Some of the latest winners of HUP’s Above and Beyond Program include (from left): Michael Keyack, Mona Matson, Nicole Brown, Tasha Green, Darryl Simms, and Michelle Power.
Congratulations to the latest recipients of the Above and Beyond Program Award, which recognizes staff who have a positive impact on both patients and coworkers by acting with respect, leading by example and inspiring others around them:
Karthik Rajasekaran, MD (Otolaryngology), came in on a weekend to help a cancer patient who was having trouble breathing. He answered questions while making sure his team took the appropriate steps. The family was so grateful.
Tim Kegelman, MD (Medicine), spent three hours talking to a patient during a lumbar puncture to keep her calm as other clinicians performed the procedure.
Elizabeth Abbott, CRNP (OB/GYN), is a role model for colleagues in her dedication to patient care, her attention to detail, her efficiency, and her teamwork.
Mellissa Meshay-Whritnour, PharmD, went down to the central pharmacy to draw up a complicated medication herself and hand delivered it so the patient, who was very uncomfortable, could receive it more quickly.
Michele Power, BSN (Founders 12), demonstrates exceptional compassion and respect towards her patients. She often talks with patients about their life, teaches them new medications or home care, and most importantly, advocates for them.
Michael Keyack, BSN (Rhoads 5), became the primary nurse for an elderly patient to help support her older son, who has a level of developmental delay. The patient's son feels a sense of comfort with Michael and is able to cope better.
Tasha Green, CNA (Silverstein 7), gave a patient two brand-new book bags full of school supplies from a book bag drive and also made sure a patient received a birthday cake from Food Services along with a card she sent around for staff to sign.
Nicole Brown, LPN (OB/GYN), prepares women in the Dickens Center for surgery, making sure the patients feel prepared for the procedures. She inspires patients, providing her direct line so that they can call her with any issues post-operatively.
Daryl Simms (Environmental Services), is very conscientious regarding contact precautions and maintains meticulous infection control. All the patients love him, and are constantly raving about his demeanor and the hand rolled swan towels he leaves at their bedside.
Mona Matson, MBA (Patient and Guest Services), performs her job of assisting patients – even those who are verbally abrasive – with professionalism, empathy, and kindness.
Bonnie Koresko, BSN (Silverstein 11), worried that a patient wouldn't safely make it to the bus station at 10th and Filbert, so she took a cab with the patient to the station to make sure the patient found her bus to Bloomsburg to get home to her family.