3rd Quarter 1999 National and Division Heroes

National Heroes

RN Category: Lisa Popeil - Delaware Pediatrics (DP) Office, New Castle, DE
LPN Category: Jean Watson - Cherry Hill (CH) Office, Cherry Hill, NJ
HHA Category: Frances Alston - PCA West (PW) Office, Philadelphia, PA

Division Heroes

* denotesNational Hero of the Quarter

Lisa Popiel, RN, joined the Delaware Pediatric office in April 1999 doing well mom/well baby and pediatric visits. Her performance attests to the fact that relative newcomers are just as valuable as long-time nurses. Director Pat Cicamore explains: "Lisa is reliable and committed to her clients. Lisa did not even let Hurricane Floyd keep her from seeing her babies." Rather than take comfort in a warm, dry bed, Lisa weathered the storm and trekked to K-Mart for a bright yellow rain ensemble. In addition, when the office incurred some recent staff changes, Lisa's organizational skills had her volunteering to assume additional office duties to assist with managing visits. Her efforts resulted in an offer to join the office staff. Pat says, "Lisa's expert skill, compassion and constant dependability is evident to everyone in the office but, more importantly, is reflected in the responses from client satisfaction surveys." One client wrote, "Our nurse Lisa was wonderful. She was very friendly, informative and caring. She was always on time and spent as much time with us, answering questions as we needed. Thank you for the great service and for making each visit pleasant and upbeat!"

Jean B. Watson, LPN, has worked for Bayada Nurses since 1981. Nominated by a client for her work with his elderly, senile father, Jean's caring nature is depicted eloquently: "Her affection and compassion for my father is striking. He may be senile, but she talks to him and engages him in a way that stimulates him, pleases him, and enhances his dignity. Although I can't prove it, it is my opinion that his reduced need for pain medications over the past several months is due to the happy emotional atmosphere that she creates. She has never missed a shift, and, on numerous occasions, has worked extra shifts on the weekend to maintain continuity of care." Director Ann O'Malley indicated that Jean's attitude toward her work is what distinguishes her from the rest. Ann said, "Jean puts passion into everything she does and goes way above and beyond." Staff Supervisor Jill Romoff added that Jean's performance yields results: "She did a 100% turnaround on this client and always does a great job."

Frances E. Alston, HHA, has been providing skilled, caring and reliable home health care to Bayada clients for the past 22 years. Frances' longevity alone testifies to her commitment to her profession and Bayada Nurses. However, there's more to Frances than meets the eye. Staff Supervisor Marie Brown says, "Frances personifies the definition of a hero." Marie also indicated that Frances "displays a very warm and caring personality, and she always shows a willingness to help when a need arises and a willingness to fulfill all obligations. "Frances has grown to mean more to her clients than just another health care worker," Marie says. "She is the sunshine of their lives, and her work goes beyond the required duties in their behalf." Frances has maintained an excellent attendance record in her 22 years of employment, and is also known to keep in close contact with her supervisor to report all client concerns.