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Employees receive quarterly AREA awards Each quarter, Ambulatory Care Services recognizes outstanding employees who demonstrate the organization’s values of accountability, respect, excellence, and adaptability (AREA). Staff members who received an Applause for Caring card or were applauded on the patient satisfaction survey during the quarter are automatically eligible for the AREA Award.   First quarter 2005 AREA Award recipients are: Mary M. Johnson, patient registration representative, Pediatric Primary Care; Ashley F. Sabo, R.N., pediatric specialties;  Jason A. Santanna, patient registration representative, Hollings Cancer Center; and Kim H. Shuler, financial counselor, Cardiology. Johnson was nominated by three employees. One nomination stated: “Mary immediately recognized that an infant was seriously ill when the mom came to the registration desk and called a nurse to check the baby. A code was called and the baby was admitted to the PICU. Due to her quick action, the child received appropriate lifesaving care.” Sabo was nominated by a clinical operations manager and another employee. “On March 28, Ashley found herself in the position of being the only staff member working on the fourth floor. Every member of her team that day was from another area. She demonstrated flexibility and went the extra mile. She directed all of us to perform proper intakes on the patients and had us assist the physicians as needed. She never got lunch because no one was able to assume her role in maintaining the flow of clinic patients and meeting all physician needs for that day. She remained calm, all patients were seen in a timely manner and everyone helping in the area felt like we were valued for our contribution. She did a fabulous job in keeping everything going that day, valuing the Magnet process. Ashley has participated in every monthly meeting of the research group and has been a strong representative at staff meetings keeping everyone informed of the Magnet journey. She has been the staff nurse voice in the Rutledge Tower Outcomes Task Force as we look at clinic cancellations and patient outcomes. She is committed to the process and ideals of Magnet. In addition to her work on the fourth floor with the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic patients, she has been chosen as an Example of Excellence for presentation at the Nurse Alliance Quarterly Meeting. She is a valuable, dedicated  registered nurse committed to excellence in patient outcomes and care.” Santanna was nominated by three patients, an R.N., and a manager. His nominations included the following: “My daughter had a trying and long day; we traveled all the way from Conway. When Mr. Santanna heard my daughter had not eaten all day he gave her his lunch. Who else would do a thing like that? A terrific guy.”   Another nomination read, “I was having problems with my VA referral. He took the time and had the patience to call the VA and spend close to an hour off and on to make sure he received one from them so I could keep my appointment with the doctor. He is a great guy.”   And also, “I recently have seen a couple instances where Jason has gone the “extra mile” for our patients. Most recently, he was helping an elderly patient from her wheelchair into her car. I thought this was very nice because they are busy enough at the desk and he still took time to help out. He took the initiative to call Physical Plant to come fix some broken lights and replace some stained ceiling tiles to make our area look better for our patients and visitors. I appreciate this effort—it shows great teamwork and team spirit.” Shuler was nominated by a patient and a director. The nomination form read inpart, “Thank you so much for taking a potentially negative experience, evaluating your ability to turn it around and coming up with a customer service focused solution. It is this type of cooperative spirit that we are looking for. Thank you.”     Friday, July 1, 2005 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.