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RT’s OR staffs commit to holiday project

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
Handling the needs of surgery patients requires a tender, supportive touch from nurses, physicians and support personnel working within Rutledge Tower’s Operating Room, anesthesia and pre- and post-op areas. So when the group learned about a new campuswide program to assist employees and their families in need during the holiday season, the response was clear and harmonious.

The 75-member staff unanimously agreed to support MUSC’s Families First project, an employee-initiated effort partnered with the Salvation Army aimed at providing employee and community assistance throughout the holidays. 

“Each year, all of us agree to participate in some type of community holiday project,” said Sharon Harris, R.N., Rutledge Tower Operating Room. The staff successfully participated in the past with WCSC-TV’s Debi’s Kids Angel Tree and the Christmas Commandos. “When we heard about a holiday project focused on helping co-workers and their families in need, the decision was obvious.”

On Nov. 16, MUSC Families First organizers made the first of several angel tag distributions throughout the medical center and university. So far, the group has distributed more than 1,600 angel cut-outs to display on area Christmas trees and holiday displays located in various clinical areas and administrative departments. MUSC Families First coordinator Elizabeth Nista said that the response has already far exceeded the project’s initial expectations.

“The need is there in the community and MUSC employees have already responded in the most incredible ways,” Nista said.

Last week, Harris requested 60 angel tags to display. To motivate everyone in the spirit, Harris created the area’s own Christmas tree, a hand-painted blue spruce decorated with colorful ornament designs and topped with the hanging angel tags. And like the individuals they represent, each angel cut-out is unique—listing a short description of a needy child or adult along with a gift suggestion. 

The program offers support to employees and their families, plus other member of the community experiencing personal difficulties and hardships during the Christmas holidays. Working with the Salvation Army, all MUSC Families First participants receive some level of support in a discreet and confidential manner. 

Currently, the Rutledge Tower OR tree remains prominently displayed on a wall across from the nurses station. By Dec. 17, all Families First are asked to bring their tagged, unwrapped gift to a campuswide holiday celebra-tion in the MUSC horseshoe between 1-2 p.m.

“It’s said that care should begin at home, or at work in this situation,” Harris said. “Many of us are just glad to help out in this big workplace effort.”

For information about obtaining angels or MUSC Families First, call Nista, 792-8382 or e-mail nistal@musc.edu.

Friday, Nov. 26, 2004
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.