview, NE “You are a dedicated leader for our department. You care for your employees as if we were family. You are a mentor to reckon with. Your kind soul for your clients' and employees' well-being is amazing. There are not enough words to describe how truly great you are. We are greatly blessed to have you as our supervisor!”

Jamie Ley, Registered Nurse Mercy-Memorial Home Health - Bakersfield, CA “Jamie Ley, RN was mailed a greeting card to our agency. The front of the card says, ‘In big ways and small ways, some people make all the difference.’ On the inside, the message reads, ‘Jamie, I sure do miss you; you are one of a kind! No one compares to you. You’re so compassionate! I miss your visits and we are doing well… we both had a cold and cough, but it’s going away. Thank you for all that you and the team did for me. Thanks for your patience with me!’”

Peggy Liska, Registered Nurse CHI Health at Home - Plainview, NE “Peggy, you’re a dedicated, kind and thoughtful nurse who wants the best for your clients no matter how challenging they may be. You are able to educate them about their diseases or needs in a way that makes them feel loved and cared for. You have answered your calling in so many different ways and have touched so many lives that truly needed you at that given moment.”

Employee Bright Spots The power to... recognize our people!

Rebecca Hernandez, Scheduler Pathways Home Health and Hospice - Sunnyvale, CA “Thank you for your willingness to jump in and help to cover while a colleague is on a medical leave. Your ability to see the big picture and multi-task over and over was and is appreciated.”

Michaela Durham Massey, Registered Nurse CHI St. Vincent Health at Home - Little Rock, AR “Michaela is a new employee transitioning out of orientation to independent visits. Her MCS leaders, Shelly Brown and Jessica Funk, called out how great she is doing. They report her visits are completed, locked and synced timely; she asks for additional work and has the most positive personality and outlook. We are so glad that Michaela joined our team!”

Maria Bedolla, Intake Coordinator Mercy Memorial Home Health - Bakersfield, CA “Maria Bedolla stands out as an invaluable member of our team. Her exceptional ability to coordinate patient care ensures timely services, a feat few can accomplish with such grace. Maria skillfully navigates the complexities of working with hospital case managers, doctor's offices, patients and their families, all while collaborating with her colleagues.

She approaches every task with a willing heart and a smile, making her a true asset to our team. Thank you, Maria, for your dedication and positive spirit!”

Thank You If there’s someone you know who is going above and beyond for our communities, please let us know! The power of positivity knows no bounds and we will continue to recognize those who are living examples of our ministry of care in action.

Click here to submit a Bright Spot Story!

The power to

show humankindness