Wingman Recognition

2014 wingman recognition

Wingman

“Never leave your wingman” is a phrase borrowed from naval aviation. The wingman positions his aircraft outside and behind (or on the wing of) the fighter pilot and is tasked with protecting the fighter pilot while he or she is engaged in combat. The wingman is also responsible for alerting the fighter pilot of trouble. Simply put, a wingman has your back!

In the air and at Regional West, a wingman is more than a peer or a fellow employee—your wingman helps keep patients safe by providing: • • •

Cross Monitoring to prevent a co-worker from making a mistake.

On the spot second opinions.

Positive feedback to reinforce safe behaviors.

Joni Bruce

Nominated by Lucrecia Spady

Joni has stepped up to the plate to help me out whenever possible. I can count on her to be in charge in my absence and trust everything is taken care of. Joni is our always keeping an eye out for safety issues and does an awesome job educating staff. She is a team player and goes above and beyond to make sure patients are safe. Thanks Joni for all you do!

Lucrecia Spady and Joni Bruce

Brent Burry

Nominated by Brian Weinmaster

Mr. Burry is always ready to help, even in the most dangerous of situations. Even in trying situations he uses the lightest touch possible and is always looking out for the patient to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Brian Weinmaster and Brent Burry

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James Cabral

Nominated by Rich McGlynn

Although James is new to the Regional West family, he has a very strong desire to help others whenever and where ever they need it, to learn all that he can, and a drive that will let him achieve his life’s goals.

Rich McGlynn and James Cabral

Tobie Copp

Nominated by DeAnna Pierce

Tobie was hired as an HR Assistant and Hospitalist Coordinator when the program was brand new. Tobie quickly came in and started wading through the processes, learning all she could about HR and benefits in addition to the Hospitalist program. After about a year and a half, the Hospitalist program stole her away from me! But wait, that is not true!

Tobie continues to support me and the PC staff when needed, even when she is up to her ears in other duties. She ALWAYS steps up when needed to help cover the office in my absence. She is knowledgeable and helpful to anyone who comes to the office. I would not want to fly without my Wing-Woman!! Thanks Tob!

De Pierce and Tobie Copp

Lita Delcamp Nominated by Lisa Steele

Lita Delcamp and Lisa Steele

Lita is a very conscientious employee and credentials all of the providers including locums that we hire. She never complains about the changes and the short deadlines and always has my back covering for me during a visit or just chasing the necessary documents down, etc.

I can’t say enough about how much she does to ensure that the providers are able to work when needed and have all the necessary things done in order for them to do so. Lita makes my life so much easier and pleasant on a daily basis!

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Nominated by Nancy Hicks-Arsenault

Alice Fillingham

Alice consistently dots my “I’s” and crosses my “T’s” for me by doing details, including but not limited to researching lit., writing policy, procedures, education plans, and making forms to ensure compliance with regulations and best practice is carried out for our patients. She always does this with a smile on her face.

Alice Fillingham, Alicia Kunz, Nancy Hicks-Arsenault, Linda Fowler, and Stephen Matthews

Linda Fowler Linda is my wingman in watching out for me by deviling in the details to develop an idea into reality.

Linda makes sure all staff have been educated and understand the importance for changing processes to improve care.

Alicia Kunz

Alicia is my wingman because she sees that follow-through is completed on many, many aspects. Her ambition never stops and she continues to finish the “list.” Her follow-through and follow-up are impeccable.

Stephen Matthews

Stephen consistently carries the CICU forward with his huge emphasis on staff feelings and improving the work environment through recognition and taking time to reflect on ideas and impact. His calm demeanor helps me not go too fast and ensures different points of view are considered.

Cindy Morrison, Irene Garcia, and Terri Allen

Irene Garcia

Nominated by Cindy Morrison

Irene is on top of everything and is always willing to go the extra mile for you. We have been short on employees and she has stepped up to the plate and done more than her share.

Nominated by Teresa (Terri) Allen When an employee does his/her job, you may think that it’s just to be expected. But Irene has gone above and beyond her duties in helping me with my learning experience here at Regional West. I just came on board six months ago and with so much to learn, I needed a wingman. I don’t work in the same department or office as Irene, but we do the same type of job. Irene has always been my support system with my new job, assisting me with many answers to unanswered questions. Irene is a true wingman assisting me so that we can provide the best possible service to our patients.

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Kelsey Kriewald Nominated by John Nygard

John Nygard and Kelsey Kriewald

As my wingman, Kelsey is invaluable in so many respects that it’s hard to list all the ways. One example is that she protects and defends by drawing flak away from me so that we can accomplish our mission of trying to provide safe medication therapy to our patients. Another way is that she is good at developing our mission objectives. We can then both be on the same operational page and anticipate, formulate, and improvise on our sorties so that we don’t get shot down by the enemy and return home safely.

Peter Meyer,

MD, FPC

Nominated by Gatbel Chamjock, MPAS, PA-C Peter has been my wingman since the first day I started working at Regional West Medical Center-ER. Peter has been there when I needed him for any consultation regarding patient care, and it does not matter how busy we are in the ER, he never shows any sign of distress or push back. I also see him as a man who put other people first—patient, coworker, or his family, it doesn’t matter, he will put himself there for you. I have a lot of respect for this man, not only as a coworker but also as a family man. We often joke that he could start his own religion and people would follow him. Peter can make anyone believe on himself, and I believe he is a true leader in this hospital.

Gatbel Chamjock and Peter Meyer

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Terri Morehouse and April Strom Nominated by Amy Schmunk

Terri Morehouse, Amy Schmunk, and April Strom

We all sit next to each other and answer phones in the back at the Women’s center. Terri and April can hear what I say to patients and correct me or help me in giving the patient the correct information or who the call needs to go to. The communication between them and myself is consistent and great—we all work together as a team. If they ever feel that I have made a mistake, we can discuss it and come up with a solution—I never feel as if a patient is not taken care of.

Becky Nerud

Nominated by Shirley Knodel, MS, RN, Vice President Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer

Becky anticipates what others will need for meetings and projects and goes ahead and takes care of it. Becky is quietly competent, staying calm. She does things to just brighten my day, and she is always there when I need her. I get a lot more done when she is here. I count on her and count her as one of my gifts in life!

Shirley Knodel and Becky Nerud

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Ellen Otto

Kim Smith and Ellen Otto

Nominated by Kim Smith

Ellen is my wingman, not only at work, but outside of work as well.

While at work here in Interventional Radiology, Ellen is an amazing resource and is always willing to give a second opinion so that the patient is always kept safe. She is always willing to be a second set of hands whether it just to get a diet coke for you when you just can’t take any more or if it’s being available to place a patient on the monitors prior to a sedation. Ellen makes me a better nurse by encouraging me with positive feedback and by cross monitoring me, and that is why she is a great wingman. When Ellen is not at work, the atmosphere changes; the entire institution is better because Ellen is here. Outside of work, Ellen is also the driving force for most of her co-workers to stay in shape.

Deana Spreier

Nominated by Shermaine Sterkel My wingman, Deana Spreier, is vigilant at consistently working beside me to identify our trauma patients, opportunities for improvement, and coordinating the Performance Improvement process for the safety and quality outcomes of our trauma patients. Deana is also a safe sounding board for me to discuss thoughts and ideas. Deana is a constant reassurance that someone has my back. Her intuition and insight are very helpful in continuing to mature our trauma system and trauma service.

Deana Spreier and Shermaine Sterkel

Kara Plett, Jeanette Weimer, and Lenae Snyder

Jeanette Weimer Nominated by Kara Plett

Last week during one shift, Jeanette ended up catching a order entry error that a physician entered. In general Jeanette knows/keeps up with patient care/procedures to be taken place. She is an extra eye on us/for us to make sure our patients receive the needed care. I feel if this had not been caught right away, the patient who was supposed to actually get the test never would have and the patient it was entered on would have been shocked/confused as to why they were having a procedure done. She also is very good at alerting nursing staff when she sees orders that require our patients to be NPO or to do certain requirements for and is quick to alert us. I think all in all we know how great of a resource she is to our medical floor staff; therefore she is an awesome WINGMAN - we don’t like to ever fly without her!!

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Nominated by Lenae Snyder Jeanette has been the unit secretary on 3rd floor for many, many years. As most of you know and have talked to her, she knows exactly what is going on with our floor. She is the go-to person with everyday things. Whether it be paging someone, finding things, looking up info, patient info, procedures, etc... she knows the answer. She is a wealth of knowledge that needs to be recognized for all of her hard work and dedication to 3rd floor. She is always a team player, always willing to help others, and pretty much is the BACKBONE of 3rd floor. She always dresses appropriately, has a smile on her face, and rarely is overwhelmed with her job that requires so much of her each and every day. As a charge nurse, describing her as my wingman would be putting it lightly. You know that things will always go smoothly during your day knowing that Jeanette is there from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and when she goes on vacation, which is rare, everyone panics and wonders how we will all survive without her. Jeanette, thank you for all your hard work, knowledge, and patience with all the staff on 3rd floor. It never goes unnoticed and we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are my wing-gal...From your favorite charge nurse and friend! =)

October 13-17

Mike Armstrong Nominated by Sarah Henry

Mike is a wonderful team leader; he is fair and patient with coworkers, patients, and most anyone he encounters throughout his workday. He is a team player and works hard to rally us when it seems like we are completely overwhelmed. Mike is always willing to take time out of his already insane list of duties to help keep everyone safe, whether it be answering questions, helping to safely transfer, or just lending a hand. I think he is a great example of a worker we should all strive to be.

Sarah Henry, Mike Armstrong

Brian Beal

Nominated by Charlie Knapper Brian never says no or ignores a help request. He is always willing to offer a helping hand and is a great teacher. He is very knowledgeable and can think through problems while considering any possible issues from multiple angles. Brian is always a great person to bounce ideas off of because he knows so much. He is always safety-minded and has a calm temperament, which allows him to enlighten those around him as to why and how something works the way it does or how something needs to be changed. Brian is a great person to bring along to a situation that needs urgent attention because his composure really helps to ease anxiety and allows for clear-headed problem solving.

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Brian Beal, Charlie Knapper

Keli Brehm, Diana Rohrick, Suzy Solano

Keli Brehm

Nominated by Diana Rohrick

Having recently lost my wingman in Home Care, Chris Centgraf Baker, Keli took over assisting me in whatever way she could to ease my burden. Her spirit and fortitude are amazing and I am totally in her debt for getting me through each day. Thank you, Keli!

Suzy Solano

Nominated by Diana Rohrick

Taking on another department and being new to Hospice was scary and a little overwhelming. As my clinical team leader, Suzy has not only been my support and mentor but has been my guide through the regulatory maze that is Hospice. She has become a trusted teammate and confidant and I wouldn’t fly without her!

Jennifer Griebel Nominated by Nancy Miller

Jennifer has only been my “wingman” with the Nephrology team for a little over a year but she is a true asset. She is always eager to learn new information, quick to contribute to problem solving, always willing to lend a hand, and maintains a positive attitude someone I can truly depend on. She is the BEST!!!

Jennifer Griebel, Nancy Miller

Sara Harris

Nominated by Robin Cushing Sara and I work a lot of shifts together, for which I am grateful! She is exactly what a “WINGWOMAN” should be. She always has my back, and she not only helps me all the time, but is wonderful to other staff members. Coworkers come to her often for support and advice, which she is always willing to help. She picks up extra shifts, is organized, and is a graceful, quiet leader. Patients adore her and are well cared for when under her supervision. She is a real team leader and team player. Everyone enjoys working with her and appreciates her eagerness to help out.

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Robin Cushing, Sara Harris

Josh Lively, Sarah Houk, Brittney Rubottom, Cathy Bowman, Patty Valentine, Tish Merrills

Interventional Radiology Techs/Support Nominated by Cathy Bowman

I have to include all five of the interventional technologists, along with the interventional radiology scheduler I have the pleasure to work with. They stand up for each other, work together as a team, and support each other professionally and personally. When I am off I never worry about things not getting done. They always pitch in and cover my duties. When I feel a chocolate or Cheezits moment coming, I find a snack on my desk. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive group of people to work with! They are my second family. They rock!!

Gale Ridgeway, Evie Russel

Gale Ridgeway

Nominated by Evie Russel

Gale is always there for me or any of our coworkers. She never says no if I need to switch a shift or need surgery or whatever I need. She has no problem with jumping in with both feet. After my surgery and my return to work, she has help become my left arm, helping get my job done with as little pain as possible. Gale is always protective and makes sure that I do what I am supposed to. I could not do my job to the fullest if not for her. Gale is a great person and has a wonderful personal-

Evie Russel

Nominated by Gale Ridgeway

Evie always helps me out; she double checks my work and teaches me how to do many things such as Excel, the schedules, and much more. She is a GREAT coworker.

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October 21

Le Left: eft: Brian Weinmeister Weinmeister, Cateena Hill Hill, Judee Heigel, Nicole Smith, Blanca Bair; Above: Judee Hiegel, LaNell Dancer

Blanca Bair, LaNell Dancer, Cateena Hill, Nicole Smith, Brian Weinmaster Nominated by Judee Heigel 18 l Wingman Recognition 2014

This may be unique in that I’m recognizing five different individuals as my wingmen. However, without the ongoing help from all five of them, the Medical Staff Office would not be able to get new providers set up on all the necessary programs they will need in our facility.

There are actually more people involved, but without fail, these five main contact people see to it that all the set up work gets done. Not only that, but when the setups are done, they always email that confirmation to me.

I try to always thank them, but I hope they know how much I truly depend upon them and appreciate all that they do.

Gracie Benavides

Nominated by Nancy Leavenworth Gracie is the first to receive the requests from facilities and patients wanting medical records. She makes sure that all the necessary information is there and ready for me to process the request.

Gracie keeps everything organized and moving forward, and when there is a crunch she will jump right in and offer to help.

Nancy Leavenworth, Gracie Benavides

Charlie Knapper

Nominated by Linda Ferreyra

Charlie Knapper in IS was a great Wing Man for Janelle Debes and me for the Volunteer and Friends luncheon. I had been asked to give a presentation today at their luncheon, and low and behold the bulb on the overhead projector screen was out! We called IS and Charlie Knapper came to our rescue, bringing us a temporary projector to get us going, then helped me get Internet connection as well! He provided extension cords and then went to get rugs from Environmental Services to keep us safe! When I thanked him, he just said, “That’s what I’m here for!” I appreciate Charlie’s attitude!

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Linda Ferreyra and Charlie Knapper

Vera Morgan, Kelly Fiesterman

Vera Morgan

Nominated by Kelly Fiesterman

With my transition into a new department and role over the past year, Vera has stepped up and taught me so much. She has shared valuable information regarding the in’s and out’s of the department. She has also shared interventions for patient symptoms and monitored patient care through my transition and still continues to have my back a year later. She is a wonderful team player and is very knowledgeable in her field of expertise. Vera is still my go-to person when I am unsure of the direction to take. She deserves recognition for all that she does and for all the wonderful things that she is.

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Kim Runion, Masumi Wilroy, DO

Kim Runion

Nominated by Masumi Wilroy, DO

Kim works as a medical assistant to me in the Rehabilitation Department. She is a team player and has been a “wingman� to the department of Rehab at Regional West for 15 years. She always puts the safety of the patient, the provider, and herself as a top priority. This is particularly important with electrodiagnostic studies, which are performed daily. This includes multiple patient identification checks, location and side of procedure to be performed, and assistance with the electrodiagnostic studies. She goes out of her way to ensure the patient is comfortable during the electrodiagnostic study, which can sometimes be perceived as an unpleasant study. She is a safety coach for the Departments of Rehab, Neurology, and Pain Management. She goes out of her way to make certain we work in a safe and fun environment. She exemplifies the qualities of a wingman. Rehabilitation Medicine would not be the same without her!

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Erika Carmody

November 3

Nominated by Connie Rupp

Erika Carmody, Connie Rupp

I am nominating Erika Carmody as my wingman because she is, on most days, my right and left hand! With my increased duties related to Paragon, she has stepped up to fill the gaps in my absence and has done so without any resistance. It would have been impossible for me to take on extra duties without her assistance.

Knowing that our units are well taken care of leaves me with a sense of security. She is an asset to me and to Regional West. I depend on her and I am glad to call her my wingman.

Marg Clark

Nominated by Tara Shallenberger Marg is the social worker for 2W. She always has our back. She’s on top of everything all the time and we are lost when she isn’t here.

She does her best for us AND the patients every time. She makes discharges and transfers smooth, she takes care of any issues we have on the floor, and picks up any “pieces” the nurses have dropped (if that makes any sense). She just makes the entire department run better, making sure everything is complete before sending a patient home.

Marg Clark, Tara Shallenberger

Josh Lively

Nominated by Kari Flom

Kari Flom, Josh Lively

Josh has an inquisitive attitude and frequently asks clarification questions that help me use my safety behaviors. He is always available to help correct any problem that has been identified, and never blames or criticizes when there is an error. As a rad tech, he has taken it upon himself to familiarize himself with nursing care of the patients to help keep them safe with the best possible outcomes. Josh is always there, covering my back!

Brenda Loose

Nominated by Stephanie Catlin Brenda is always willing to give a helping hand. She stays late and comes in early and never hesitates to offer her help and assistance to whomever may need it in the Ortho clinic. We couldn’t do it without her!

Stephanie Catlin, Brenda Loose

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Barry Martin

Nominated by Larry Fiesterman

Barry Martin, Larry Fiesterman

Barry is a wealth of knowledge and is more than willing to teach all who want to learn. During my transition into a new position in the Maintenance Department at Regional West, Barry has been a huge asset to not only me, as a new employee but also to the facility. He has made sure that I have been oriented and educated on all aspects that entail maintenance throughout Regional West facilities.

I would like to have Barry honored as my Wingman not only for what he does, but also for the great person that he is.

Barbara Strauch

Nominated by Connie Morrill

Barb provides exemplary, timely care for our patients. She is in frequent contact with me to update on patients’ status. She alerts me to IV meds due and any changes in patient condition. My shifts always go better when Barb is my backup.

Connie Morrill, Barb Strauch

Marcia Bauer, Mary Skiles

Mary Skiles

Nominated by Marcia Bauer

For the past 17 years Mary has been with me in efforts to improve our care as dietitians and diabetes education, so I would like to honor Mary as a precious valued wingman who fills in and filters for me when a perspective is needed. I know I will get an honest, sincere answer. Mary is willing to help with events and ideas, and work for me if needed when a family tragedy occurs.

Mary gives of herself 100 percent plus! We bounce ideas off of one another and come up with some great ideas. We can be honest, sincere, serious, and have fun. We do not always see eye to eye, although can always come to agreement on our goals together; she is my very needed and important wingman!!

Ironically, when Mary was told she was a “wingman� and was nominated by Marcia, she said she would have said the same exact thing about her. They truly are a team that compliments each other.

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November 14 Susan Backer, Erika Carmody, Amanda Heilbrun, Sara Hessler, Megan Wagoner, Shawna Conn, Cassie Haffelin, Kadie Marez, Danielle Dorshorst, Ramona Giles, Liz Engel, Connie Ruff, and Jacqulyn Robison. Not pictured: Melissa Guerrero.

Susan Backer, Erika Carmody, Amanda Heilbrun, Sara Hessler, Megan Wagoner, Shawna Conn, Cassie Haffelin, Kadie Marez, Danielle Dorshorst, Ramona Giles, Liz Engel, Connie Ruff, Jacqulyn Robison, and Melissa Guerrero Nominated by Connie Rupp and Erika Carmody

We are nominating the CRNs and relief CRNs of the Birth and Infant Care Center and Pediatric Units as our wingmen. These ladies day in and day out help our units run smoothly. They have an eye and ear for safety and strive for excellence. We can rest our heads at night knowing that the units are well taken care of. These ladies are dependable and make decisions that are in the best interest of our patients.

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Laurie Winkler; John Blomstedt, DO; Erika Burton; and Halee Brown

John Blomstedt, DO; Halee Brown, Erika Burton Nominated by Laurie Winkler

There isn’t just a wingman for one name, but we have wingmen. I was told the other day, as we are often, that our office is so nice to come to. We hear that the lobby is nice and quiet, (even that it smells good), the staff seem very friendly, caring, and efficient, and that Dr. Blomstedt actually takes his time to listen to his patients. Where one of us might leave off the other ones take over. We all help each other do whatever is needed for helping patients or co-workers. We all answer the phones, help make appointments, finish tasks the same day, and get things ready for the next day. It’s like the sun is to the sky, and water is to the sea! Dr. Blomstedt jumps in if the nurses are too busy, and he always says thank you to his staff. We feel like we welcome patients and staff in other departments into our “home” and really get to know them. It’s like a flowing circle that we look forward to each day. To do something you love every day isn’t a job – it’s a joy and we are blessed.

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Patrick Smith

Nominated by Tara Harpold and all Surgery Center staff Patrick is our pharmacy tech that goes above and beyond to make sure we always have what we need to do patient care! Not only is he efficient and kind, but always does it with a smile on his face! He takes very good care of us, and the anesthesia staff, and he is definitely an asset to our team!

Patrick Smith and the Surgery Center staff

Lynn Clapper

Nominated by Jami Kumm

Lynn has taken it upon herself to make up an entire asthma education binder for patients and one for the nurses to teach from with areas to highlight. This way we, as a Peds unit are all teaching the same thing every time to the patients and families to ensure proper education and continuity of care. This in turn, I believe will help these patients and families manage their care at home better and it gives us a better resource at our fingertips.

Lynn Clapper, Jami Kumm

Julie Franklin Nominated by Kyla Ansley

Julie Franklin is my wingman. She’s always got my back and helps me think of all the little details to help an idea come to fruition, or an event to come together. She works hard to make sure our department has everything we need and puts our needs before hers.

She is a great motivator, advisor, and teacher. Thanks, Julie, for flying beside me (us)!

Kyla Ansley and Julie Franklin

Ronna Lieder

Nominated by Rebecca Guerrero Ronna is a Hospice RN. She is my wingman. I am able to call for any concern or question I may have, day or night, weekend or holiday!!! She always answers her phone and never belittles me for calling. She works many hours and never backs down from a challenge. She is a asset to the hospice team and an appreciated team player.

Ronna Lieder and Rebecca Guerrero

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Brenda Martin Nominated by Liz Ossian

Brenda always puts others’ needs before her own. She volunteered to stay late one night at the clinic so I could pick up my kids on time. She is always doing what’s best for the patient and helps whenever you need her to. She is patient and has a good heart :) Brenda Martin and Liz Ossian

Joy Weiss

Nominated by Sharon Behrends A few years ago I was given the assignment to help with the Document Catagories for Next Gen scanning/records. Joy was chosen to be the second member of this “TEAM.” She not only helped, but saved me in several instances. This year I had to miss several months due to surgery. While Joy was not only learning new duties for records request, she carried on with the duties of assisting the scanners with correct placement of documentation. I never had a worry knowing Joy was my “Wingman.” She is still my “Wingman,” and her knowledge and willingness to pitch in never wavered.

Sharon Behrends and Joy Weiss

Kim Runion, Masumi Wilroy, DO

Masumi Wilroy, DO

Nominated by Kim Runion

Dr. Wilroy is a great wingman! She always has my back, and we double-check each other for great care for our patients’ safety. We work together doing procedures and Nerve Conduction/ EMG’s. She is my other half double-checking allergies, correct sides, etc when doing injections.

Never once have I felt uncomfortable reminding her of something for the patient’s safety. We even have little secret codes for each other so the patient doesn’t notice. Love having Dr. Wilroy as my wingman as she has my back! Our patients can be sure they are being taken care of in the best and safest environment! Thank you Dr. Wilroy for being my best wingman!!

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December 16 Gracie Benavides, Nancy Leavenworth, and Sherrie Huston Nominated by Nicole Smith

Sherrie Huston, Nancy Leavenworth, Nicole Smith, and Gracie Benavides

I’d like to recognize the ROI staff in HIM as my “wingwomen.”

These three ladies work very hard to keep release of information within turn around time and do a wonderful job supporting each other when I am not available. Although they are new to working directly with one another, they help each other out whenever and wherever is needed and I truly appreciate them for all they do to keep ROI within compliance.

Jaimie Blanke

Nominated by Lisa Bewley

Jaimie is my office nurse in Pediatrics and I don’t know what I would do without her! She helps keep me organized and always has my back. In fact, I think she can read my mind as she always seems to be prepared for what I am going to ask her before I ask for it (just like Radar on MASH). She and I also manage to have fun in the middle of all the chaos. All of this and she approaches each patient and their family in an enthusiastic, caring, and playful way.

She is truly the best!

Lisa Bewley and Jaimie Blanke

Kim Brown

Nominated by Mary Lockwood Kim is supportive and she listens to my concerns. I can talk to her in regards to staff issues. She is honest with me. She shares ideas and opportunities with me. I can depend on Kim both professionally and personally.

Mary Lockwood and Kim Brown

Shannon Hultengren

Nominated by Claudia Simon

If I had a really hectic day and I am just not feeling comfortable about something but can’t put my finger on it I ask Shannon to recheck my documentation for any gaps. She is a second set of eyes.

Shannon Hultengren and Claudia Simon

OR staff with Dr. Ellison and Dr. Luksan back row center.

Abel Lucksan, MD and Brent Ellison, MD

Nominated by Kim Brown, Marcene Wiegand, Nate Walker, Lilly Ramil, Kim Mann, and Dayna Dondelinger

The traditional military definition of a “wingman” refers to the pattern in which fighter jets fly. There is always a lead aircraft and another that flies off the right wing of and behind the lead. The second pilot is called the “wingman” because he/she primarily protects the lead by “watching his back.”

Dr. Luksan and Dr. Ellison both serve as “wingmen” for our staff in the Operating Room. Both providers view patient safety as the team’s number one priority and live this daily. All of our team feel very comfortable communicating with these two providers regarding patient issues. Dr. Luksan and Dr. Ellison are vigilant “watching out” for our team and providing support as needed to keep our patients safe. Both are very professional and calm during crisis and trauma situations. I would have either one of these gentlemen care for me or my family.

I love the phrase from Top Gun “You never leave your wingman” and I use that on almost a daily basis in the OR. They are the definition of a “Wingman.” We really appreciate these two men immensely and their concern for all things surgery. They are our “Maverick and Goose.”

Renee Salas

Nominated by Chelsie Weidaman Renee was scheduled to work until 6 p.m. She stayed past her scheduled working hours to help me with two very difficult patients!! It would have taken me twice the time if she hadn’t stuck around to help me out. I don’t know what I would have done without her!!! Thanks Renee!!!

Renee Salas and Chelsie Weidaman

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Vern Schaffer and Jenn Vogel Nominated by Faye Splichal Jenn Vogel, Faye Splichal, and Vern Schaffer

Can I have two wingmen? These two individuals have covered phone duties twice this summer. First, in April when I had emergency surgery and was out on medical leave for six weeks, and then June 16th, my husband suffered a heart attack and required quadruple by-pass surgery and I was out for two more weeks.

Both situations were emergent with no time to prepare. Jenn and Vern took over all work-related issues, and never once questioned my absence. AND, it was not an easy summer for them. During my absence, in addition to the normal adds, moves, construction, and changes, the entire key system (phones at the nurse station) on 2-W crashed. Vern and Jenn worked together to resolve a critical situation and were able to restore all services quickly. Another event was the crashing of the PageGate server. Again, Jenn was faced with not just the stress of restoring service, but all the questions of why it had crashed and how do we prevent future issues. This was also during the time that iPhones were being deployed with all users wanting to be first in line for the new cell phone. These two individuals did not just support my duties – they took over and did so in the upmost professional way. They are the best wingmen anyone could have – they had my back.

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