Associates of the year embody gratitude, vision, sense of ownership, empathy

1/19/2017

VALPARAISO, IN (January 20, 2017) –The winners of Porter Regional Hospital’s associate of the year awards embody specific qualities that truly connect them to patients and fellow associates. Three new winners for Clinical Manager of the Year, Non-Clinical Manager of the Year, and Associate of the Year were announced in December for 2017, joining the Patient Choice Winner of the Year, who was announced in June 2016.

“These associates were nominated by their peers and by patients for exemplifying the standards of care we strive to achieve.  I want to congratulate Ellie, Judy, Jill and Dana for setting great examples and making a difference for our patients,” said Steve Lunn, CEO of Porter Health Care System.

Eleanor “Ellie” Fehsel-Ansburg, an environmental services worker, was named the 2017 Associate of the Year after being nominated by coworkers on the fifth floor. She chose “Gratitude” as her descriptive word. “The patients love Ellie, and often mention her by name and compliment her positive attitude and smiling face. She is a hard worker, takes initiative, and lends a helping hand when things get busy on the unit,” read the nomination. Ellie, who also holds the organization’s highest scores for cleaning, said gratitude is important to her to be able to do a good job every day. “I am thankful to have this position, and to work with so many good people. Everyone has a positive attitude. We all work together for the benefit of our patients, and that is very rewarding.”

Judy Davidson, RN, Director of Telemetry, was named the 2017 Clinical Manager of the Year after fellow associates nominated her for executing on a vision that has helped unify the Intermediate Care and Telemetry units. She chose “Vision” as her descriptive word. “Judy is fantastic. She always puts a smile on my face when I’m having a bad day,” wrote one associate. Judy is known for positivity, helping the staff to answer call lights to improve patient care, and providing praise and encouragement on a regular basis. She is a highly-respected shared-governance council leader. “Having a vision, and creating an environment where associates are happy to come to work is so essential to our units. Together, we decide every day to find what is working well and celebrate it, and it all translates to happier patients and better patient care,” Judy said.

Jill Wadding, Manager of Compensation & Benefits, was named 2017 Non-Clinical Manager of the Year after being nominated by fellow associates for her positive attitude and willingness to help everyone she encounters. Jill chose “Sense of Ownership” to describe herself. “Jill dedicates much of her own time for hospital events; she represents everything good about the spirit of our organization. She is always positive and dedicated to her work, and is the most unselfish person. She always has time for you,” wrote associates in the nomination. “I strive to remember that everything I touch affects someone else, and I love to see Porter associates succeed and be happy in their careers. A strong sense of ownership is important to me to be able to serve our organization well.”

In June 2016, Dana Masty, RN, Emergency Department, was recognized as the Patient Choice Winner of the Year for delivering quality care, comfort, and compassion to patients each day. She was nominated by a patient who wished to thank her for being an exceptional nurse. “Meeting this wonderful nurse was the best thing that ever happened to me. I feel that ER nurses never get enough recognition for the long hours they put in.” Dana chose “Empathy” as a word to describe her work ethic.

Porter Regional Hospital regularly provides leadership training and recognition to associates to foster an environment where patient-centered care creates a rewarding work environment. To browse career opportunities, visit porterhealth.com.

Porter Health Care System has two hospital campuses and seven outpatient facilities serving Porter, Lake, La Porte, Starke and Jasper counties. With more than 350 physicians representing 50 medical specialties, Porter Health Care System is committed to medical excellence and personalized, patient-centered care. Porter is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

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