Remember When Contest

Louise Wilber, Patient Accounting, came up with a great idea and a fun way for all of us to share some memories from St. Joseph’s past. Forms were placed outside our atrium for staff and visitors to share some of their memories. Throughout the remainder of our anniversary year we will be publishing the entries. A drawing for SJH tee shirts was held and here are the results:

The winners were randomly drawn and each of ten winners received a St.Joseph’s Hospital tee shirt.

Tee-shirt winners:

    • Gayle Hartman- Elmira Primary Care
    • Helen May- St. Joseph’s Apartments
    • Rita Wayne-SJH Auxiliary/Volunteer
    • Lynn Troy-Case Management
    • Chris Oakes-Facilities Engineering
    • Robin Van Houten (2)Case Manager

                    Bobbie Sheremeta- OHS

                    Sue Shaylor-Credit and collections

Here are some of the memories people shared:

Veronica Kastenhuber (Business Office)

Fifteen years ago when I began working at SJH, E2 was the Cardiac Step-down unit. I was an evening unit clerk there. I met many wonderful people from the SJH family who worked on E2 or were otherwise connected to the unit.

Chris Oakes (Facilities Engineering)

You could go the 5th floor maternity unit and see all the new arrivals in the nursery.

Lynn Troy (Case Management)

Student nurses never showed up in the cafeteria in slacks. The proper attire was either a dress or skirt in those days.

As told to Jim Danko (Lab) by Frank Palmer

There were sheep on the roof and they were bled once a month for microbiology plates.

Theresa Bucci (Retired RN)

Sister Mary Michael hired me to work nights on Pediatrics. I worked with Marge Bergh, caring for those "little ones".

Rita Carbone (SNF Unit Director)

I remember when the lentil soup had pepperoni in it.

Gayle Hartman (Elmira Primary Care Office)

We remember when Surgical 3 had medical, surgical, and STARS patients. The STARS program was an inpatient program at that time. We experienced many different aspects of nursing. There was an eight bed and four bed ward. It was a very busy floor. Then we would go to the Dunn Cafeteria for the salad bar. We worked hard but had fun doing it.

Helen May (our own unofficial photographer who takes photos and then makes up a "Snoopy" postcard collage.

I was a patient here in 1945 when Roosevelt passed away (Franklin not Teddy!)

Robin VanHouten (Case Management)

The skilled nursing unit was located on the second floor C section. The communal dining room/recreation area was located where the acute dialysis and anemia clinics are now.

Linda Kay Graham (SNF,C5)

A sister of St. Joseph was in charge of nurse’s aides and if she thought your uniform was too short she would tell you she was going to have a party for your shoes and invite your skirt on down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital Announces May Employee of the Month

Rita Carbone, RN is St. Joseph’s Hospital Employee of the Month for May. Ms. Carbone, St. Joseph’s Skilled Nursing Facility Unit Director, received the award for caring and compassionate attitude toward residents, families and staff. She is never too busy to listen and her positive demeanor, generous spirit and strong clinical skills make her a role model as a nurse.

Rita Carbone lives in Elmira and has one child at home and two grown children.

Spirit Awards 2008

Congratulations to the 2008 Spirit Award winners:

Dr. Lorrie Penfield – Physician Category

Stephanie Tryon – Health Professional Category

Wayne Vanhouten – Support Staff Category

Don Orton – Volunteer Category

These individuals work hard every day to make a difference. We thank each of them for their hard work and dedication. Their nominations acknowledge that hard work and dedication.

Dr. Lorrie Penfield is described as "a caring and compassionate person. Patients all express how wonderful she is and, if they have to make a return visit, ask if she is on duty. She will sit in the room, spending time talking to the patients; treating not only the immediate problem but also addressing other concerns. Patients are made to feel as if they are her sole focus." Dr. Penfield is also dedicated. She will often stay on past her shift to complete the care of patients that she started. She makes follow-up calls. She also supports many of the auxiliary fundraisers, from bake sales to the basket auction.

Stephanie Tryon is a patient care manager on D3. And was nominated for being "the truly caring, professional person that we want everyone who deals with St. Joseph’s to meet. She is intelligent and resourceful in assisting patients, families, and other members of the St. Joseph’s family. She is a caring, responsive listener….Everyone is drawn to her. This young woman always goes the extra mile."

Wayne VanHouten "is one of those people who quietly makes a difference. Wayne is the quintessential gentleman. He will always stop whatever he is doing and help those of us who are struggling with the equipment. He does this cheerfully and shrugs off thanks with "I’m glad to help’"

Donny Orton is our very own Johnny Cash. His nomination states that he is "more than deserving of the Spirit Award for the many hours that he donates his time and talent to residents of the Skilled Nursing Facility. He can be heard singing old and new songs that bring smiles to both residents and staff. When other performers have cancelled Donny has often come in on a moment’s notice. When some residents have been bed-bound he has gone into their rooms to give a private concert. Whether it is yodeling to "Tiny Tumleweed" or getting into Elvis’ "Blue Christmas", you can count on Donny Cash to put a smile on your face."

The Spirit Awards will be held on May 14, 2008 at the Elmira Country Club at 6:30. Individuals who have donated $150 or more during 2007 are invited. If you would like to purchase a ticket, please contact The Foundation at extension 336.

 

Volunteer News

Spring is in the air and our auxiliary is as busy as ever. Check out our Spring "Basket" in the Gift Shop and at other locations. It is full of wonderful things, including gift certificates to Red Lobster, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

The Auxiliary Annual Spring Luncheon will be held on Friday, May 9th from noon until 3 pm. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Center. If you know anyone who enjoys a delicious lunch, followed by an afternoon of cards, board games, etc. please contact the Volunteer Office for more information.

If the word "Delicious" made you hungry you are in luck. A pie sale will be held on Thursday, May 8th in the Front Lobby.

Next up is another visit by Books are Fun, They will be in our Front Lobby on May 22nd and 23rd with another assortment of books and gift items at great prices.

As always, please stop by our Gift Shop. The end of the school year is fast approaching so pick up that special Webkin for your favorite student. We will also be bringing in more of the popular Willowtree Angels and more of the American Expedition line of wildlife mugs, coasters, etc.

Our new line of candy has also been very popular and new flavors arrive with each shipment so have fun trying them all!