Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC) recently recognized four staff members with 40- and 45-year work anniversaries in a superhero-themed Employee Recognition Week. Their colleagues and supervisors shared recollections and messages of gratitude for their service.
Eric Smith, RTR, ARRT, radiology tech, 45 Years
“You brighten up our day with your smiling and your humming and all your little songs … The way you interact with patients has taught me a lot about patient care. It’s just been such a pleasure to work with you. You have the best heart of anybody I’ve ever met.”
- Nicole Wright, radiology tech
“You always have a positive attitude and everyone enjoys working with you. All the patients love you.”
- Samantha Aschendorf, radiology tech
David Scott, Respiratory Care Equipment Tech, 45 Years
“I look at you as a ninja with superhero powers who can push a loaded equipment cart, while grabbing a few oxygen tanks behind you, and wheeling a ventilator alongside, all in a single bound. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. We really enjoy having you as a member of our department.”
- Jeanine Blockus, RRT, clinical supervisor, Respiratory Care
“Dave wants to do his job the best way, and he takes great pride in the work he does. He is an extraordinarily hardworking team member and dedicated, to say the least. I often have to remind him to go home or not come in so early. Dave Scott is the man behind the scenes in this department. Respiratory equipment is clean and dressed and ready to go, shelves are stocked, and oxygen is full throughout all patient care areas because of Dave. When Dave does decide to retire, we’re going to need two, maybe three people to fill his spot.”
- Roseann Rapa, MS, RRT, director of respiratory care
Barbara Oakes, RN, Nursing Administrative Coordinator, Patient Progression, 40 Years
“The thing that’s most remarkable about Barb is that she comes to work every day with the same enthusiasm as if it was her first day. She’s always willing to try new workflows or anything that could help improve our patients’ experience here at PPMC. I take that back – the most remarkable thing about Barb is her amazing cakes that she takes the time to make for everybody’s birthday!”
- Susan Chonko, RN, MSN, clinical director, Patient Progression
“I couldn’t possibly have done my job without you. You’re the best nurse I’ve ever known. I’m proud to call you my co-worker, I’m proud to call you my friend, and I’m proud to call you my family.”
- Valerie Osborne, bed coordinator, Patient Progression
Diane Andrews, RN, Nursing/OR, 40 Years
“Think of all those patients whose lives you’ve changed, all those nurses who you’ve trained and mentored to be half as good as you … all those friends you made here … and mostly, all the surgeons whose lives you made better in your preparation as we came through those OR doors at 7:30 in the morning. You have made me a better surgeon, but as my friend you have also made me a better person, a better son, and a better husband. I love you and hope you last another 20 years while I’m around.”
- Skandan Shanmugan, MD, associate professor, Perelman School of Medicine, section chief of Colorectal Surgery at PPMC
“Every day that I work with you, I feel so relaxed. We’ve been doing colorectal for a long time. Any time something new comes up, you’re right on it … Don’t think that because it’s 40 years, you can retire. Stay here with me as long as I stay. I’ll get you a beautiful cane and you can walk with that cane.”
- Cetta Mason, surgical tech
Watch the Presby employee recognition video below and see additional coverage of PPMC’s Employee Recognition Week