Infection prevention nurse named
Ambassador of Month S
MITHFIELD — UNC Health Johnston has recognized Jessica Toole of Smithfield, an infection prevention nurse, as Ambassador of the Month. During a recent presentation, CEO Tom Williams said Toole works diligently to put into place new processes to prevent infection. “While she’s best known for promoting hand hygiene, she is also laserfocused on reducing hospital acquired C-diff,” he said. “She shares feedback with leaders and teammates and is quick to take action when she learns about a problem.” Toole joined Johnston 17 years ago after graduating from East Carolina University. She worked for many years on the nursing floors and in employee health before moving to the quality
department in 2019 prior to the pandemic. In addition to putting into place safety protocols, her team also administered COVID vaccines to staff and
monoclonal antibody infusions and injections at UNC Health urgent care facilities at Clayton and Flowers. “Being a nurse is about juggling different things, figuring out along the way what’s best for staff, employees and patients,” she said. “Our quality team is able to make it all work.”
▸ At center, CEO Tom Williams congratulates Jessica Toole on being named UNC Health Johnston’s Ambassador of the Month. At far left and right are: Dr. Rodney McCaskill, chief medical officer; and Cynthia Holloman-Matthews, director of quality. In addition to a parking sign and designated parking spot, Toole will receive eight hours of paid time off.
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In addition to working on processes, Toole enjoys learning about new procedures and technology. And she still visits with patients in the hospital. “Every day is different,” she said. “And with change, there’s always new opportunities.” Toole, who grew up in Clayton, says the hospital feels like home. She was born at Johnston and both her daughters, Hailey, 13, and Lila, 10, were delivered there too. Away from work, she enjoys trying new restaurants and visiting new places with her girls. Through the ambassador program, Johnston recognizes teammates who go above and beyond the call of duty. They deliver quality care, foster teamwork, and offer excellent service. In addition to a designated month-long parking space, Toole will receive eight hours of paid time off.
A Matter of Principle: Behold the Power of
Compassion
By QAROL PRICE
“T
rue compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it,” said Daniel Goleman. As the glow of gratitude lingers after Thanksgiving’s solemn reflections and festive feasts, the winter holiday season is only just getting started! There is still lots of celebrating and merry making ahead, right? Well, not necessarily if Christmastime fills you with a sense of dread. There’s the financial stress, commercialization, family tensions, loneliness, holiday crowds, traffic and other pressures that account for the
dull spirits that set in during the holidays. On the other hand, others are able to honor their religious or cultural practices, revel in the traditional festivities while cheerfully dispensing acts of kindness and charity this time of year. What accounts for the difference? I will pull a “Captain Obvious” here by stating that the two opposing experiences have a lot to do with emotions. But what is not so obvious is how much control we have over them. Whether you are happy or bothered by anything, it is related to your beliefs or attitudes about it. Fearful and anxious feelings come
from menacing expectations, while feelings of love come from the belief that someone or something is lovable. Who really wants to fulfill their expectations to feel miserable every holiday season? Wouldn’t it be a valuable gift if one were to receive the insight to relieve their own suffering or find meaning in it? That gift is the message of Christmas. One reason Christians revere the birth of Jesus is because he embodied the spirit of love and selflessness which emphasizes the idea of compassion and giving. Compassion, of course, is an emotion. But it is one that may be learned with great difficulty if one’s own suffering hinders their ability to notice the suffering of others. It is certainly well worth learning not only because it helps others, but just as well because it enriches ourselves – immeasurably. Better than continuing my pedantic explanations, I point to the superior exposition we find in Charles Dickens and his novella, “A Christmas Carol,” published in 1843, that had a profound impact on shaping the modern understanding of Christmas as a holiday of compassion and goodwill. The story (spoiler alert) of Ebenezer Scrooge’s
transformation from a miserly, selfish individual to a generous and compassionate one after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come emphasized the importance of caring for others and the idea that it’s never too late to change. Dickens’ work struck a chord with readers and with its strong emphasis on charity, family and giving to those in need. This synopsis does little justice to the brilliant way in which Scrooge gains compassion. As readers we get a chance to walk in Scrooge’s shoes and learn how he became the hardened miser we first meet. By doing so, we unexpectedly develop compassion for his character! How wonderful that stories can help shape our hearts toward a more loving place. And how wonderful that holidays continue to affirm that which swells our hearts. ⋆ Next time: Dependability Qarol Price is a writer and educator. She has taught philosophy to children in Johnston County Public Schools and in Harlem in New York. She is a resident of Selma.
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