15 minute read
Heroes in Plain Sight 2020
“Thank you for all your hard work and continued support of our patients, community and one another during this time. ” – Scott Posecai, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
While COVID-19 has presented unbelievable challenges, it has made clear the extraordinary passion and compassion that can be found at Ochsner every day. Here are just a few stories from Ochsner Heroes who have put their lives on the line to provide exceptional patient care and expressions of gratitude from leaders throughout Ochsner.
“The faith our community has in Ochsner and its people is amazing. Thank you for your support and trust. ” – Leonardo Seoane, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Associate Vice-Chancellor of Academics
Clarissa Beau, Registered Nurse Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank
Clarissa works on the telemetry floor, where patients are often in critical condition and need constant monitoring and care. RNs in a telemetry unit must carefully review equipment and data to detect potential symptoms of distress or danger in a patient. Not only has Clarissa worked on the frontlines to care for COVID-19 patients, but she also tested positive for COVID-19 and reported back to work as quickly as possible.
“Having to get tested, stay at home from work on quarantine leave, receive a positive result, isolate myself in a room away from my family, wear a mandatory mask for 14 days and then report back to work to care for COVID-19 patients again had me quite fearful to return,” Clarissa says. “But that feeling didn’t last long at all. Once I realized that these people are sick and we are needed on the frontline, I was ready to get back to doing what I love: caring for my patients!
“I can give my patients hope and words of encouragement after going through a similar experience,” she says. “Even though I wasn’t hospitalized or on oxygen, the thought of having COVID-19 was scary enough. I can relate to the feelings and emotions they are having. What I love the most about my job is that I listen to my patients, I am kind to my patients and I build relationships with them. I am grateful and proud to be a nurse and to be a blessing to my patients when I can. This is what I do!”
“If Ochsner is only as strong as our people, then I have no doubt we can withstand any test. Thank you to our front-line heroes for your dedication, your leadership and your relentless efforts to provide extraordinary care. ” – Tracey Schiro, Senior Vice President of Risk Management and Chief Human Resources Officer
“There are no other words to say than thank you. Thank you to our community and thank you to our team. ” – David Carmouche, President, Ochsner Health Network, Senior Vice President, Community Care, Executive Director, Ochsner Accountable Care Network
Bola Adeyemi, Infection Control Specialist Ochsner Baptist
Bola is part of a team that helps educate staff on personal protective equipment (PPE) best practices. Her supervisor, Alyssa Weinstein, says, “Bola came back from maternity leave just a few days before New Orleans reported its first case of COVID-19, a great time to get back into infection control! She has led staff through the waves of change that have come with COVID-19. She spends all her time on the floor educating staff on best practices for preventing infection while preserving PPE stock so that staff will remain protected through the duration of the outbreak.”
Bola says she’s proud to see frontline staff fighting the spread of the virus and is honored to make a difference by ensuring everyone is supported and has the supplies they need.
“On a typical day, my job encompasses surveillance of infections, education of employees and rounding to ensure compliance with infection control guidelines,” Bola says. “Seeing patients come in and go out of our hospital without acquiring infection is a great joy of my job. Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the privilege to be part of the team responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. I became involved in incident command and helped guide the appropriate use of PPE. Being a good support to the frontline staff at a time like this is an opportunity I cherish.
“I am so fortunate to work with such an outstanding team that ensures our employees’ and patients’ safety,” she says. “I could not be prouder to be part of the great team at Ochsner Baptist. Together, we will overcome. One love.” Mark Mulvihill, Purchasing Coordinator Ochsner Medical Center on Jefferson Highway
Meet Mark Mulvihill, who lives and works by the motto, “Patients first.”
“Mark has worked many days of 12-15 hours to ensure that the respiratory therapists have equipment that is ready Alicia Dean, Nurse Manager Ochsner West Campus - Rehab Building
Alicia is one of many Ochsner Heroes rising to the challenge by taking on critical new roles and responsibilities. As a magnet program coordinator, she worked with Ochsner colleague Kim Russell to arrange staff meals and spent time providing nursing support on COVID-19 units.
Denise Hancock, director of Nursing Professional Development, says that Alicia is now leading a new postacute COVID unit.
“Alicia is leading a whole unit full of nurses who came from the clinic setting, and has gone above and beyond to help them adjust and to be onsite supporting the team,” Denise says. “She is amazing.” Alicia says, “We were all thrown together with different clinical experiences, none of which was related to where we are now. But we are learning together, and we became a team with incredible attitudes and spirit. I have personally learned to lean on others when needed and to recognize that some of my greatest strengths are being used every day — and sometimes those strengths are my weakness. We all need to breathe deeply more often!! I am so lucky and
“I am beyond proud of the Ochsner Heroes who serve our community. Their selflessness and resilience is astounding. ” – Robert Hart, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
proud to be allowed to lead this incredible group.’’ to rock and roll,” says Jackie Odom, Director of Respiratory Therapy. “If a vendor is slow to get us the needed supplies, he is quick to tell them that ‘it is not about us, it is about what our patients need to get better.’ He is also very mindful of the cost of healthcare and ensures that we are not causing undue waste in our department. Since Mark has been with us, we have been able to streamline our equipment and supplies to the minimal need. He is our class clown also. There is not a day goes by (good or bad) that he doesn’t lift our morale by making us laugh. I cannot thank him enough for coming to our department and joining our RT team.”
Hannah Bryant, PPE Liaison Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans
Hannah was redeployed from her job as administrative assistant for Inpatient Rehab Services to become one of the first PPE (personal protective equipment) liaisons.
“At first, I had no clue what this role would entail, but I knew that I was willing to do my part and help in any way that I could,” Hannah says. “This role is new and ever-evolving as PPE needs evolve. In this role, my purpose is to make sure that units have the PPE that they need so that they can have peace of mind while doing their jobs! I collaborate with other PPE liaisons, the Central Supply Team, the units as well as Infection Control to create a process where
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everyone is getting the PPE they need. Being one of the first PPE liaisons, I also train and mentor new ones that join the team, which is also fun. We have a great team now, and I couldn’t be more happy to work with them!”
In addition to being an Ochsner Hero, Hannah is also pursuing her MBA at Tulane University.
“We love Hannah!” says Karen Perine, Hannah’s supervisor. “She is well on her way to developing a really big name for herself in the future!”
“At first, I was unsure of how big of an impact I would make in this position, but I have learned that we are making a big one,” Hannah says. “Sometimes you do not think of all the different moving parts that are required to give patients high-quality care. Supporting all the disciplines and making sure that they are
“It is no secret that the Ochsner community is resilient. It’s been inspiring to come into an organization that so quickly mobilizes in a crisis and poises itself not only to provide exceptional and high-quality care, but also to be a leader in innovation. ” – Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, MSHQ,
properly protected is rewarding.”
Aaron Rhodes, Physical Therapist Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center
Aaron is part of a passionate team that puts patients first while demonstrating teamwork and compassion. He is also a mentor to physical therapy students.
Aaron’s supervisor and manager of the rehabilitation unit, Johnrocco De Lara, says, “On the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaron was not only working with his patients but also as a clinical instructor to a physical therapy student. The students were on their last week of clinical rotations to finish their schoolwork for graduation when we were told all ancillary and medical student clinical rotations needed to be suspended for the foreseeable future. Aaron realized the impact this had on his student, and he helped coordinate with our clinic, the student and their school to assist his student in getting their clinic hours finished.
“Additionally, when we started seeing the influx of COVID-19 positive patients being admitted, Aaron approached me and said that if our team got clearance to see the patients, he wouldn’t mind being the therapist to be embedded in the unit,” Johnrocco says. “He told me that instead of assigning the patients to another therapist in the unit, he would volunteer. He said he knew it would help his co-workers feel better since some of the other staff had small kids to go home to, and he knew his teammates were nervous and stressed about the possibility of stepping into this unknown and high-risk area. In fact, a physician commented that while other people were trying to find reasons to be away from the unknown, Aaron was trying to find ways to be in the heart of it and be part of the care of the patients.
“Aaron worked diligently with the physicians and nursing staff to identify patients who would benefit from our services,” Johnrocco continues. “He understands the possible difficulties the patients will encounter during their recovery in the hospital and also the roadblocks the patients will encounter once discharged from the hospital. He understands the importance of his role in helping make life a little better not only for his patients but to his nursing colleagues with regards to the needs of the patients.”
“Thank you for the dedication, the selflessness and the commitment to high-quality patient care each of you has shown throughout the COVID-19 crisis and thank you for continuing the battle with us until it is won. ” – Michael Hulefeld, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Marion James “Jamie’’ McCraw
After working in sales for several years, Jamie returned to school for a second degree in respiratory therapy. His wife, Tara Thomason McCraw, is understandably proud of him and says that Jamie started at Ochsner about a year and a half ago.
“Jamie wanted a career with stability that he could be proud of, where he felt he was truly making a difference. He even took a pay cut to do so. He works a minimum of four days a week and leaves our home on the Northshore at 5:30 a.m. and gets home from work at 8 p.m. or later.”
Tara says that Jamie recently got a second-degree burn in a small accident at home that required a trip to Ochsner Urgent Care. “He went to work less than 12 hours later and worked 8 out of 10 days, and he has been working tirelessly most days on COVID-19 positive patients in the ICU/CCU. I’m amazed at his perseverance.’’
Jamie says he is truly humbled by his wife’s nomination to be an Ochsner Hero.
“During my short time at Ochsner, I have developed some special bonds, and every smile is so inspirational,” he says. “Ochsner has some truly remarkable people, and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to collaborate with extremely gifted individuals every day. I am in such awe of the selfless passion from so many that it motivates me to make a difference. I find tremendous joy witnessing patients overcome insurmountable obstacles and regain hope. Even if my role is small or goes unnoticed, I am driven to be a part of this journey with you all.”
Kendra Lampton
Patient Care Technician Ochsner Medical Center – Gretna
Kendra Lampton is an Ochsner Hero who can always be counted on to lend a helping hand and offer a smile.
“While we try very hard to cluster the care for these COVID patients, Kendra still continues to make hourly rounds on them,” says RN Amy Finnegan. “She is a true leader, and I believe that she should be recognized for her continued hard work.”
Clustered care, Amy explains, is a system of organizing and consolidating tasks for the sake of efficiency, promoting sleep and rest in patients, and limiting exposure. She says that despite this, Kendra often goes the extra mile by performing care checks outside of the set schedule.
“Kendra gowned up many times and spent hours feeding many of my patients and listening and addressing their needs. She assisted with bathing and so many basic needs of these patients that would now be clustered into care. She continues to provide the best care and does it with a smile on her face. Even through her PPE, I could see the smile in her eyes. The patient care technicians are the assisting hands of nurses, and Kendra deserves to be recognized for her compassion and dedication.”
“The Ochsner team never fails to rise to the challenge, whatever it may be. ” – Mark Muller, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development
Dr. Carollo started feeling sick about five days after he started working nights in the COVID unit. “I was extremely sick for three days with fever, myalgias (muscle aches) and cough. I returned to work as soon as I was eligible.” Dr. Carollo praises Dominic Carollo, MD Anesthesiologist Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans Dr. Dominic Carollo, one of the first to volunteer to work in Ochsner’s COVID-19 unit, is an extraspecial Ochsner Hero: He is back on the job after falling ill with COVID. “It was important to me to get back because every COVID shift that I could work is one less exposure for one of my colleagues,” he says. “If I can help just one of the other staff members not get sick, it will be worth it. I am blessed to do this work.’’ Ochsner’s anesthesiologists and all members of the anesthesia department, who “have been integral in staffing the five COVID ICUs.’’ “My insights into being on the COVID unit relate to how awesome the teamwork has been amongst the different specialties,” he says. “One day, the team is an ENT, colorectal surgeon, a critical care surgeon, three residents and an anesthesiologist. The next day, it could be a neurosurgeon, orthopedist, a critical care anesthesiologist and three residents. The amount of teamwork and comradery that comes from us having to cross our normal specialty lines will only improve Ochsner’s overall care in the future.” Catherine Smith, Registered Nurse Flight Care - Rescue ONE This Ochsner Hero actually flies! Catherine is Ochsner’s current Nurse of the Year, and when she isn’t fulfilling her role as flight nurse, you can find her serving in one of Ochsner Medical Center’s many ICUs or on the Rapid Response Team. “In 1859 Charles Darwin published the ‘Origin of the Species,’ outlining the biological need for adaptability and change,” Catherine says. “It was in these writings that he famously proposed, ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.’ One of the faithful mantras of our U.S. Marines is to, above all, maintain the ability to ‘improvise, adapt, and overcome.’ We, as a species and as healthcare professionals, have recently been faced with an age-old challenge: adapt or fail. “Dear COVID-19: I accept your challenge,” Catherine continues. “I accept on behalf of nursing, healthcare and humanity. As a critical care nurse, failure is not an option. We joined this profession for this exact reason, to be challenged. In fairness, you have proven quite the adversary. You are indiscriminately ruthless and undoubtedly merciless. However, you’ve chosen the wrong battlefield. What you failed to realize when you began this war is that we have always been ready for you. With every patient and every day, we have been training for this mission. We may “ Our Ochsner Heroes will not soon be forgotten. We are fortunate to have an not have all the supplies we thought we would, nor the organizational structure to revive all our wounded, but what we do have is unmatched incredible group of #OchsnerHeroes across our system, going above and beyond their call fortitude. We have emotional Kevlar and teamwork beyond anything you can imagine. We are compassionate, innovative and tenacious. We of duty to put our patients first and support are here, and we are adaptable. You will not win. our frontline teams. Their response to the See you on the front lines.”
call, as we have faced this pandemic in our community, will live long in our memories. ” – David Gaines, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Health and Wellness Solutions
