Going the Extra Mile
March 8, 2010
We have a Director of Nurses, Debra Dean, at the Ron Jackson Unit that cannot be beat. Her door is always open to listen to your problems, your ideas, and concerns. I do not think she ever goes home, she works day and night. I have come to know and respect her as my supervisor. I believe she is fair and just to all. I know she works a lot harder than most and goes the extra mile to help other units. I really appreciate her.--Pam Bell
Going the Extra Mile
January 7, 2010
Josanne Smathers, Administrator for the Departments of Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Neurology & Cell Biology is awesome. She does an outstanding job of managing 3 departments, and the clinics they support. There are countless challenges that arise at all hours of the day and night and she meets every one with a smile as well as a smiley face in her emails. She is extremely sharp and everyone likes working for her. I don't know if she has ever received a GEM card but her office should be filled with them. KUDOS to you Josanne for going the EXTRA MILE for all of us especially after Ike.--Sherry Carter
Personal Attention
October 13, 2009
I was trying to get ahold of the benefits dept. I wasn't having much luck with all the "answering" systems and voice mails you must go thru to contact an actaul individual. I had been calling "benefits" and no one answered, or I was transferred a few times that day.Out of frustration I called the main number for Human Resources and got Betty. What a She persoanally went looking for a benefits person for me. Gave me number to call and a name. After 2 hours of trying to contact this person, (I didn't know she had gone home sick and I guess neither did Betty) I was even more frustrated. So - I called Betty again. She again - personally found me someone to help me, and eased me thru an extremely frustrating voice mail system. She made sure I wasn't forwarded to a phone with a voice mail. Not everyone will take the time to give that type of "personal" attention. Betty did that for me and I'm truely greatful. Very few people have that sense of "if it were me on the other end of the line, what would I expect as a customer" mentality. I'm sure glad I got Betty on the other end of my calls yesterday. I certainly won't forget her attention to detail or her sense of customer service in the "telecommunication - voice mail world" of what UTMB has become. I miss that touch of "person" - Thanks Betty!!! I did get my questions anwered by Benefits but I wouldn't have even been able to talk to them had it not been for Betty. In the end the entire Human Resouce Dept did it's best - including Benefits but it sure didn't feel like it at the time. Betty IS the BEST!!!! --Jackie Pennington
A True GEM
June 3, 2009
What a true GEM - Goes above and beyond daily! I have the pleasure to work with Officer Anthony Bliss. Officer Bliss reports to work with a HUGE smile on his face and always stops to tell you his version of "HELLO!" Officer Bliss works hard and checks every building looking for water leaks, fires, and overall safety on the UTMB campus. Officer Bliss is a Field Training Officer and teaches all trainees the "right way to do things." Even though Officer Bliss prefers a hug, just a simple "thank you" will make his day. Thanks Officer Bliss for making our jobs easier! --Officer Ryan Erwin
A True GEM
November 10, 2008
In July of this year I had surgery; when I came to in the recovery room I was tended to by Claudia McCalla, RN. She was the epitome of professionalism and kindness. She did everything she could to make sure that I was comfortable, explained things before she did them and was a calm, caring presence throughout my stay there. I know that the staff in this area rarely get recognition and wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart and many kudos for a job well done. Claudia, you are truly a GEM! --Gerianne Casey
The Glue
October 30, 2008
THE GLUE at the Low Pharmacy, we have many duties. Mrs. Cutwright is what I call the senior PCA and she knows the job. I have watched her for 5 years answer questions, solve problems, catch (a could be problem) before it happens. She is hard working and tells it like it truely is. She is strong in faith. She is a great teacher and has a lot of wisdom. She has worked every unit here and handles them well. I have learned alot from her and enjoy having her as my teacher.The reason I chose to call her the glue is because she helps hold things together, not just in the pharmacy but all around. To Mrs. Cutwright, thank you for caring and sharing. You are awesome!! Continue to hold on to your FAITH!! Your Partner --Bridgett Barnes
True Dedication
June 9, 2008
I would like to recognize a truly dedicated employee. Ms. Laurie Gonzales has worked for UTMB since Aug of 1996. She worked for the prison system 2 years previously under free world contract. She is a valuable asset wherever she works.
She was assigned to the Connally Unit for 12 years and then transferred the Estelle Unit where she was for 6 months. We were very unhappy to see her leave but knew she wanted to be with her husband who is Capt for TDCJ. She made our year when she decided she wanted to come back to our region and was assigned to the McConnell Unit.
Ms. Gonzales is truly amazing in the fact that she has triplet boys and one of them stays ill. He has Cerebral Palsy and has a lot of lung problems. She never misses work for herself. She will drag herself in and always give 110%. She is a CPR instructor and also a Nursing Preceptor. She is also going to school to become and RN and has aspirations of becoming a Nurse Manager someday. She is an amazing person and I think a special story should be done on her. She does so much for everyone else. She deserves it.--Lindsay Green
Teamwork
May 8, 2008
This story is to recognize our CID DEPT. These ladies are AWESOME ! They really know how to come together and get the job done. I have seen them go from unit to unit to help each other out during emergencys and perform like a team should. These ladies have a very serious job. They are responsible for a great number of patients and they have to keep up with different test and lab works so, it is a good thing that they are a team.
Now at this time I would like for you to meet this group of ladies that show us what a team is all about. J.Bradford Lvn-Low, T.Salyers Lvn-Med., R.Young Lvn-Usp, R. Rothenberger-Lvn, S. Charles-RN- She asst. when needed.and R. Pitre-RN-Supervisor. The Pharmacy at the Low wants you all to know we see and Thank You for your hard work. --B. Barnes, A. Cutwright and G. Moore
Dedication and Faith
May 8, 2008
This story is about a CCA at the FCC-LOW Bmt. This person is dedicated, hard working and a joy to work with. She never complains and goes beyond the call of duty at all times. I'm sure by now this has you wondering who this outstanding person is. Glad you asked, now let me introduce to you all Ms.Tammy Campbell. She shows great FAITH. Ms. Campbell would come to work not feeling well but she still did a great job. Not one time did you hear her complain or use those days that she wasn't feeling well as an excuse not to do her job. Due to the seriousness of her illness she had to take a medical leave of absence. She was out for about 4mths. Even when we visited her at the hospital she still had her smile and her joy. She would encourage you just with the way she believed GOD for her healing.
She is now back to work and even when she has Doctor appts. she would schedule her appts. around her work schedule. Now we would like for you all to know that, THAT SHE IS HEALED !!! Ms. Campbell we LUV YA !! Thank you for allowing us to share. --J. Bradford, LVN and B. Barnes, PCA
Truly Special
December 17, 2007
I would like to let you know about Lucy Salazar. She is a respiratory therapist and a substitute supervisor and she is truly special. She goes above and beyond expectations. You can always count on Lucy to help out and be there when you need her. She has a wonderful personality and a smile that could light up a room.
She works primarily in the pediatric area and I know that they, and we in the respiratory department, are truly blessed to have her as our friend and co-worker!! --Tammy Howlett
Taking Time
November 29, 2007
A patient wanted us to know how Bevin Graham helped him enjoy his stay in the hospital. The patient said Bevin's attitude and Great big smile made his stay excellent. Bevin is a proud member of Food Service as well as tower 5C/D.
Alfred Williams recieved his GEM card for going the extra mile all the time for patients & TDC nursing employees. Alfred is very nice & pleasant.
Diane Roberson went the extra mile for remembering to get a special order for a patient. --Paula Martin Lynch
Above and Beyond
October 3, 2007
We would like to thank Robert Sandoval, Robert Getso, and Elton Yancey, three valuable members of FOAM, for their alertness to safety issues and their willingness to go outside their job assignment to do what is right. They were repairing a cold room in our area, and happened to notice a piece of small lab equipment (a water bath) with a frayed electrical cord. They went to get supplies and came back to replace it immediately.
We hadn't noticed it, and it was very likely to cause a fire in that condition. How nice to work with people who take care of things, even if it isn't on their list of assignments. Good on you! --Cheryl S. Watson
Team Player
August 9, 2007
I would personally like to tell you about Ms.Curtis-Hancock-PIC at the Federal Prison in Beaumont. She is truly an all-a-round person. She demonstrates a true team player. She works hard and diligently getting the job done, not just for the Low, but she assists with the USP, MEDIUM and the Camp. Mrs. Curtis-Hancock is often called upon to order supplies for other units, deliver stat labs for other units and along with other duties all over this facility. She is our SUPER SUPER PIC. We enjoy her. She will assist in just about any area. She comes in and attends to our fax machines, copiers, and she makes sure that our supplies are in on time.
She even remembers, with all that she does, when it is time to reorder our supplies. Some days we can call her and tell her that we need to order things and she will respond ----"I GOT CHA ". I then would say ' what about this, she then respond "I GOT CHA". She is truly a Great Person and an Outstanding Employee. Sometimes we believe Mrs. Curtis-Hancock is taken for granted for being a Jack of all Trades. So today we would like to say to her -----THANK YOU !! YOU ARE SUPER !! --B. Barnes and A. Cutwright
True Asset
August 3, 2007
I wanted to personally tell you what an outstanding employee Tracy Harrison is. I work for the Sealy Center for Structural Biology, and the Center has recently purchased a $200K Robotic System from Rigaku. Rigaku is the only vendor that provides three robots automated into a single robotics system which then provides data tracking and information flow among the robots. It is believed that having the unique advantages, provided by the Rigaku system, will greatly enhance the productivity of the UTMB scientists performing x-ray crystallography experiments, and therefore also improve the quality of research outcomes. Unfortunately, we hit a snag in the purchase/shipping of the system (which is scheduled for August 7th) since the "deposit" check had not been received by Rigaku as part of the purchase agreement. And since they didn't have the check required, shipping the system was going to be delayed.
I contacted Ms. Harrison on Wednesday (8/1) for assistance in identifying the problem and an immediate resolution. Ms. Harrison worked diligently to have the urgently needed check processed and issued to the vendor. Her hard work and determination allowed the check to have been processed, mailed and delivered in a matter of days! As a result, the shipping of this state-of-the-art Robotic System will remain on schedule. Ms. Harrison is truly an asset to the University, as well as an exemplary example of professionalism. Best Regards. --Lori Blackwell
Lucky to Have Her
July 30, 2007
Judy Howard is a very special person. She is very good at grant management and helps me out with the paperwork I need to submit. She is good hearted and keeps all my deadlines on time. If I am out of town, and she has a question about something that needs to go out, she will call me and make sure everything is perfect before it goes out. She is very professional and we are lucky to have her. --Mabel Caban
Busy Day
July 26, 2007
I would like for Karen Gabriel, Phlebotomist of Pediatric Speciality to be recognized for going over and beyond. There was one very busy day that I worked alone in my nursing unit obtaining vitals and EKG's and Karen seen that I had patients that needed to have vitals and be directed to exam rooms. Karen then obtained their vitals and direct them to exam room. She made sure that patients were taken care of while I did EKG's. Thanks to Karen for a job well done. I appreciate you. --Yvonne Diaz
Ray of Sunshine
July 26, 2007
I'm writing in about Tasha Martinez Pediatric, Cardiac Sonographer. She joined our team a little over 2 years ago. She carries a bright light and always steps up in any situation. Her and I bonded immediatly once she was hired. I admire her strength, dedication and kindness.
She is always happy, outgoing, and a "Ray of Sunshine". Our department is fortunate to have her and I am fortunate to have her as a friend. --Monica Dressler, Administrative Coordinator
Shines Brightly
July 22, 2007
This is to recognize Amy Brandt, LVN (TDCJ-7B Outpatient Care Center). Recently I was out ill for three months. During that time Amy called almost daily to check on me, came over with another nurse, Michael Segura, LVN (Carole Young-TC) giving me more than just moral and emotional support from each of them but from co-workers at CYMF and HG as well!
When I returned to work Amy was right there. I could not lift, push or pull because I am still in pain and still recovering. Amy does it all!! I call her mom sometimes because she will fuss at me when I try to do something I know I shouldn't. Never a complaint about doing what we like to call the "Hazel" work. Always a smile, a joke, even a motherly fuss. Amy shines brighter than the Hope diamond!! --Sue Kantz
True Teamwork
July 22, 2007
I would like to submit a Gem story and awards for all the staff at Carole Young Medical Facility and TDCJ-HG-7B-Outpatient Care Center!! I was ill for three months, during the entire time my co-workers gave me much needed emotional and moral support. When I returned to work still under the weather, but functional still they were there to give me the support I needed.
So Much love and THANKS to each and everyone of them!! Love you guys!!!!! --Sue Kantz
Shines for UTMB
June 29, 2007
Sidney Bailey is a GEM that shines for UTMB. I recently had a situation where my Glugometer malfunctioned and I ended up in the Emergency Room where the wonderful people there took care of me and brought me back to a functioning life! They told me to have my Glugometer checked and so the next morning I called Sidney at the Stark Diabetes clinic, she told me to come right in and she would replace it immediately. I did and got a new one. She told me that if I ever have any problems with it to contact her immediately. I told her I would like to see if I could get a back up one that was smaller and easier to take with me. She said they didn't have any.
The following Monday I got a Voice mail from Sidney and she told me she got a coupon in the newspaper and that I could get the glugometer I wanted from a local pharmacy and with the coupon the cost would be covered. I told her I would be by later in the week, but work coverage made it impossible for me to get to the Stark Clinic. The next week I got a new voice mail from Sidney. She had gone to the pharmacy on her own time and got me the new backup glugometer. Talk about a Shining example of a GEM! She sure SHINES in my eyes! --Lorrie Rico
Our Daily Sunshine
June 8, 2007
Not long ago, Cynthia Jones (Cindy) transferred from a Contract Parking Garage #2 to the UTMB Transportation Department. Her post is usually in front of the UHC Building entrance near Garage #2. Every, and I mean EVERY morning, afternoon or evening you see Cindy, she takes time to smile and greet you; not only the patients but staff entering our building for the day, after lunch, and when we depart. She is an extraordinary GEM - why?
Since Cindy came on board, her spirit has been contagious. These are the types of personalities that stand out to our patients and staff. The up-beat, caring, genuine customer service representative (and really, that's what she is), not a superficial bone in her body person has set the bar for other employees to find the joy in their jobs. We have noticed a difference in other Transportation personnel since Cindy has been around. We have noticed a difference in OUR days too. To be greeted in such a manner, many times, calling you by name, and telling you to have a beautiful day. What a positive spirit she is, and now has been labeled "our daily sunshine" by many of the staff in the Ashbel Smith Building.
We're glad she's there, and we would like to see her recognized. Congrats Cindy! May peace and joy follow you in all your endeavors; you've certainly brightened our days here at UTMB.--Kathlynn Joel-Reich "kat"
Taking Time
February 6, 2007
A very kind gentleman by the name of Joseph Bell helped escort a patient to an area that was quite a distance from his work station. The patient was elderly and unable to walk fast, but Mr. Bell took his time to ensure the patient arrived in another clinic safely.
This was not the first time we witnessed Mr. Bell taking the time out to escort others to far and away places. Often many are too busy throughout the course of the day in our relentless mission to ensure that jobs are completed before the end of the day, and kind people like Mr. Bell serve as a constant reminder of customer service at it's best. We all have taken the time out a time of two to escort patients, but Joseph does it with such professionalism and kindness it just cannot go un-noticed.--Patricia Taylor
One Who Cares
September 20, 2006
We want to recognize Janet Sandridge for her exceptional performance as a Nurse Clinician V. Janet is always there for us, she listens to our concerns and problems and always have a positive way to solve them. She makes our schedule, though it is a difficult job, she accommodates as much as she can in order to grant our requests and needs. Janet is always calm, smiling even during stressful times. She places others needs before hers.
Her extraordinary leadership and compassion extends to her personal life and community activities. Janet adopted 3 children, all with ADD or ADHD and one that is mentally challenged. She is an active member of her church and spends her vacation traveling to poor sectors of the country helping families build and repair houses.
Janet is an extraordinary human being and nurse. We are privileged to have her as a member of our team. Thanks Janet for going an extra mile and for be an example and inspiration to us.
There are Angels
August 13, 2006
I would like you to know, that Doris Reggan (Vocational Nurse at the Skyview Unit) is an angel. I had been going back and forth to the doctor with my husband, who had medical problems. I had exhausted all my funds and had no money to come back to work the rest of the week. As we were getting off of work she slipped me a $100.00 bill and said ,"God Bless you, I'll see you at work tommorrow."
WE need more angels like her.--Cathy Smith
A Giving Spirit
May 03, 2004
A colleague and friend of mine, Lori Galbert (Research Assistant in Preventive Medicine and Community Health), and I went to the cafeteria in John Sealy to get a snack and take a little break. Lori and I got something to drink and were in line to checkout.
Lori noticed an older woman, a patient here at UTMB, desperately trying to find something to eat that she could afford for the $2.00 she had. She was quite distraught, so Lori decided to do something. Lori's got a big heart so she helped the woman find a good hot meal and paid for the meal herself letting the woman keep her $2.00 for another time. I am glad to have Lori as a friend, and her giving spirit is a model for the UTMB attitude.
Above and Beyond
Feb. 11, 2004
A friend of a patient fell in the parking lot of the Primary Care Pavilion and hit her head. Someone came in and notified the front desk of the Geriatric Clinic, in Suite 125, and some of the staff there immediately ran out to help. It was in the middle a huge rain storm, but the patient was not stable enough to move. Jan Winnike R.N., Tracy Carter-Lewis L.V.N. and Dr. Loretta Grumbles stayed with the patient in the pouring rain, along with OSA Supervisor Angie Andres and Sr. OSA Lacey Reyna. They held 6 umbrellas, shielding the patient from the rain as much as possible. The ambulance took a while to get there, and everyone stayed in the rain with the patient the whole time. They were soaked to the bone when they came back in, but showed an unbelievable amount of customer service, going above and beyond for the patient.--Jenny Lanier
Taking the Time
Jan. 14, 2004
Wow! What an asset Sandi Cowan is to the Department of Internal Medicine. Sandi brought lots of "research accounting" experience and is not reluctant to share her wealth of knowledge. Despite her busy days and learning a new position, she does not hesitate to give "how-to" advice, special hints,and downright general information, when she sees that "lost in the headlight" look from me. She has taught me so much regarding budgets and routing forms, and just clarifying for me exactly what is needed when presenting my chairman with new grants and protocols. She takes the time! I cannot thank her enough for her genuine concern and "Going the Extra Mile" for me. Please thank her for me. --Carroll Valdez
Bundles of Joy
June 19, 2002
When I was not quite 35 weeks pregnant, my water broke early one morning. I wound up in labor and delivery 5 weeks before I thought I would. It was not an ideal situation in any way, especially because of the amount of concern about the baby being born over a month early, and possibly with a low birth weight. I needed to be induced (due to the water breaking), and didn't give birth until almost 17 hours later.
Luckily, I wound up with 2 great people helping me -- Amy Garcia and Dr. Belinda Schwertner. Amy was the nurse that was on duty once my labor had really started, and Dr. Schwertner was the doctor on duty. They both did everything they could and more to make sure that things went well and smoothly. They were constantly there - helping, encouraging, and coming up with ideas to try to make things easier. An experience that had started out being pretty uneasy and uncomfortable ended wonderfully, and I owe a huge thanks to the nurse and doctor on duty, who really went beyond the call of duty to make sure that things went well. --Kate Sange |
