CoxHealth

It’s #NationalHospitalWeek, and we’re back with another story! Today, we’d like to recognize Cody Liccardi and Joe Cardenas, both members of the Cox Special Response Group (SRG), for their work in rescuing four individuals, alongside Battlefield, Logan-Rogersville, Willard, Nixa and Clever special rescue teams, who were trapped in James River after their kayaks flipped due to inclement weather. The Cox Special Response Group, a specialized group of paramedics that work with technical teams in the area to respond to emergencies, has been training for water-related incidents for months. So, when they got the call late in April that they were to assist on a swift-water rescue, Joe and Cody, pictured third and fifth from the left below, felt extremely prepared. “We all knew where our roles as paramedics would fit into the situation because we’ve trained so much,” Cody explains. “It just made everything run as smoothly as possible so we can be the best for our community and the people that need us.” Cody credits his preparedness to his team. “My guys put in so much work. We wouldn’t have been able to have had the response we did without the work put in by the entire team,” says Cody. Thank you to the Cox Special Response Group, including Cody and Joe, CoxHealth EMS and all other responding agencies for keeping our community safe, and for being there when it matters most!

We’re continuing our #NationalHospitalWeek celebration! Today, we’re sharing Sheryl McCurry’s story – Sheryl is a registered nurse and was nominated by her sister, Stephanie Wilson, who also works in our organization as a hospital scheduler, for lending a helping hand in the parking lot of the Surgery Center. During a rainy and cold January afternoon, Sheryl was on her way out of the Surgery Center parking lot after her shift when she noticed a young man going back and forth between the hood of his car and the interior. “I pulled up to his car and asked, ‘Do you need some help?’,” says Sheryl. “I recognized him then as the husband of my last patient for the day.” The patient’s husband readily accepted, and Sheryl began helping him jump his car. While other teams, such as Security, would’ve assisted in this situation, Sheryl felt a calling to help because she understood the additional stress he may be under. “I knew his wife wasn’t feeling well coming out of surgery, and I saw I could help. I believe it never hurts to give a lending hand,” says Sheryl. Sheryl's quick thinking and compassionate gesture not only helped her patient’s family in a moment of need but also exemplifies the dedication and empathy that are at the core of CoxHealth's mission. Thank you, Sheryl, for going out of your way to help a patient and their family, and for being the best for those who need us!

We’re back with another #NationalHospitalWeek story! Today, we’re highlighting someone whose coworkers describe her as a “ray of absolute sunshine” and “rare genuine jewel” – Marissa Chism! Based on her nomination from colleague Aisha Coleman, Marissa is the dream teammate! Marissa is “amazing at her skills and gives the best customer service” and “knowledgeable, thorough, and always so kind to everyone." But what stood out to us when we received Marissa’s story was her heart. She is an x-ray technologist in our Orthopedic Trauma Department, and she goes out of her way to make everyone feel appreciated. A recent example was Marissa coming in early to decorate for a teammate’s milestone birthday so they felt recognized and celebrated. “That’s just how kind and thoughtful of a person Marissa is,” says Aisha. “I swear I’m still finding glitter around my office, and the celebration was last September!” And speaking of special celebrations – today is also Marissa’s birthday! Please join us in wishing her a happy birthday. 🙂 “It’s such an honor to be recognized like this. Every person I have met at CoxHealth – whether on the patient or employee side – has been so kind. It’s special to work at a place where I know I’m making a difference,” says Marissa. Thank you, Marissa, for living out our vision to be the best for those who need us, and we hope you have a wonderful birthday!

It’s one of our favorite times of the year – #NationalHospitalWeek! This year, we asked our employees to share stories about CoxHealth colleagues to recognize their amazing work, and boy did they deliver! We’re excited to share some these stories throughout the week, and today we’re recognizing Karen Jordan, who goes above and beyond her role as a billing specialist to make kids feel special and welcome. Cox Learning Centers may not be the first facility you think of during Hospital Week, but it is crucial to our colleagues who need child care while working at the hospital, including Kaylie Weltsch, magnet program director of nursing administration. Two of Kaylie’s children attend Cox Learning Center, including her son, Huxley. Huxley, now five-years-old, has attended Cox Learning Center since he was six-months-old. A few years ago, Huxley was described as a very shy child who would hide behind his mom when talking with someone – until he met Karen. “Every teacher, every lead, every supervisor, director – I mean every person we have encountered over there has been nothing short of amazing,” says Kaylie. “But someone who surprised me in the way she really cares for the kids is Karen, who is the Learning Center’s billing specialist.” Kaylie says it started with waves and high fives to Karen during pick-up, and that, over time, it grew into hugs and conversations about Huxley’s day. Eventually, Huxley couldn’t wait to go talk to Karen, tell her about his day and the latest on his soccer practices, even if that meant searching the hallways for her when she wasn't at her desk. Now, Huxley has no problem striking up a conversation with the person checking their family out at the grocery store, waving to his neighbors or talking to his soccer coaches. “When you think of a hospital, environmental services comes into your room, smiles at you and talks to you and you think ‘Wow, everyone from the manager to the person coming in to help keep my room organized and straightened is so friendly,’ - it just makes you feel like the place cares,” says Kaylie. “It’s just like that there. When their teacher to even the billing specialist to the program directors – they're so invested in your child – you know they’re a great place. And it’s not just the impact that that has on him at daycare, but the confidence that has given him to talk to other people - that’s going to impact him forever and continuously in his life.” Thank you, Karen, for the love and confidence you give each child and for being the best for those who need us!

Unlocking the potential of tomorrow's leaders starts with investing in today's talent. 🌟 At CoxHealth, we invest in our colleagues in several ways, but one that focuses on the growth and leadership of employees is our Emerging Leaders Program. This program concentrates on elevating both the interpersonal and strategic thinking skills of team members across the organization. Each year, vice presidents nominate employees to participate based upon demonstrated high work performance and upholding our mission, vision and values. “The Emerging Leaders Program is a great opportunity for participants to connect with peers, learn from leaders across the organization and develop skills that can be helpful for them as they continue their careers with CoxHealth,” says Tina Moore, learning consultant in CoxHealth’s Center for Professional Development. During full-day sessions, employees gain tools that equip them to be better leaders in their current roles and equip them for potential future leadership roles. “As someone who loves to lead and take on challenges, I gained a lot from Emerging Leaders. It opened my eyes for potential future opportunities in the organization where I can do something more,” explains Ashley Freiburger, clinical coordinator at Cox Monett Hospital. Participants also have an opportunity for self-discovery, as they not only realize areas for improvement but identify their existing areas of excellence. “I initially approached this program looking to improve what I perceived to be areas of weakness in my leadership, and while it did help with that, I left with more confidence in the strengths of my leadership ability,” says Heather Captain, administrative assistant in nursing education. Have you participated in CoxHealth’s Emerging Leaders? Share more about your experience in the comments, we’d love to hear about it! And to learn more about benefits and opportunities available to CoxHealth employees, as well to explore potential job openings, visit https://lnkd.in/ggGVyba4.

Recently, we hosted our Employee Banquet, where our 2024 Lester Award winners were announced. This award is given to colleagues who go above and beyond to embody CoxHealth’s values. This year, Colton Nelson, lead assistant tech professional at CoxHealth at Home, received the award. Following treatments for breast cancer, Gisele Bauman, former director of laboratory services, began experiencing mobility issues. Colton, with a donation from Amanda and Andy Hedgpeth, both CoxHealth leaders, revamped a scooter to support Gisele in her day-to-day activities. Watch the video below to hear the story, and how one selfless act from Colton had a life-changing impact on Giselle and her family. Thank you, Colton, for being the best for those who need us!

Recently, we hosted our Employee Banquet, where our 2024 Lester Award winners were announced. This award is given to colleagues who go above and beyond to embody CoxHealth’s values. This year, Jackie Muenks, assistant director of Radiology administration and support, received the award, after her swift response on a hot summer day saved a local family from potential physical harm after their child was accidentally locked in a car. As Jackie and colleagues express in this video, accidents happen to all of us, and we're grateful that everyone was safe and healthy. Watch the video below to hear the story and what this award means from Jackie herself – we are honored to have someone like her in our organization!

As a 4-year-old growing up in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon of Mindanao, Philippines, Marvie Joy Agustin's curiosity about the medical field was second to none. She was so curious, in fact, that she frequently joined her mother at her health care workplace. Like many children, her curiosity turned to wandering. Her mother always knew right where to find her: The medical science laboratory. "I was always curious and asking 'Why?' And at such an early age, I was introduced to my parents' dedication towards community service," she says. Perhaps it was on-the-job training before most children start kindergarten. That, combined with having an American pen pal as a 12-year-old, sparked a dream in young Marvie Joy: A chance to serve others in health care and live the American Dream. When we fast-forward to today, Agustin is now a medical laboratory scientist (MLS) at Cox Medical Center Branson, working hard every night to identify under a microscope what's invisible to the naked eye and ensure patients receive accurate diagnoses. She brought 20 years of experience in the field plus a bachelor's degree in medical technology and an associate's degree in health science education with her when she joined the team in 2023. Agustin was one of the first MLS CoxHealth sponsored to come to America from the Philippines. In short, that means the health system helped her secure a visa and complete the necessary paperwork so Agustin could live her American Dream with as few obstacles as possible. The service-minded Agustin and CoxHealth are a great match, she says. "I listed everything I wanted in a workplace. It’s just like buying a car. You want all the specs on the table," Agustin says. "And I was praying for a workplace that will support community and humanity. I have my heart on my craft. It’s about focusing on being of use to the community and its people. I want to make an impact." Agustin's husband, son, and daughter are still living in the Philippines to take care of the family farm. Each have their visas and are preparing to join Marvie Joy in Branson later this year. "I want to face everything here first and iron out everything for the kids so they will not have a hard time adjusting," Marvie Joy says. Marvie Joy is adjusting in her own way, and notes that while 20+ years of experience and education help, every single day is a chance to get better, learn something new and celebrate the dream she made come true. "Every day is still a school day," she says. "You never stop learning." "I was able to travel more than 8,000 miles away from home to be here. When I was young, I wondered how I could get to the U.S. if I didn't have the money. But that opportunity came, and yeah ... CoxHealth made it possible for me." For more information on CoxHealth's international sponsorship pathways, visit https://lnkd.in/g2dk_3FH

It’s time to highlight our spring 2024 DAISY Award honorees! This recognition is given to nurses who go above and beyond to serve our patients. Today, we are recognizing two colleagues, Farrin Hampel and Lara Corbett, both RNs in our Child-Adolescent Psychiatry unit. When a patient was readmitted to their unit, Farrin and Lara were familiar with her story – particularly that she had many barriers to being able to brush her hair. After talking with the patient about her hair and what she would prefer, the two took action to assist in ways that would last beyond her stay with us. “Lara called her guardian to ask permission for Farrin, who has experience with cutting hair, to do it. With the case worker and patient’s consent - and excitement- these ladies made a makeshift beauty shop. Complete with music, they gave her a beautiful haircut that will be more manageable and makes her feel good about herself. She told staff about how this made her feel cared for and about. I appreciate how Lara, who spent time detangling, and our new resident stylist, Farrin, went above and beyond for this girl. It brought tears to my eyes to see love in action, as well as how genuinely happy our patient was. While we can’t change all the circumstances that bring them to their stay with us, they proved that for a moment we can make things a little brighter moving forward.”

It's time to highlight our spring 2024 DAISY Award honorees! This recognition is given to nurses who go above and beyond to serve our patients. Today, we are recognizing Dillon Opp, an RN in our Neurotrauma Intensive Care Unit, who was nominated by a patient’s child. After their mother was transported to the hospital by ambulance, there was a strong feeling of anxiety amongst them and their siblings – until Dillon came along. "Dillon was assigned as our nurse in the Neurotrauma Intensive Care Unit for the first two days and explained everything to my family so thoroughly. He was understanding and compassionate towards all of us, and it relieved me of having to have those hard conversations with my family and allowed me to just be there for them and my mom. He sat beside us when the nurse practitioner explained all aspects of her care, and he made sure after the NP left that everyone understood and did not have any questions. He went above and beyond the typical bedside nurse's duties by not only providing compassionate care for my mom, but also making sure my family had everything they needed - such as always asking if we needed food or drinks. He knew I was not eating, so he went and bought me soup to make sure I was also taking care of myself. After he was done being my mom’s nurse, he continued to check on my mom and family. “Dillon may be a newer nurse, but I believe his gift of being compassionate and his desire to care for others is just a part of who he is as a person. You can’t learn that from textbooks - it has to be ingrained in your heart. My whole family appreciated how he represented himself like he had been a nurse for years. He deserves all the recognition for being able to handle a difficult situation and communicate with my family in a way that made them understand and feel less anxious. CoxHealth’s mission statement is ‘to be the best for those who need us’ and Dillon was everything my family needed in an incredibly scary situation. Great job Dillon, you deserve the DAISY award and more.”