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OSF recognizes staff providing outstanding care

Courtesy photos Shown above is Tom Kolinsky, Honor a Caregiver Award recipient.

ESCANABA — OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group has awarded three honorees through the Grateful Patient program. The program includes the international DAISY Award that recognizes the skillful and compassionate care provided by nurses; the Sunflower Award, which recognizes non-nursing staff for being outstanding role models among a community of caregivers; and the Honor a Caregiver Award, which recognizes physicians and advanced practice providers who demonstrate excellence, compassion and extraordinary care.

This quarter’s awards were given to RN Jessica Snowden (DAISY Award), Medical Office Assistant Melissa Kimmen (Sunflower Award), and CRNA Tom Kolinsky (Honor a Caregiver Award).

Snowden is a complex care manager. She was one of 40 Daisy nominees this quarter and was recognized for the difference she made in a patient’s life.

“It is very difficult and scary taking care of someone who has a serious illness. Knowing that there are professional, caring people that we can reach out to when we need help is a great blessing. I would like to thank you and your staff for everything you’ve done to help us. The Care Management program is truly making a difference for us and I’m sure many other patients in this community feel the same way,” shared the patient’s caregiver.

Kimmen works in the OSF family and internal medicine practice and was among 17 nominees for the Sunflower Award. She was recognized for putting her patient’s needs first. Her nomination included the following sentiments:

Courtesy photos Shown above is Jessica Snowden, Daisy Award winner.

“She was so kind, caring, and helpful. She truly went above and beyond. Without Melissa’s help, our loved one would never have gotten her medication that she needed. Melissa was instrumental to make sure this could be completed even after the office was closed. We were so thankful for her commitment and follow through. She truly made a stressful situation turn back into a positive experience. Thank you so much Melissa for your kindness and assistance.”

Kolinsky is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at OSF St. Francis and one of seven nominees for the Honor a Caregiver Award.

“My husband, who is newly diagnosed with cancer, needed to have a chemo port inserted in his chest in OR. Tom was his anesthetist,” said the patient’s family that nominated Kolinsky. “He was so comforting to myself and my husband. He offered to pray with us prior to the procedure. This small gift was so calming to both of us. He took that extra step to share God’s love with us. His compassion for his job and patients demonstrated the true meaning of the Sisters Mission and will never be forgotten.”

Award ceremonies were held to celebrate with each of the honorees, their co-workers, managers and administrative team.

“The work of our employees goes beyond providing health care to patients. They’re often providing comfort, compassion, and a listening ear. I see it each and every day and am proud to see the Sisters’ Mission in action. The nominations from patients act as a great reminder that staff from all departments and roles are making a positive impact on those we serve,” said Dave Lord, president of OSF St. Francis Hospital.

Courtesy photo Melissa Kimmen, Sunflower Award recipient, is shown with Dr. Stephen Smith, left, and Practice Manager Peggy Weissert, right.

If you would like to nominate an employee from OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group for special recognition of extraordinary care, visit ­osfgratefulpatient.org.

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