Excellus BCBS Awards Hospitals $28 Million for Quality Improvements

Watertown, NY – Samaritan was among eight Utica/Rome/North Country Region hospitals awarded quality improvement payments from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as part of their 2022 Hospital Performance Incentive Program.  

Samaritan is appreciative of the support from Excellus BCBS to ensure high quality healthcare in our community.  

The full Excellus BCBS press release can be found here: https://news.excellusbcbs.com/news/article?articleId=36710621&classPK=475619988

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Samaritan’s Pilot Emergency Nurse Residency Program sees Success with recent Graduate

Watertown, NY – On September 14, Sarah Wallace, RN, was the first to complete the Samaritan Medical Center Emergency Nurse Residency Program. 

“The main reason for my participation in the Emergency Nurse Residency Program stems from the love for emergency medicine I developed when I was a patient care assistant,” Sarah said. “The staff that is/was there helped to form my interest in Nursing and encouraged me to pursue the field. From providers to ancillary staff, I was able to learn something from someone each day that I was at work.”

In 2022, Samaritan’s nursing leadership created the Emergency Nurse Residency Program upon recognizing the dire need for front-line emergency nurses while solving the time gap of one year of experience required by New York State before a graduate nurse can work in emergency care.

Samaritan’s program offers a curriculum tailored to meet fundamental needs for well-rounded knowledge and a broad skill set of nurses who are passionate about critical care.

Picture here: Kim Smith, director of Nursing Critical Care at Samaritan, and Sarah Wallace, RN.

Sarah added, “I believe that this program is a great program to help new nurses explore emergency medicine while encompassing other departments. This aids in strengthening the community within Samaritan by having the residences go on rotations to each floor.”

New graduate nurses are navigated through Samaritan’s nursing recruitment team to the residency program, and they do not need to be licensed as a Registered Nurse before they apply.

“We are encouraged with Sarah’s graduation that we have developed a program that will help us train and retain RNs in the Emergency Department, this is our long-term goal,” said Jacqueline Dawe, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer, Samaritan Medical Center. “Currently we have another seven students at various stages in the program and we look forward to accepting new nurses as they apply. We also plan to expand our nursing residency in more areas. These programs work.”

While in the program, the new graduate nurses are exposed to all the areas and departments in the hospital, from the medical/surgical floors to labor and delivery, pediatrics, and behavioral health to the daily assignments and responsibilities in the emergency department. 

Graduate nurses, or nurses who will soon graduate, are encouraged to call our nursing recruitment team at 315-779-5236. New nurses to Samaritan may be eligible for a variety of sign-on bonuses and benefits including loan and relocation assistance.

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Samaritan Summit Village Assisted Living Receives New York State EQUAL Grant

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Summit Village Assisted Living received a $21,000 grant through New York State’s EQUAL (Enhancing the Quality of Adult Living) program.

The purpose of this specialty program is to enhance both residents’ quality of care and life experience in Adult Care Facilities (ACFs). This grant allowed the Assisted Living team to purchase numerous items that will enhance residents’ lives with entertainment, physical exercise, enjoying the outdoors, and more. Items such as six large smart televisions, a bocce ball set, six weather-resistant benches, three octagon-shaped picnic tables, a music system for each floor to enjoy, exercise equipment for each floor that allows the residents to work their arms and legs while sitting for strength building, boxing balls for coordination, craft supplies, and Christmas lighting.

Assisted Living Administrator Neva Bossard said, “We discussed residents’ wants and needs through our resident council. We are excited for the new leisure improvements.”

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About Assisted Living at Samaritan Summit Village: With 120 beds, our caregivers assist with daily chores, planning exciting group activities, managing and providing medicine, and so much more. We’re here to help make living easier at a reasonable cost. The services needed by residents may vary widely, but the goal of our care is always the same: helping seniors to live exceptionally.

Experience Assisted Living at Samaritan Summit Village through our virtual tour: https://youtu.be/EOrA3ti9Llk

Samaritan Celebrates its January 2023 BEE Award Recipient

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its BEE Award recipient for January 2023. The BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Allen Gray, screening and visitation specialist at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

Gray was nominated by a grateful patient with the following excerpt from their nomination:

Allen Gray, screening and visitation specialist

“This man was so kind to me and truly made a difference in the toughest time in my life… I just want him to know how much that means to me.”

Of significance, Gray has been nominated on multiple occasions by patients and co-workers who echo sentiments of his compassion and kindness as they are registering for services.

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

To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.



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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.

Community Information: Closings Due to Weather and Holiday Hours

December 30, 2022: Please be advised that Samaritan clinics and medical practices will be closed on January 2nd in observance of the Holiday. This includes all Family Health Centers – Adams, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Evans Mills, and Watertown-Plaza, and Services such as Dermatology, Pain, Gastroenterology, Urology, WoundCare, Orthopedics, Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, Behavioral Health, Rheumatology, and some Lab and X-Rays locations. 

Lab and x-ray services will be OPEN at Samaritan Medical Center, Registration entrance from 8 am to 4 pm.

COVID testing site will be OPEN on January 2nd. For more information about it, please click HERE.

Samaritan Medical Center is open 24/7. 

For emergency health situations, please call 911. 

We want to remind you not to drink and drive; don’t socialize if you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.  

December 26, 2022: Samaritan Clinics and Medical Practices will be closed in observance of Christmas. This includes all Family Health Centers – Adams, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Evans Mills, and Watertown-Plaza; and services such as Dermatology & Mohs, Pain Management, Gastroenterology, Urology, WoundCare, Orthopedics, Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, Behavioral Health, Lab and X-Rays, and Rheumatology.

Samaritan COVID Testing site is CLOSED today, December 26. Click here for more information: COVID Testing

Samaritan Medical Center is open 24/7.
For emergency health situations, please call 911.

December 24, 2022: Please be advised: Samaritan Medical Center’s Main Registration is closed today for all walk-in services.  We will open again for walk-in labs on Monday, December 26, at 8 a.m.

Patients who need a lab done stat, per their physician, should call 315-785-4131 when they arrive on campus, and a registrar will help them.

Please be advised of our Holiday Hours:


Samaritan Clinics and Medical Practices will be closed in observance of the Holiday Weekend. This includes all Family Health Centers – Adams, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Evans Mills, and Watertown-Plaza; and services such as Dermatology, Pain Management, Gastroenterology, Urology, WoundCare, Orthopedics, Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, Behavioral Health, Lab and X-Rays, and Rheumatology.

Samaritan COVID Testing site will be open on Monday December 26, and January 2nd. Click here for more information: COVID Testing

Samaritan Medical Center is open 24/7.
For emergency health situations, please call 911.

With the Holidays approaching, we want to remind you not to drink and drive; don’t socialize if you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; be mindful of portions, and enjoy the Holidays!

December 23, 2022: Due to weather conditions, the following are Samaritan Health updated hours for today, Friday, December 23, 2022.

CLOSED :
Samaritan Lab and X-Ray Services at Coffeen Street in Watertown, NY

CLOSING AT noon:

  • Adams Family Health Center
  • Clayton Family Health Center
  • LeRay Family Health Center
  • Watertown – Family Health Center
  • Women’s Wellness & Breast Care
  • Pain Clinic
  • General Surgery
  • Samaritan Orthopedics
  • Samaritan Rheumatology
  • Samaritan Plastic Surgery
  • Samaritan Pulmonology
  • Samaritan Dermatology & Mohs
  • Samaritan Gastroenterology
  • Samaritan ENT
  • Wound Care Services
  • Samaritan Urology

CLOSING AT 2 pm:

  • Walker Center for Cancer Care

Samaritan Outpatient Behavioral Health and Addiction Services will only offer telehealth appointments after noon.

Community Information: Closings Due to Weather

Watertown, NY – Please be advised that the following Samaritan clinics and offices will be closing at 2:00 pm on 11/18:

  • All Primary Care offices – Adams, Clayton, LeRay, and Watertown Plaza locations
  • Lab and Imaging centers – Watertown Plaza and Coffeen St. locations
  • Dermatology & Mohs Surgery
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat
  • Gastroenterology
  • General and Vascular Surgery
  • Orthopedics
  • Pain Management
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Pulmonology
  • Rheumatology
  • Urology
  • Women’s Wellness and Breast Care
  • Wound Care

Samaritan Medical Center Announces Practical Nurse Community Sponsorship Program

 Watertown, NY – After months of collaborative planning, Samaritan is excited to announce a new partnership with Jefferson-Lewis BOCES to offer financial sponsorships for nurses who wish to further their careers. 

The 10-month practical nursing program is offered at the Bohlen Technical Center in Watertown. Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to register for the New York State Licensing Examination for Practical Nurse. 

The Practical Nurse (PN) Community Sponsorship Program is open to all community members. With up to $10,000 of additional support from Samaritan, many applicants may be able to pay for the PN program with little to no student loans. The Sponsorship can help with other expenses beyond tuition.

Samaritan will require a 2- or 3-year work commitment for those who apply for and receive funds through this sponsorship program. Samaritan LPN’s have so many options for employment—in our Clinics, Home Health, Surgical Services, Long Term Care, and more. There is room to grow with opportunities to be mentored and develop your nursing career.

Full details and the online application are available at https://samaritanhealth.com/scholarships/pnsponsorship/.

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Samaritan to hold a Healthcare Hiring Event

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Health is inviting motivated individuals to attend its healthcare hiring event.

Learn more about starting your career in healthcare in the following areas: food service/cook, laundry/housekeeping, patient registration, clinic office support, lab assistant/phlebotomist, and training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

The in-person event will include the opportunity to speak directly to leaders and features on-the-spot interviews, do not forget your resume.

Join us on June 23 between 3-7 p.m. at Samaritan Medical Center, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY, in conference rooms A&B on the second floor.

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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.

Robin Turns One

We are thrilled to share Robin Compo’s first birthday photos sent to us directly by his proud parents, Erin and Nate. But don’t let his sweet smiles fool you. This boy is a fighter and a NICU graduate. 

Born in April 2021, under extreme circumstances, Robin was admitted to the care of two different Neonatal Intense Care Units (NICU) until he came to Samaritan Medical Center, where he stayed for over 100 days under the supervision of our NICU nurses and Dr. Karl Komar. 

Now, at one and weighting 21.5lbs (per his last doctor’s visit), Robin is a strong, happy child, who can babble and say words like mama, baba, mama, yum yum, daddy, kitty, sis, brubs (brother), eggs, hey, papa, yes, and get. He is also holding things all on his own and loves to play. 

“I often look back at his photos in the NICU, and it’s like a totally different baby. He’s so intelligent, and we are very blessed to have this little spitfire. I still always look back on all the kindness and compassion my little family got from everyone there, and I remain forever grateful”, says Mom Erin Fennessy. 

Check Compo’s story and learn more about Samaritan’s NICU at https://samaritanhealth.com/service/maternity/neonatal-intensive-care-unit/

Samaritan Celebrates Employees at Annual Service Awards Banquet

WATERTOWN, NY – On May 16, Samaritan celebrated its employees who reached twenty-years-in-service or more milestones in 2021 with a dinner and awards reception at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The event served as the kick-off for Samaritan Experience Week, during which all caregivers across Samaritan Health are recognized.

“It takes a special person to go into healthcare. Someone who is caring and willing to give of themselves.  We are honored to celebrate our Samaritan Caregivers who have dedicated their careers to Samaritan, our patients/residents, and their team members,” said Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center.  “We cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and dedication. While these last two years through the pandemic have been challenging, all Samaritan Caregivers have been caring, committed, and courageous.” 

Recognized for 45 years with Samaritan was Debra Lashway (not photographed at the event).

For 40 years were Kelly R. Scee, Gale Y. Freeman, Diane L. Tibbles, Margaret (Peggy) Macaulay, and Mary K. Gregory. Debra Farmer was recognized but didn’t attend the dinner.

For 35 years were Kelly S. Burnash, Randal K. Halaburka, James P. King, Anthony J. Marra, Lisa L. Pittman, Lori A. Plantz, and Debra A. Sumell.

Pictured here are Lisa L. Pittman and Anthony J. Marra

30 years celebrated were Tina Marie Ackerman, Robert C. Ackley Jr., Evelyn R. Aviste, Kelly Reese Barker, Diane A. Chisamore, Amy E. Collins, Mary E. Gregory, Jennifer J. Haley, Jody L. Hewitt, Kimberly A. Jackson, Bonnie Louise Labarge, Stacey Michelle Mack, Debra Marino, Beverly M. Monica, Sandra Lee Netto, and Nicole R. Simmons.

Pictured here are Evelyn Aviste, Bonnie LaBarge, and Debra Marino

At 25 years the following caregivers were recognized: Sharon L. Sourwine,  Ruth H. Powell, Jennifer E. Lundy-Kalin, Pamela J. Childers, Jean R. Kress, Cherene L. DeRosia, and Paul E. Gillette (in the picture); and Dawn Bastien, Monica J. Campbell, Brianne Nicole Castro, Keitha R. Dupee, Patti Ann Freeman, Cynthia E. Hall, Debra S. Hamilton, Leisa F. Hamm, Tammie Hulbert, Christopher Martin Lavin, Randy J. Marino, Marco Schmidt, Betty Shelmidine, John Stano, Anne M. Tyler, Julie A. Verne, and Danny W. Vincent.

For 20 years the following caregivers were recognized: Norravith “Ae” Mathison, Garett Joseph Hayes, Catherine A. Ford, Terrance L. Cavanaugh, Kelly R. Brasel, Tonya R. Covington, Sandra L. Veley, Rose Busler, Lorraine E. Hoffman, and Crystal L. DeWitt (in the picture). Also were recognized but not in attendance: Mark K. Cloonan, Gail Francine Dennie, Raiona Rae Fleming, Todd H. Fuller, Jody Renee Hanson, Norma Jean Hunter, Scott J. Jacobs, Carolyn Orton, Shelia Sheehan, Karen Elizabeth Stewart, Patricia A. Thomas, Laurie Jo Wayte, and Kristin Elizabeth A. Worden.

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