Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Clinics Honor Employees

According to a release from Essentia Health, Essentia Health-St. Joseph Medical Center and Clinics asked employees to nominate their colleagues who best exemplify the Essentia Health core values of Quality, Hospitality, Respect, Justice, Stewardship, and Teamwork in their daily work. Six individuals out of 1,400 employees were selected as the value ambassadors for 2016 and recognized during the recent Employee Recognition banquet on October 18 at Maddens.

“Our Mission Council along with some past value awardees had the difficult task of choosing from many nominations, only one ambassador per core value is chosen each year. We are blessed to have so many wonderful co-workers here!” said Karen Dubord, Interim Director of Pastoral Care at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

Congratulations to our 2016 Value Ambassadors: Dr. Troy Duininck, Jane Stumpf, Rachel Vopatek, Ann Bertoch, Barb Goochey, and Kathy Blasing

Dr. Troy Duininck, Chief of the Surgery, was recognized for living the value of Quality for excellence in individualized care to patients and outstanding relationships with staff. Dr. Duininck is constantly focused on safety, especially in the operating room. His review of evidence-based studies and articles keeps him knowledgeable in the latest clinical recommendations.

The Hospitality award was presented to Jane Stumpf, receptionist at Pierz Clinic. Jane has been a smiling face at the front desk of the Pierz Clinic for over 25 years. She consistently provides that welcoming touch making patients, visitors and coworkers feel welcome.

Rachel Vopatek, registered nurse in the Cardiac Cath Lab at the Marilyn Covey Heart and Vascular Center, received the Respect award. Everyone Rachel comes in contact with is treated as if they are close family, with their best interest at heart. Her gentle and giving way exemplifies what compassionate care is all about.

The Justice award was presented to Ann Bertoch, Patient Advocate. Ann objectively reviews each situation to ensure that the patient received care in the most appropriate way and delicately works through patient care issues and concerns with grace, tact, and compassion.

Barb Goochey, Laboratory Manager of Brainerd and Baxter Clinics received the Stewardship award for her proactive approach to proper lab performance. Barb looks for ways to improve processes without further expense and manages to balance resiliency for her staff.

The Teamwork award was presented to Kathy Blasing, registered nurse on Family Birthplace, for her willingness to help co-workers and often completes tasks without being asked. Kathy’s co-workers know it’s going to be a great shift when she is there.

“When asked how Essentia Health carries out its’ mission “to make a healthy difference in people’s lives” I explain it’s all about our dedicated employees and physicians and the caring spirit our patients experience when they receive our services”, explains Adam Rees, President, Essentia Health-St. Joseph Medical Center and Clinics. “I want to thank all our 2016 honored employees for setting a great example for all of us in daily living out our values and mission”.