Publications
Dear Nurses: We Appreciate You
Annual excellence awards, recognition development models, leadership programs and team awards are just a few of the many ways MD Anderson recognizes and rewards nurses.
Proton Therapy Center Hosts Ice Cream Social
Evangeline Hubbard, clinical nurse outpatient
(left) with Carolyn Allsen, nurse manager
Whether it’s a gift certificate for a nurse who’s exceeded expectations or a stress-relieving Jeans Day for all, Carolyn Allsen believes in showing Proton Therapy Center (PTC) employees that they’re valued and appreciated.
Last summer, Allsen, who is the PTC nurse manager, even hosted a team building/family fun day for staff at her home. On Hawaiian shirt day in February, the center provided a catered lunch, tropical drinks and leis for employees and patients. The center was decorated in a tropical theme. Many employees wore Hawaiian shirts; some wore grass skirts over their scrubs.
In March, Allsen donned an apron and a paper cap and dished out ice cream with all the fixings at a PTC ice cream social. Nurses, clinic and business center employees were all invited.
“It’s nice,” says Rainelle Vanpelt, patient services coordinator. “Sure, we’ve got the pay and benefits and everything. But something like this, to know you’re thought of and appreciated by the people you work with – that’s very nice.”
Nurses are appreciated by patients, managers and peers at the unit and entry level, too.
Pampering the Stars of G11
Super stars roam the halls on G11, MD Anderson’s stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy unit. Recently, paparazzi caught up with some of these celebrities at an afternoon tea party, a real see-and-be-seen event organized by their agents (managers).
Agnes Shepard, per diem nurse; Jessica McLellan, clinical nurse; Sylvia Brown, clinical nurse
Well aware of the pressures faced every day by this talented and hardworking group of glitterati, agents take every opportunity to pamper them between gigs (patient care activities).
They receive Super Star Awards, too. Recently, for example, a Super Star Award was given to Jessica McLellan, clinical nurse, for her “stellar documentation.” According to Patty Johnston, director of clinical nursing, employees are acknowledged on G11 for a number of reasons, such as excellent patient care delivery, working as a team and supporting each other. They also may be recognized for things like Best Point-of-Use Compliance and Best Discharge Time.
When patients or family members compliment their nurses, whether through patient satisfaction surveys or during leadership rounds, Johnston makes sure those nurses are acknowledged for their good work.
“We care for stem cell patients for months and months sometimes,” she explains. “Patient acuity is high and so is the stress. One of our roles is to help transition patients from acute, curative care to comfort care, and many patients share the grieving process with their nurses.”
Jessica Remmen, clinical nurse, shows off G11’s Super Star Award board.
Jackie Ascuna is one clinical nurse who recently was recognized for excellent end-of-life care. So next time you’re on G11, don’t be intimidated by the nurses – those giants of exemplary patient care, with their badge bling and glowing faces. Go ahead, ask for an autograph. Tell them you’re a fan of their work. They won’t mind, because patient care is what they do and they’re proud of it.
That’s just how they roll.