Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services | Gibson gets it! | Spring/Summer 2018

GibsonHospital.org 6 With the support of the James Hager family and their shared passion for the hospital, the James A. Hager Award of Excellence was created to continue the legacy of excellence that this successful Gibson City businessman established during his many years of serving on the Gibson Area Hospital board. The prestigious annual award recognizes two nurse employees who are involved in direct patient care and go above and beyond in their pursuit of excellence. This year, Curt Homann, Gibson Area Hospital (GAH) Director of Development, shared a message from the family of James Hager at the annual meeting to announce the 2017 award winners, Karen Wyant and Mary Meents. Wyant and Meents each received a commemorative trophy and $1,000. Their names are also inscribed on the James A. Hager Award of Excellence plaque on display in the hospital. ‘Mama Mary’ Meents Meents was recognized at the meeting via a Skype video call. Fondly known to the obstetrics (OB) staff and others as “Mama Mary,” Meents is considered by her peers to be an educator, providing orientation support for countless new employees in the OB department. She constantly ensures that the unit is ready for the next patient who may come through the door and truly puts the needs of patients and the unit above her own. Also recognized as a patient advocate, Meents is more than willing to go the extra mile to help the patient, family member, co-worker or the department, demonstrating both professionalism and compassion at the same time. With the wisdom that comes from years of experience and observations, Meents acknowledged her strong, supportive family, as well as her colleagues. “I’m thrilled and honored, but it doesn’t happen without all of us here,” she said. “It’s a privilege, and I thank you all because it takes more than one person. This belongs to everybody—at home, in-house and in the clinics. It’s also the support that comes from the board and the community that makes it possible, because if we can’t take care of each other, we can’t take care of others.” Karen Wyant Wyant’s commitment to excellence in patient care and compassion was noted as second to none. A nurse for almost 40 years, with 37 of those years at GAH, she not only continually strives to improve but is also a well-respected mentor by her peers. She will always help others and enjoys taking an employee under her wing to assist and teach whenever the opportunity presents itself. Described as dedicated, compassionate and devoted to her profession, Wyant has also shared her passion for health care with her community as a parish nurse for many years. Wyant graciously received her award surrounded by family and friends. “I thank God for the devotion to do what I do and to love it every day, even on the hard days,” she said. “I thank my family— because they know how much I love what I do. And I thank every single person I have worked with for 30-some years because it always takes a team, and no one does their best when they’re not backed by a team. I’m so grateful to have always been a part of Gibson.” Role models of devotion Award recognizes two nurses who truly lov what they do LEFT: Mary Meents, award winner, and Robin Rose, GAHHS COO, CCO RIGHT: Pictured, from left, are Joann Jay, Emergency Department Director; Karen Wyant, award winner; Robin Rose, GAHHS COO, CCO; and Curt Homann, Foundation Director