Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services | Gibson gets it! | Spring/Summer 2020

GibsonHospital.org 1 6 Gibson news Healing hands, caring hearts Three nurses honored for exceptional patient care Thanks to the vision of the James Hager family, exceptional patient care is recognized each spring at the hospital’s annual meeting. Nominated by their peers, the winners of the James A. Hager Award of Excellence demonstrate unique qualities in their direct patient care that reflect the vision of the hospital—to be the model of excellence in community-based health care. James Hager’s legacy of excellence was established during his tenure on the hospital board and continues to be recognized this year as three nurses join the prestigious group of previous winners. They each receive $1,000, along with a trophy and their name inscribed on the James A. Hager Award of Excellence plaque on display in the hospital. Pictured on the right are GAHHS Board of Directors President Martin Nuss; Pat Lemke, LPN; Kendra Monk, LPN; and Curt Homann, Director of Development. Sue Emberson, LPN, was unable to attend the meeting to receive her award. It was presented to her at a later date. Kendra Monk, LPN, Gibson Area Medical Clinic Kendra Monk was commended in her nomination as being “dependable and reliable with a great work ethic and willingness to help others.” A mentor to other nurses, she possesses skills in time management and provides quality care with a positive attitude, professional demeanor and resilience. Observing Monk as a “beacon of stability” to others, Omar Geada, MD, recognizes her commitment to providing quality nursing care for the clinic’s patients. “She is a true patient advocate at all times—and provides a sense of security and purpose to our patients,” Dr. Geada says. “They can always count on her to make things better, reduce stress and tension, and provide a fix to complicated medical issues.” Sue Emberson, LPN, Family Health Care of Gibson City Sue Emberson, described in her nomination as “a burst of energy,” was recognized for exhibiting “incredible compassion and understanding toward our patients.” Not only considered an exceptional nurse by her patients and co-workers, she is also an accomplished professional, having served on the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation Nursing Board. Kate Austman, MD, acknowledges her colleague as both committed to the GAHHS organization and to the nursing profession. “She is marvelous at mentoring staff and is a contributor to improving our programs and services,” Dr. Austman says. “Her role as a patient advocate is evident, and she does so with compassion and empathy.” Pat Lemke, LPN, Gibson Area Primary Care Pat Lemke, described in her nomination as “always one with a kind word, warm smile and a caring heart,” has loyally served GAHHS for over 30 years. During that time, she has provided the gift of patient advocacy, going to any length for the care of patients and demonstrating that she truly cares for people and their families. “She is always the first person to jump in and assist a co-worker and is proactive in suggesting ways to improve patient satisfaction and access,” says Mark Spangler, MD, commenting on Lemke’s qualities as an innovative team player and mentor that made her so deserving of the award. “She has been a lifelong supporter of GAHHS and all that we do to meet our mission statement.”