Spotlight: Methodist recognizes employees during National Hospital Day, Nurses Week

 

Methodist Medical Center held a celebratory picnic on the top level of its parking deck earlier this month as a way to say “thanks” to employees, physicians, and volunteers. The annual event coincides with National Nurses Week and National Hospital Day. The hospital’s “Picnic on the Parking Deck” featured a full cook-out, a variety of games, and music. Whether it was on the parking deck or in the Secret City Café, all shifts including evening and midnight staffs had an opportunity to enjoy the picnic meal.

“It’s vitally important to take time to celebrate and recognize those individuals who wake up everyday to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Mike Belbeck, Methodist Medical Center president and chief administrative officer. “They all put forth such a tremendous effort to make sure our patients and guests are given excellent care and service. I feel incredibly privileged to work alongside these professionals.”

In addition to the annual celebrations such as the picnic and end of the year holiday event, known affectionately as “Turkey Day,” Methodist focuses on employee reward and recognition consistently throughout the year. For years, the hospital has honored employees through service award events and employee of the month celebrations. More recently, programs available through the hospital’s system affiliation with Covenant Health have added opportunities to salute individual employee excellence through nomination-generated awards and on-the-spot recognition.

Additionally, in conjunction with National Nurses’ Week, Methodist celebrated the dedication, commitment, and service of its nursing staff. This year, 14 registered nurses from Methodist were recognized for their clinical excellence by the Regional Cooperative for Professional Nurses’ Week. These nurses were carefully chosen by their coworkers and joined nurses from hospitals throughout East Tennessee to receive recognition for their dedication to professional nursing. These nominations focused on criteria such as clinical expertise, overall teamwork between doctors, nurses, and staff, excellent customer service, and professional conduct and appearance.

“We are proud of the wonderful nursing care we give at Methodist and are pleased to show the region our best,” said Sue Harris, vice president and chief nursing officer at Methodist.

“Nurses touch lives every single day and not one patient leaves this hospital without encountering a nurse’s support,” continued Harris. “Nurses have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. For their dedication, I say thank you.”