CHAMPION.  It's not a complicated word to pronounce or to use in a sentence; however, we often overuse the word, thereby reducing its magnitude and importance. A Champion is defined as one who fights for another or for a cause; excelling all others or one who shows marked superiority.

CHAMPION. When a class of third grade students was asked what a champion is, they supplied the following thoughts:  “It's something you want to be.  It's a winner.  It's a friend.  It's my dad.  I'm not sure, but I know there are not a lot of them.”  And finally, “I think it means something special.”

So, now you might be asking how these “Champions” were selected?  Each of our “Champions” was nominated for and received a CARE Award some time during the past year. As our CARE Committee was voting on the CARE Award recipients, they were also selecting those whose actions and attitudes distinguished them from all others nominees and defined them as Champions. After identifying those who met the Champion criteria, they were then voted on by the CARE Committee. Click here to view past care champions.

CARE Champions: Second Quarter 2011

Michelle, ED
A gentleman was escorted into the Emergency Department (ED) by 6 police officers. He was very uncooperative, even combative, and the officers did all that they could to control his violent outbursts. In the course of the officers trying to contain this man, Michelle realized that he was only crying out for help. He was trying to tell the police officers that he wanted a shower and something to eat. While the officers struggled to keep the man subdued, Michelle found him a room and somewhere to shower, and then bought him a hot sandwich when he got back to the ED. These small gestures of kindness did not go unnoticed by the patient. Freshly showered and fed, this man who was so full of violence upon arrival became calm and remained very cooperative for the remainder of his time at Randolph Hospital.

CARE Champions: First Quarter 2011

Derrick, ED
Derrick is a C.A.R.E Champion because of a situation he handled in the Emergency Department recently. He was faced with a horrific situation, in which a heart-broken family had just lost one their beloved sons in a car accident. There was general hysteria around the situation and the events leading up. Derrick helped prepare the child’s body, insuring that he appeared as normal as possible considering the circumstances of his death. Derrick tenderly cared for the child, conveying compassion and dedication for his work.

Lane, ED
Lane is a C.A.R.E Champion because of a situation he handled in the Emergency Department recently. He was faced with a horrific situation, in which a heart-broken family had just lost one their beloved sons in a car accident. There was general hysteria around the situation and the events leading up. Lane helped prepare the child’s body, insuring that he appeared as normal as possible considering the circumstances of his death. Lane tenderly cared for the body of the child, conveying compassion and dedication for his work.

CARE Champions: Fourth Quarter 2010

Melisa, ICU 
An ICU patient who was awake and on a ventilator had just received the devastating diagnosis of lung cancer. As if the news weren’t traumatic enough, Melisa realized the patient had just received this news on his birthday. In an effort to lighten the mood and to help bring a spot of joy to this day, Melisa went to the hospital gift shop and bought birthday balloons for the patient.

Lisa, IT 
While walking across the street for a meeting in the main hospital, Lisa stopped to help an elderly gentleman who was lost. Lisa volunteered to ride with the gentleman to the parking deck and assisted him in parking his car. Lisa then retrieved a wheelchair for the gentleman and escorted him to the patient he was visiting. Once at the patient room, Lisa noticed that the patient was on isolation precautions and she helped the gentleman gown up and glove-up so he could enter the room. Before leaving, Lisa made sure the visitor had the number to the Welcome Center so that he could request help getting back to his car. 

Sherry, Resource Management
On Thanksgiving Day, Sherry was the on call staff for Resource Management. As Sherry was assisting a patient with discharge plans she realized he had no pay source to secure his diabetic supplies. He needed a box of insulin syringes, a glucometer and strips for the glucometer. Sherry with her compassionate and generous nature gave the patient $60 of her own money to pay for these needed supplies.

PCU
There was a patient on PCU during the Christmas season. The patient was told by her oncologist that her treatments for cancer were no longer working. Once the staff found out about her diagnosis, they immediately came together and planned something magical.  They decorated one of the rooms with two windows to view Asheboro with Christmas decorations. Each staff member made a snowflake, which had words of encouragement that were hung from the ceiling in her room. Her husband went out and got a small Christmas tree. They put a stocking in her room. It was absolutely amazing!

Brenda, Diabetes Center
A participant in a Diabetes class lost her balance and fell in the restroom causing damage to her clothing. The participant did not want to leave the class. Brenda made a special trip to the store to purchase sweat pants and socks for the participant. When she returned, Brenda asked the participant if she would like to change into the new items. The participant was very happy with being able to change into new clothes.

Kenita, In-Home Aide
Kenita is a Certified Nursing Assistant for a patient who has Alzheimer’s disease. The patient has been cared for in the home for several years. Kenita has done many things to improve the quality of life for her patient. The patient’s husband had a birthday, and Kenita took it upon herself to plan a surprise birthday party for him. Kenita and her mom cooked a great meal, got a birthday cake and arranged for guests to attend. She even worked it out so that the patient’s son and grandson from out-of-town were in attendance. Kenita did something for the patient that she no longer has the ability to do.

CARE Champions: Third Quarter 2010

Candace, Lab
Candace was drawing labs on a patient who was going to surgery. The patient’s family member mentioned that she received cancer treatments at cancer facility that was an hour away. She expressed what a burden it was to travel that far to receive chemotherapy. Candace then went back to the lab, and later returned to the patient’s room and informed the family member of the benefits in coming to Randolph Hospital Cancer Center. She explained the program and informed her of the knowledgeable nurses and doctors at Randolph Hospital.  She then offered and to have the patient’s orders and medical records sent to our facility in order to have her chemotherapy done closer to home. The patient and family member were very thankful and took her up on her offer. Candace was able to save two extra hours for the patient and family member. They can now spend that time with each other giving and receiving lots of love and savoring the time they have.

Heather, ICU
Heather was assisting a patient in the Intensive Care Unit, who was very concerned that some oranges he bought would go bad at his home. After finishing a night shift, Heather went to the patient’s home, picked up his oranges and brought them to work the next evening for him. This act of kindness brightened up the patient and made him very appreciative of the care he received at Randolph Hospital.

Ruth, PCU 
While Ruth was caring for a patient with congestive heart failure, she learned that he did not have a scale to weigh himself at home, which is key to monitoring congestive heart failure flair ups. Ruth brought a scale from home and gave it to the patient to use at this home. 

CARE Champions: Second Quarter 2010

Kathleen Riley, MD, RMA - Pediatrics
Dr. Riley recently examined a newborn with significant jaundice and requested that a phototherapy blanket be set up for the baby at home. However the mother was unable to find transportation to go to the medical equipment company. When Dr. Riley heard about the problem, she left her office early, drove to the medical
equipment company and bought the phototherapy blanket herself. Then she drove to the family’s home, set up the blanket for the infant and instructed the parents on proper use. This prevented the infant from being readmitted and the jaundice was quickly resolved.

Leo, Service Excellence
When a school bus turned over and nearly 20 children were brought to the ED, there was no interpreter available to speak with children or their families. However when Leo Colon, who was off for the day, was called he dropped his personal plans and arrived in perfect timing with the children. He immediately jumped in and assisted EMS personnel, nursing staff and the families involved. He provided comfort and support to the children and escorted them to exam rooms. Leo’s actions speak volumes about his character and commitment to excellence.

Cathy, RN
Sometimes the most meaningful acts are also the simplest. When Cathy learned that one of her patients was going to be spending his birthday in the hospital, she quickly thought of what she could do. So she went down to the gift shop, and bought a card and balloon. She made sure all of the staff signed the card and then went in to surprise him. Cathy’s small act showed she truly cared and exemplified the meaning of  service excellence.

CARE Champions: First Quarter 2010

Rebekah, MASU
Rebekah was caring for a two-month old patient whose twin brother had died earlier in the week, after being hospitalized since birth.  Rebekah saw the family needed an experienced and trusted individual to sit with the baby so they could attend the viewing and the funeral of the child who had passed.  She told the family she would stay after her shift to sit with their baby, and that she would come in the next day to watch the hospitalized child so they could attend the twin brother’s funeral.  Rebekah stayed for two hours after her 12 hour shift that evening, and came in for five hours on her day off. Rebekah’s actions made it possible for the family to mourn the loss of one child meanwhile knowing the other baby was being cared for by someone they trusted.

Brandy & Debbie, Emergency Department
Brandy Harris and Debbie Thomas worked together to reach out to a patient and family in need. During their shift in the Emergency Department, a 14-month old baby came in, needing to be placed on life support and then transferred to Baptist Hospital. The mom was allowed to go with the transport team, but the dad was not. Unfortunately, he had no way to get there. Brandy and Debbie worked 12 hours that night and when their shift ended, they drove the dad to Baptist Hospital to be with his family. They not only drove him, but they parked and walked him to the unit he needed to go to.

Brandy and Debbie also realized the man had no money. Debbie decided to take some money out of the ATM and gave it to the gentleman for food. After making sure he was situated, they left him to be with his family. Noted in their CARE Nomination form, “This act of kindness showed dedication, not only to their jobs, butmore importantly to another person who was in need of help. Their compassion exceeded the norm and helped meet the needs of not only the patient, but also the parents. This is true CARE Champion work!”

CARE Champions: Fourth Quarter 2009

Nina, Home Health Services
Nina Albright reached out to a patient struggling with car problems. The patient’s van needed work done that would cost an estimated $800. Nina decided to speak with her uncle who is a mechanic about the situation. He was able to get the car part for less than $200 and installed it at no cost. Now, the patient is able to make her doctor appointments and run errands without any car troubles.

Dianne, Emergency Department
Dianne Brady knows that delivering extraordinary patient care requires action above the call of duty. As a patient sitter in the Emergency Department, she took the initiative to create care bags for mental health patients who stay in the department over 24 hours. The bags include items to help the patient feel more at home. Dianne’s positive attitude, compassion and professionalism make her a CARE Champion.

Susan, Volunteer Services
Susan Harrell, a local artist, has shown compassion to patients through volunteering her artistic talent. Susan began painting with inpatients, as well as cancer patients, last year. This complimentary wellness service gives patients a positive distraction while they are receiving treatment. Susan has embraced this gift to others by planning the art sessions, buying the materials needed, and empowering patients with the gift of art.

CARE Champions: Third Quarter 2009

Ed Poole, Volunteer Services
Ed is a volunteer in the Café Gifts OPC; Ed has been invaluable in starting the new Café Gifts because of his dedication in volunteering extra shifts, helping to create a manageable flow of inventory, keeping a weekly inventory check and taking his time to research cost effective products from Costco to purchase to sell in the Café Gifts. He has helped tremendously in managing inventory and cost effectiveness of items purchased for the new shop.  Ed has been instrumental in helping to recruit other volunteers which has proven to be a challenge.  His enthusiasm and dedication to excellence for our gift shop is something that to be very proud of.

Skip, Maintenance
Skip was heading through the parking deck on his way to the maintenance truck when he noticed cars lined up on level 3, so he decided to check it out. There was a pregnant lady who was unable to park her car. She was crying and very upset. She spoke very little English, but communicated to Skip that she needed help. Skip parked the truck, called on his radio for someone to get an interpreter and then escorted the lady to the Emergency Department.

Laranda, Diagnostic Imaging
A patient came in as an outpatient for a routine chest CT. Laranda performed the scan and quickly noticed the patient had a pulmonary emboli. The proportion was so large it was life threatening. She immediately notified the radiologist on duty and called the patient’s doctor. The patient was taken to the Emergency Department and admitted. If Laranda had not picked up on the pulmonary emboli, it’s possible the patient could have gone home and suffered the effects of an emboli without having medical help around.

CARE Champions: Second Quarter 2009

Karen, PCU
Fulfilling one patient’s last wish as he neared the end of battling cancer, Karen took it upon herself to act with a kind heart. The patient wanted to attend the Relay for Life event even though he was unable to walk. So Karen had purple balloons delivered, gave him her old Relay for Life t-shirt and escorted the patient to the front of the cancer center. Sitting in his wheelchair outside of the cancer center with his family and Karen on May 15, he released his purple balloons to the sky in celebration of life.

Myra, PCU
While traveling through Randolph County, a gentleman suffered a stroke and was taken to Randolph Hospital. The family hurried to the hospital from their home in Tennessee to be with him. Myra noticed that the patient’s young son was having an especially hard time with the situation. So she called the NC Zoo and arranged free tickets for the family. Myra showed us that sometimes patient care extends into the family. The young boy brought back a stuffed animal that he named "Randolph".

Shonda, PCU
In June, an auto accident involving two young girls was called into the emergency room. One of the girls was transported to Baptist Hospital and the other was pronounced dead on the scene. Shonda was the charge nurse in the ED that day. She had the responsibility to notify the deceased girl’s family. Shonda spent several hours answering questions, and supporting the family through the difficult news. Her compassion and professionalism is an example to us all.

CARE Champions: First Quarter 2009

Jerzy Sopala, MD
In February, while a nurse was in the middle of feeding a patient, she was called away to assist in another room. Dr. Jerzy Sopala noticed the patient waiting to finish her meal and decided to take the iniative to walk in and finish feeding her before the food became cold. Dr. Sopala is a great hospitalist and never hesitates to help out any nurses or nursing assistants in need.

Rolanda, MPS director
In March, a baby girl was born at Randolph Hospital. Although weighing under 5 pounds, she was healthy and thriving just 3 days later. Upon discharge, the family learned the carseat they brought was unusable because of their daughter’s weight. They needed a car bed, a special transporter for small babies, but the closest one was in Forsyth County. After hearing this, Rolanda traveled to Winston-Salem on her day off, bought a car bed for the family and refused reimbursement. This gift gave the family the ability to take their new daughter home. Rolanda demonstrated a compassionate heart to the family as well her co-workers.  

Brenda, Maintenance
Brenda is a CARE Champion because she reached out to the family of a fellow employee by raising over $2600 to equip a van for disability assistance. A member of that family experienced a tragic accident that restricts his ability to communicate and perform many everyday routines. Brenda took the initiative to mobilize the hospital community and make a difference by providing for this family. Brenda is a great example of someone who truly cares for others.

Lana, Rehab
Heather, Rehab
Haley, Rehab
Kelly, Home Health
While Randolph hospital staff were treating physical therapy patients at the YMCA pool, an 88 year old YMCA member had finished her swim and had made her way to the shower area. All of a sudden the women ran out of the shower onto the pool deck, showing extreme distress and hyperventilating. Randolph Hospital staff immediately jumped out of the pool after first securing their patients and rushed into action to assist the woman. They stabilized her until emergency services arrived.