Gabi Hoover, Author at Samaritan Health

July 10, 2024July 25, 2024

May 2024 DAISY®, BEE, and OWL Award Recipients

Picture here are the Daisy, Bee and Owl awards winners for the month of May, 2024.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, BEE, and OWL Award recipients for May 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics, and the OWL Award recognizes outstanding work from Samaritan’s long-term caregivers.

Erin Bush, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), of the Adams Family Health Center received the DAISY Award. Renee Beach, administrative secretary, received the BEE Award. Samaritan Summit Village skilled nursing fourth floor unit clerk Brenda Magee received the OWL Award.

Adams Clinic Manager Donna Edwards, nominated Bush citing a particular patient experience and saying:

“Erin gives everything to her peers and patients. She makes herself available to everyone. She is a resource of knowledge and an experience problem solver. She is so deserving of this nomination. She exemplifies our organizations HEART values and is a HUGE asset to our team.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Bush was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Beach was nominated by Shannon Phillips, RN, nurse manager, with the following statement for nomination:

“Renee regularly goes above and beyond to support the Nursing Department. She is helpful and professional. She takes her role seriously and truly supports our organization in a professional and caring manner. Of mention are her tireless efforts in making Nurse’s Week successful every year. These celebrations don’t just happen on their own and Renee is responsible for all the planning, ordering, reserving and arranging to ensure our Nurses feel recognized and supported.”

Beach was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Magee was nominated by Summit Village Director of Nursing Jeannette Emery who said:

“Brenda comes in early to assist with precepting new Certified Nursing Assistants. She communicates with staff and management to provide the best care for her residents and is respectful to families and everyone she encounters. Brenda is a great asset to the Samaritan family, and we are very happy she chose us.”

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, BEE, and OWL Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

Erin Bush, LPN, May 2024 Daisy Award Winner — **Pictured here, from left to right, are May 2024 caregiver awardees Erin Bush, LPN, Renee Beach, administrative secretary, and Brenda Magee, unit clerk.**

Renee Beach, administrative secretary at Samaritan Medical Center, winner of the 2024 May BEE Award — **Pictured here, from left to right, are May 2024 caregiver awardees Erin Bush, LPN, Renee Beach, administrative secretary, and Brenda Magee, unit clerk.**

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About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.

July 8, 2024July 8, 2024

Samaritan Announces Volunteer Service Award Winner

Pictured here, David Cheney was surprised with the HIVE Award on June 24 by Volunteer Services Manager Kristan Donoghue.

Watertown, N.Y. – At Samaritan, there are volunteers who serve at the hospital, long term care facilities, special events, off-site offices and on various boards of our respective entities. Initiated in 2023, the HIVE (Helpful Indeed – Volunteering Excellence) Award is a way to honor those volunteers who have contributed an extraordinary level of dedication and shown exceptional service to Samaritan while consistently demonstrating the HEART values, which are Honest, Empathetic, Accountable, Respect, and Trustworthy.

Why HIVE? The beehive is symbolic of teamwork, unity, growth, and development. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a volunteer. We need each other to care for our community.

The HIVE Award complements the existing DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®, the BEE Award (Being Excellent Every Day) honoring other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, and the OWL (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) for the team of caregivers at the Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village. Altogether, we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.

The recipient for the first quarter of 2024 is David Cheney. David has been volunteering since 2022 and has assisted with various tasks, including distributing flyers, transporting patients within the Medical Center, helping at the Festival of Trees, and more.

Kristan Donoghue, the manager of Volunteer Services, mentioned, “David is always willing to help. He is respectful to staff, patients, and their family members. He never makes people feel rushed and is continually seeking new projects to tackle in various areas.”

David’s manager highlighted several instances of his willingness to assist where needed. For example, when his regular task of patient transportation was slow one evening, he recognized that the Emergency Department required help and stepped in to assist.

Those interested in recognizing a Samaritan volunteer may submit an online nomination at samaritanhealth.com/hive there are also paper nomination forms available at the Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village gift shops.

July 1, 2024July 1, 2024

Safety Tips to Prevent Common Summertime Injuries

Samaritan Medical Center Emergency entry: When Accidents Happen, Samaritan is Here

Summer is the season of fun. Warmer, longer days bring us together for pool parties, campfires, barbecues and road trips. Children get a break from school, families take vacations, and more time is spent outdoors in the sun. Unfortunately, however, summer is also the season of injury.

In June, July and August, more preventable injuries and deaths occur in the United States than at other times during the year. Workplace injuries are also highest during these summer months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As we enjoy the beginning of summer, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common forms of summertime injuries and how you can take steps to prevent them.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the third most common cause of preventable injury-related death in the U.S., responsible for 20% of all preventable deaths in 2022. Car accidents happen all year, but they see an uptick in the summer months as more drivers take road trip vacations, road construction increases, and more people drive under the influence of alcohol.

Some motor vehicle accidents are unavoidable, but many can be prevented with responsible driving habits. Wherever you are driving this summer — and all year — use these safe driving practices:

Don’t drive distracted. Pull over to a safe location if you need to use your cell phone.
Don’t drink and drive. If you plan to drink alcohol, use a designated driver or ride service.
Don’t speed. Risking injury or death is not worth it, even if you are in a rush.
Follow the rules of the road.
Always wear a seatbelt, no matter where you are sitting in a vehicle.

Fire and Fireworks Injuries

Campfires, barbecues and fireworks are summertime staples, but they are also hazards. Burns are common summer injuries, especially around Independence Day and Labor Day when many celebrate with fireworks.

“Year after year, we see visits to our emergency department spike around the summer holidays,” says Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray, Samaritan Emergency Medicine Physician. “Many patients we treat around this time have preventable injuries like burns, fractures or other trauma caused by a mishap at a party or outdoor gathering.”

Unfortunately, Dr. Lundborg-Gray says, children are especially prone to this type of injury since they may not understand the risks associated with fires and fireworks. Adults should never leave children unattended near an open flame and should be cautious about store-bought fireworks like sparklers, which can quickly ignite clothing or shoes. Following these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration will further prevent burns this summer:

Don’t use fireworks at home. Instead, watch fireworks at a public show put on by experts.
Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn.
Only use barbecue grills outdoors. Indoor use can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Bicycle, Skateboard and Related Accidents

Warmer weather and summer vacation mean more opportunities for families to ride together on bikes, scooters and skateboards. As much fun as these activities are, they commonly cause injuries such as scrapes, fractures and concussions. Accidents involving motor vehicles can cause more serious, life-threatening injuries.

Wearing a helmet is essential when riding a bike, skateboard or similar sports equipment. The American College of Surgeons reports that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 48%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, facial injury by 23%, and fatal injury by 34%. Riders of all ages, including adults, should wear a properly-fitted helmet at all times. Knee and elbow pads are also recommended to protect joints during a fall or collision.

Swimming Injuries and Drowning

As summer progresses and temperatures rise, many people take to the water for swimming, boating and watersports. Swimming is great exercise and a fun way to beat the heat, but it comes with its risks. Just like with fire-related injuries, accidents on the water frequently involve children. The CDC reports drowning as a leading cause of death for children ages 14 and younger. Injuries from jumping into pools, boating accidents and slips and falls are also common over the summer months.

Parents can prevent swimming injuries by remaining vigilant while children are around the water. Never leave your child alone near water; if you have to leave, take your child with you. Enrolling your child in swim lessons is a good idea, but does not make it safe for them to swim alone. Parents can also get training in CPR and First Aid to further protect their children and others. The CDC’s Top Ten Tips for Water Safety are recommended for all who plan to swim this summer:

DO learn to swim.
DO take a friend along. Using the buddy system is safer and more fun!
DO know your limits while swimming.
DO swim in supervised (watched) areas only, and follow all signs and warnings.
DO wear a life jacket when boating, jet skiing, water skiing, rafting, or fishing.
DO stay alert to currents. If you get caught in a strong current, don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you have passed through it.
DO keep an eye on the weather.
DON’T mess around in the water.
DON’T dive into shallow water. If you don’t know how deep the water is, don’t dive.
DON’T float where you can’t swim.

When Accidents Happen, Samaritan is Here

Summer is an exciting time, and while it can be easy to get swept up in the fun and celebrations, it is important to take precautions to prevent injuries. If accidents happen, Samaritan is here with 24/7 emergency care.

“Samaritan’s Emergency Department takes care of over 30,000 patients a year,” says Dr. Lundborg-Gray. “We have specialty trained emergency medicine doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses ready at all hours.”

Learn more about Samaritan Medical Center’s Emergency Department, including tips on knowing when to call 911, at samaritanhealth.com/emergency-care/.

June 26, 2024June 28, 2024

Samaritan Nurses Recognized for Excellence

Photo of the 2024 Nurse Recognition Award class.

Watertown, NY – On May 29, a select group of Samaritan nurses were recognized for their contributions to the organization, patients, and residents throughout their time of employment. The exclusive celebratory event, held at Samaritan Summit Village, was a testament to their exceptional service. Qualified medical providers were invited to nominate a Samaritan Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by submitting an essay, highlighting the relationships between nurses and providers.

Samaritan’s Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer John Green said, “I feel honored to be part of the first Nursing Awards event to be held since 2019, pre-pandemic. These incredible caregivers shine brightly day after day, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to our community.”

Samaritan Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Carman welcomed the esteemed attendees, and Dr. Marylene Duah, infectious disease specialist, served as the master of ceremonies.

The following individuals were honored in their respective categories:

Education:
Recipient: Jordain Forney Sullivan, RN, Emergency Department
Nominated by: Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD

Excellence in Nursing Practice (Medical Center):
Recipient: John Gahler, RN, Intensive Care / Progressive Care Units
Nominated by: Aaliya Burza, MD

Excellence in Nursing Practice (Long Term Care):
Recipient: Emily Bachmann, LPN, Samaritan Keep Home
Nominated by: Collins Kellogg, MD

Excellence in Nursing Practice (Clinics):
Recipient: Heather LaRose, LPN, Samaritan Family Health Center, Adams
Nominated by: Joe Wetterhahn, MD

Innovation:
Recipient: Kristy Graveline, LPN, Samaritan Home Health
Nominated by: Mario Victoria, MD

Leadership:
Recipient: Pamela Carter, LPN, Samaritan Dermatology
Nominated by: Nathanial Miletta, MD

Quality and Safety:
Recipient: Stephanie Peters, RN, Quality Improvement
Nominated by: Rory Sears, DO

Rookie of the Year:
Recipient: Kasandra Keene, RN, Emergency Department
Nominated by: Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD

Pictured here, in front, from left are Pamela Carter, LPN, Stephanie Peters, RN, John Gahler, RN, Kristy Graveline, LPN, Heather LaRose, LPN, and Jordain Forney Sullivan, RN. In back, from left are Nathanial Miletta, MD, Rory Sears, DO, Aaliya Burza, MD, Mario Victoria, MD, Joe Wetterhahn, MD, and Stephanie Droppelmann, MSN, BSN. Absent from the photo are Kasandra Keene, RN, Emily Bachmann, LPN, and nominators Collins Kellogg, MD, and Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD

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June 6, 2024June 6, 2024

Summer Skin Care Tips from the Experts: Samaritan Dermatology & Mohs Surgery

Graphic reads: Expertise that's more than skin deep. Image shows Dr. Miletta examining a male patient skin.

June is here, and with it come the first days of summer. This long-awaited season is a welcome change in the North Country, offering a break from the dark, chilly and wet conditions that begin our year. While it can be tempting to spend all day outdoors enjoying the warm weather, your skin will thank you — for years to come — if you take precautions in the summer sun.

When enjoyed responsibly, sunshine can benefit our health in ways we might not even realize. Sunny days lure us outside, often for physical or social activities such as walking, swimming, gardening or meeting friends — all of which benefit our general well-being. While we are out, exposure to sunlight prompts our skin to produce vitamin D, which is vital for bone health and immune function. Sunlight also stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, a chemical that naturally balances mood, sleep, digestion and other bodily functions.

Too much exposure to sunlight, however, comes with risks, especially when sun protection is not used. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Surprisingly, this damage can occur faster than you might expect.

“For many people, 30 minutes of direct sun exposure will cause a sunburn,” says Samaritan Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Dr. Nathanial R. Miletta. “And, those with very light skin may experience a sunburn in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Not only is a sunburn uncomfortable, but it’s a sign that your skin cells and their DNA have been damaged. Repeated sunburns cause your skin to age prematurely and can eventually lead to skin cancer.”

Skin Cancer: Common but Curable

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its prevalence continues to rise. In fact, current estimates show that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. While family history, race and age play some role in skin cancer risk, sun exposure is the dominant risk factor, causing more than 90 percent of skin cancers.

Fortunately, skin cancer can be cured when it is discovered in its early stages. State-of-the-art skin cancer treatment is available in the North Country at Samaritan Dermatology.

“Samaritan Dermatology is proud to offer our patients Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer, which has the highest tumor clearance rate and the smallest incisions,” Dr. Miletta said. “We are the only facility in the region to offer this method, which is 99% successful and leaves patients with the smallest possible scars.”

A Mohs surgery is typically performed while the patient is awake and uses local anesthesia to numb the tumor and surrounding skin. During the procedure, all visible parts of the tumor are removed, sent to an on-site laboratory, and sliced into thin sections for careful analysis. Using a microscope, the Mohs surgeon looks for cancer cells on the edges of the removed skin sections. If cancer cells are found near any edges, additional skin is removed and analyzed until no cancerous cells remain. Most Mohs surgery patients go home the same day as the procedure.

Being Safe in the Sun, and Still Having Fun

“Protecting your skin from overexposure is so important, not just during summer but all year long,” says Samaritan Dermatology Physician Assistant Erin Bryant. “With some simple precautions, you can still enjoy the outdoors — go to the beach, take a hike, garden and barbecue — without causing irreversible and life-threatening damage to your skin.”

Practicing sun safety does not mean hiding away indoors and avoiding your favorite outdoor activities. It involves knowing your risk, limiting your exposure and protecting your skin. Follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology to keep safe while you have fun in the sun:

Illustrative image reads: Fun in the Sun

Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Use sunscreen that is water resistant, has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30, and is broad spectrum — meaning it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming.
Wear protective clothingsuch as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, whenever possible. Look for clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) or made of a tightly woven fabric.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10am and 2pm. Any time your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade.
Protect your lips by using lip balm with at least SPF 15.

It’s also important to know your risk. Keeping track of the UV index, which forecasts the strength of UV rays each day, can help you plan the best times to be outside and the best times to stay out of the sun.

“When the UV index is between zero and two, you can enjoy being outside with little to no exposure risk,” Dr. Miletta said. “On days where the UV index is between three and seven, be sure to use sunscreen and seek shade during the middle of the day. And, on any day with a UV index of eight or above, it’s best to stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat are especially necessary on these high-UV index days.”

Checking Your Skin for Warning Signs

Finding skin cancer early is one of the best ways to ensure it can be treated successfully, and you can perform skin exams in your own home. As you examine moles and marks on your skin, consider the ABCDEs of melanoma:

A stands for Asymmetry: does the shape of one side match the other?
B stands for Border: does the mole have uneven or irregular borders?
C stands for Color: has the color of the mole changed, or does it appear varied?
D stands for Diameter: is the mole larger than ¼” in diameter?
E stands for Evolution: have you noticed changes in size, shape or color?

Contact your doctor or a dermatologist for further examination if you notice any of these symptoms. If you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, trust the experts at Samaritan Dermatology & Mohs Surgery to give you peace of mind about your treatment.

“We encourage anyone who has a diagnosed melanoma or other form of skin cancer to come see us and learn about Mohs micrographic surgery,” says Samaritan Dermatology Physician Assistant Amy Werchinski. “Our staff can provide care you won’t find anywhere else in the North Country.”

Samaritan Dermatology is located in the Samaritan Medical Office Building at 830 Washington Street in Watertown, NY. Satellite dermatology services are also offered at Samaritan’s LeRay and Adams Family Health Centers.

To learn more about services offered, conditions treated, and Samaritan Dermatology’s staff, visit samaritanhealth.com/dermatology or call the office at 315-755-3670.

June 4, 2024June 4, 2024

Samaritan Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer

Portrait of John Green, Samaritan Chief Nursing Officer.

Watertown, NY – After an extensive search, Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce that John Green, DHA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC has been selected as its next Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer. Green has more than 25 years of healthcare experience and is proficient in hospital operations, patient care programs, patient flow and progression, and setting strategic directions with the senior team. He is known for designing innovative care delivery models, enhancing and improving technologies, and fostering collaborative environments that transcend traditional healthcare boundaries.

Green will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating nursing operations within Samaritan Medical Center. He is a member of the senior team and will work closely with nursing staff, providers and other key members to ensure the delivery of high-quality care that aligns with Samaritan’s mission, vision and values.

Green comes to Samaritan from Glens Falls Hospital, part of Albany Medical Health System, since 2015 where he served as Nurse Manager, Assistant Director and most recently as Director. In this role he directed overall hospital operations and developed systems and processes that reduced costs and improved patient outcomes.

”We are pleased to welcome John to Samaritan’s leadership team” said Tom Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “With his track record of nursing practice leadership and dedication to patient-centric care, and innovative technology integration, we are confident that under his guidance our nursing division will continue to thrive and evolve. He trained at Fort Drum and his prior National Guard medic experience is beneficial in meeting the health care needs of our Fort Drum community.”

“As I step into my role at Samaritan Medical Center, I’m struck by the palpable positivity and unwavering dedication of the staff”, said Green. “The HEART values permeate deeply into the core of our culture. I am excited to work alongside our exceptional teams to further embed these values, elevate standards of care, and positively impact the lives of our community and military families.

Green holds an Associate of Science in Nursing from Vermont Technical College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science from Kaplan University, and Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree from Capella University.

Green replaces Kimberly Thibert, who served as Interim Chief Nursing Officer from November 2023 until May 2024.

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May 30, 2024May 30, 2024

Kinney Drugs Raises $53,931 to support medical needs of local kids through Children’s Miracle Network

Watertown, NY – For 32 years, the Kinney Drugs Foundation has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) to raise funds for children in need of medical care. Samaritan Medical Center is fortunate to have 17 Kinney Drugs locations across the North Country whose staff go the extra mile every year for CMN.

During this year’s seven-week campaign, Kinney Drugs raised a total of $53,931 for Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan. Kinney associates showed their creativity and team spirit by organizing fun and engaging events at their stores.

Every dollar raised for Children’s Miracle Network stays local to help provide the best medical care to children. CMN of Northern New York allocates donated funds to support pediatric equipment and projects at Samaritan. In addition, they provide financial assistance to families living in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties with a child facing a medical crisis. This program assists with out-of-pocket medical expenses such as travel to specialists, copays and equipment not covered by insurance.

“Many of the children we support are well-known at their local Kinney Drugs store,” said Angie VanWormer, Director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan Medical Center. “The associates and pharmacy staff are emotionally invested in CMN because they know the money they raise is helping kids right in their community.”

Through their partnership with CMN, Kinney Drugs and the Kinney Drugs Foundation are helping to change kids’ health across the North Country. Their dedication to helping local children is greatly appreciated.

Lowvile, NY: CMN of Northern New York 2024 champion Sophia with Kinney's staff during the 2024 fundraiser kickoff.

For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected]

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May 29, 2024May 29, 2024

April 2024 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Illustrative image for Daisy and BEE April 2024 winners.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for April 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Kim Smith, Registered Nurse (RN), and Nurse Manager, for Samaritan’s Interventional Radiology (IR) and Infusion units received the DAISY Award. Nursing Assistant (NA) Ryan Washburn of Samaritan’s Progressive Care Unit received the BEE Award.

Registered Nurse Shirley Ward, nominated Smith saying:

Kim Smith, RN holding her DAISY Award certificate

“Kim has been my Nurse Manager for over 20 years. Her consistency in following contracts and policies makes her a highly respected manager since this prevents a chaotic environment and encourages growth and camaraderie within the department. I proudly say we have very good morale in IR due to her leadership. Patient satisfaction is always her priority. She also will do anything in her power to ensure we have the tools we need to deliver exceptional patient care. One example is combining resources. Kim was an instrumental force in 2022 when the Pain Clinic needed assistance being able to continue to provide services to their customers. They were short on RN staff, yet IR was short a provider. The creative solution offered up by Kim was to have Dr. Montalvo perform his procedures in the Angio suite, so these patients did not need to travel a long distance for their procedures or not have them done at all.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Smith was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Washburn was nominated by April Del Prete, RN, with the following statement for nomination:

Ryan Washburn, NA, holding his BEE Award Certificate at Samaritan's Progressive Care Unit.

“Throughout every shift, Ryan consistently demonstrates a level of commitment and compassion that sets a standard for excellence in patient care. Ryan’s willingness to go above and beyond is evident in every aspect of his work and everyone we work with would attest to that, without a doubt. He not only attends to the needs of his assigned patients with diligence and empathy, but he also proactively assists his colleagues, ensuring the smooth functioning of our unit. His proactive approach is reflected in his eagerness to learn, his readiness to offer assistance and in his remarkable ability to anticipate and address the needs of both the patients and staff members.”

Washburn was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

May 29, 2024July 15, 2024

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Scholarships Applications Available

The application deadline has been extended to July 19, 2024.

Watertown, New York – Applications will be accepted for the seventh annual Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship will begin June 1, 2024, and conclude July 15, 2024. A retired nurse from Samaritan Medical Center established a scholarship through the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation for Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers as Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Sadly, Peters passed away in 2020, yet this scholarship remains part of her legacy and commitment to healthcare in the community.

The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to assist with the education costs for an RN who is continuing their education, specifically to pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree. Two scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded each year.

Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center (SMC) as a Certified Oncology Nurse; prior to that, she had served as a staff RN and for more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic and Alternate Level of Care Units.

Beth Fipps, Vice President of Samaritan Foundation and Community Services explained, “We are so grateful to Susan for leaving a legacy to a profession she was so committed to. Susan so generously established this scholarship to promote the Nurse Practitioner profession because she felt there is an increasing need and role for such due to the nationwide shortage of healthcare providers.”

Nurse Practitioners provide vital care to patients including developing treatment plans for their patients, ordering tests, performing minor procedures, and prescribing medication.

The 2023 scholarships awardees were Joseph Donoghue and Maegan Castle. Joseph is a Registered Nurse in the emergency department at Samaritan Medical Center and obtaining his Family Nurse Practitioner degree. Maegan is a Registered Nurse in Samaritan’s Intensive Care Unit and is also obtaining her Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

Again, the application period for the Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship is June 1-July 15, 2024, with the scholarship award announcement set to take place in August 2024.

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Be a Registered Nurse (RN) with a minimum of two full years’ working experience. RNs currently working for Samaritan Medical Center preferred, but not mandatory.
Medical/Surgical experience preferred but not necessary.
Must be a resident of either Jefferson or Lewis County, New York.
Eligible to apply after successful completion of first semester in a Nurse Practitioner program with at least a B average.

As part of the application, Registered Nurses must describe why they are pursuing their Nurse Practitioner degree and where, as well as whether they have a financial need. Applicants should submit two letters of recommendation and the two most recent transcripts along with the application to support the RNs pursuit of a Nurse Practitioner degree.

For more information or to obtain a scholarship application, please visit www.samaritanhealth.com/scholarshipapplication or contact the SMC Foundation at 315-785-5785 or visit www.samaritanhealth.com/scholarships. The application can be completed online, emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Samaritan Foundation, Attn: Beth Fipps, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

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May 24, 2024May 24, 2024

April 2024 OWL Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village are pleased to announce the OWL award recipients for April 2024. The outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) award recognizes exemplary staff who support the residents, their families, and the caregivers at our long term care facilities.

Brittany Garwick, Licensed Practical Nurse, at the Keep Home, and Summit Village Certified Nursing Assistant Brianna Doss, were nominated and selected as winners by a committee.

Nurse Manager Jeannine Gardner nominated Garwick, and an excerpt from the April OWL award nomination, read:

“Brittany started here as a traveling nurse and, after falling in love with the organization, the staff, and the residents, she signed on as a full-time LPN on the 6^th floor. Brittany is a compassionate and dedicated employee and is an absolute asset to this facility and the organization. She is the definition of the Heart Values. She is empathetic and calm while caring for and assisting the residents, visitors, and co-workers for whatever they need.”

The Summit Village OWL honoree was nominated by Jolene Smouse, director of long term care education, saying, “Brianna started at SSV last July. She has made a great impression with staff, as well as residents. She is kind and caring to the residents and always helpful to her co-workers. She communicates with staff and management to provide the best care for her residents and is respectful to families and everyone she comes in contact with. Brianna is a great asset to the Samaritan family, and we are very happy she chose us.”

Portrait of Brittany Garwick. — Brittany Garwick

Portrait of Brianna Doss, CNA. — Brianna Doss

For being recognized, the OWL recipients receive a certificate, special parking spot for a month, an owl pin, special banner recognition, badge buddy, and various treats.

The OWL award will continue to be presented at each Samaritan long term care facility throughout the year, and residents, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate or learn more about the OWL award, visit samaritanhealth.com/experience.

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About Samaritan Keep Home

The Samaritan Keep Home is a 272-bed long term care facility connected to the Samaritan Medical Center campus in Watertown. This residential care facility provides a full range of skilled nursing assistance, rehabilitative therapies, and social and recreational activities. Our mission is to provide an atmosphere that allows our residents to thrive and remain socially active in all aspects of their lives.

About Samaritan Summit Village

At Samaritan Summit Village – Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing facilities – our team is committed to providing sophisticated senior living. Whether we’re assisting with daily chores or planning exciting group activities, we’re here to help make living easier The services needed by residents may vary widely, but the goal of our care is always the same: helping seniors to live exceptionally and age in place. With its amazing views, Samaritan Summit Village overlooks Watertown, NY, and offers 120 assisted living beds, and 168 nursing home beds.

About The OWL Award

The owl is symbolic of intuition, protection, and wisdom. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a long term caregiver. We need each other to care for our community.

The OWL Award (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) was established in December 2023 and is awarded to a caregiver who has given their time and talent to the healthcare system and to our residents. The recipients have repeatedly gone above and beyond in their role to help our staff, and residents, to make our community thrive. They exemplify the HEART Values and take their role as a Samaritan Caregiver with pride.

The OWL Award complements our existing DAISY and BEE Awards for staff, and HIVE award for volunteers. Together we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.

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