Congratulations to all of our Stories of Excellence recipients, including our latest honorees:
Read the inspiring stories below.
Ruth Epperson
Ruth Epperson
I, along with RN Danalee Acebo, had a patient in the Neuro-Trauma-Surgical ICU who had been involved in a motorcycle accident. He had been intubated for some time and was in need of a tracheostomy. The patient’s wife was at a loss as to how to explain to their young son the procedure or the necessary equipment the father needed.
When we attempted to find education that was appropriate for a child, we were unable to locate any and enlisted the help of Respiratory Care Practitioner Ruth Epperson. Ruth also discovered that it was difficult to find suitable literature, so she created a child-appropriate PowerPoint presentation for the mom to take home, along with an educational trach set. Ruth went above and beyond to support this family during such a trying time.
Submitted by Michelle Knipe, RN, Cardiovascular Unit
Ashlee Ward
Ashlee Ward
On Oct. 25, Ashlee Ward was on her way to work. She stopped at a coffee stand. The employees there told her that there had been a motionless car at a stoplight for about 10 minutes. The car was not moving when the light turned green. The employees were young and expressed that they weren’t sure what to do in this situation. They saw Ashlee’s Enloe RN badge, so they asked her what she thought of the situation.
Ashlee parked her car and she and the employees walked over to check on the man. He appeared to be unresponsive in his car. She tried to open the car door, but it was locked. She knocked on the window. Still no response. Somebody at the scene was able to break the window and open the door, which allowed Ashlee to pull the man from the car. She immediately noticed he was not breathing and began CPR, while instructing the others to call 911. Ashlee completed a full round of CPR prior to EMS arriving.
The man slowly began to rouse and breathe. At that time, EMS was at the scene and took over. This was Ashlee’s first experience performing CPR. She is a newer RN in Behavioral Health. I am so proud of her for following her instincts as a fully competent RN. She stayed calm, knew exactly what to do and successfully assisted with saving this man’s life. Ashlee is a wonderful nurse. She is kind, smart and very intuitive. I am proud to work alongside Ashlee!
Submitted by Annie Connelly, RN Charge, Behavioral Health
Jamie Holmes & Helene Ginsberg
Jamie Holmes and Helene Ginsberg
One of the things I love about working at Enloe is discovering the many pieces it takes to offer patient-centered care. It’s not just about a doctor and nurse. There are so many people who affect the experience for our patients. I am now working closely with our Spiritual Support Volunteers. It has been an honor to hear their stories from week to week as they process together how situations unfold and try to better themselves and be the most effective volunteers they can be.
One of our Spiritual Support Volunteers, Jamie Holmes, shared with our group a story that included Spiritual Support Volunteer Helene Ginsberg. On the afternoon of Halloween, Jamie was just finishing her shift. It had been a challenging day and as she was getting off her shift, a gentleman who had a heart attack was brought into the Emergency Department. He was treated and moved to the Intensive Care Unit. Jamie learned that he would not survive his heart attack and that he had a wife and three small children with him. She overheard staff mention that they could sure use a chaplain for the family. Even though Jamie just finished a hard shift, she walked over to Juan Sanchez, RN, the bedside nurse, and asked if she could be of help. It was discovered that the patient was a donor and there were hopes to procure his organs.
Jamie evaluated the situation and saw three traumatized and crying children ages 8 to 12, along with their mother, trying to keep up and understand all that was happening very quickly with their father and her husband. Jamie had the fortitude to call Helene. Helene specializes in children, and she came in immediately to help. Together, Jamie and Helene were able to give the grieving children individualized care, bringing them in and out of their dad’s room to help them process and understand what was happening. One of the children took the opportunity to talk to their dad, saying their own version of goodbye. Jamie stayed several hours with the patient and his family, even though it was the dinner hour and her shift had long ended. Helene remained into the night, comforting the family until the patient was transferred to the operating room for organ donation.
As Jamie told us this story, my heart ached for these kids. I was once the child, confused and scared at the hospital, watching my little brother die. I personally knew that often children in these situations are forgotten. The attention and explanations are generally given to the adults. I also knew what it must have meant to these children to have the support of such loving people by their sides, talking with them, and helping to comfort their breaking hearts. After hearing this story, I was the proudest I had ever been to be able to have a small part in helping our Spiritual Support Volunteers do what they do. What an amazing opportunity they have, to make life-changing impacts on our patients and their families, especially to the, often unseen, children. And how blessed is our hospital to have them give freely of their time and their very hearts to our patients.
Thank you, Jamie and Helene, for being two angels on a Halloween night when three little kids really needed you.
Submitted by Laura Thompson, Patient Experience Data Specialist, Patient Service Excellence
Sandra Graham
Sandra Graham
On Dec. 1, 2022, Sandra Graham, RN, Cardiac Cath Lab, took care of a sick, 31-year-old patient with Down syndrome who was scheduled for a procedure. Sandra met her in the preprocedural holding area, where she found this frightened patient trying to make sense of what was going on while calling out to Sandra, “Don’t come in here.” At that moment, Sandra knew in her heart that something had to be done to help her feel comfortable. She decided to quickly go to the gift shop and buy something that could help establish her as a friend who would look out for her and take care of her during the procedure.
Sandra returned to the preprocedural room with a gift bag and a special present. As Sandra approached the patient and pulled the curtain back, the patient looked up at Sandra and asked, “Is that for me?” Sandra responded with, “Yes, it is for you.” As the patient opened the present, she discovered this perfect soft blue elephant inside. Her smile lit up the room, and she became more at ease than anyone could have imagined. The patient named the elephant Howie, who stayed with her all the way into the procedure room, giving her comfort and a perfect conversation piece to distract the patient.
Sandra, a previous traveling nurse, chose to stay at Enloe because she felt it was a special place that focused on patient care. But, in reality, Sandra is an extraordinary nurse who has chosen to bless our hospital with the special care she delivers.
Submitted by Gustavo Covarrubias, RN Charge, Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Amy Yurus
Amy Yurus
It was Sept. 28 when I met up with my long-time Butte Sailing Club buddy, Jim, at the North Forebay below Oroville Dam, to launch and sail his newly restored 16-foot sailboat.
The winds were light this day, so around 5:30 p.m. Jim and I docked his boat, with him lowering the sails and me tying the boat to the dock. When I stepped back into the boat, I noticed Jim slumped over the boom. I immediately yelled for someone to call 911 and I began CPR.
Fortunately, one of our sailing club members, Amy Yurus, an Enloe Emergency Department RN, had just docked her catamaran sailboat next to where Jim lay motionless in his sailboat. Amy directed us to move Jim from the boat to the dock, where she immediately began chest compressions with intervals of mouth-to-mouth breaths into him. While this was taking place, Jordan, another Butte Sailing Club member, ran to the aquatic center to retrieve their AED (automated external defibrillator) and returned to the dock, handing it to Amy. Amy then administered the AED but could not get a pulse. Another AED jolt was given, but still no pulse. She continued to administer CPR, and by now, Ted, Feather River Aquatic Center employee, joined her in coordinating chest compressions. Directed by Amy, Ted administered breaths to Jim through a clear plastic mouthpiece. Jordan then took over providing CPR, while Amy checked to see if there was a pulse and announced, “He still has no pulse.”
I am unsure how long it took the paramedics to arrive, but once they did, they took over providing chest compressions and breaths. Upon giving Jim their second jolt from the AED, his pulse returned, and he was placed on a gurney to be taken to Enloe. After Jim was admitted to the hospital, the responding paramedics visited him in his room to check on his recovery and were surprised to see him sitting up in bed. When Jim’s wife thanked them for saving his life, they responded, “Most of these heart attack calls don’t end well. We didn’t save your husband’s life; your friends did by their quick response and proper CPR techniques.”
I consider Jim to be a best friend, and this near tragic event filled me with both fear and gratitude. To address this fear, the Butte Sailing Club will be offering certified CPR training to all members, and we installed an AED unit outside our clubhouse. My gratitude to the expertise and quick response of those at the scene, Amy Yurus and the first responder paramedics who kept Jim alive. Gratitude and pride to Amy for “taking the helm” when it was critically needed. Her calm, timely and expert training is an asset to our club and community.
Submitted by Mark Conry, Staff Commodore, Butte Sailing Club
Angela “Angie” McClellan
Angela “Angie” McClellan
I would like to submit a Story of Excellence for Angela “Angie” McClellan, Lead Ultrasound Technologist. On July 6, 2022, Angie performed an ultrasound on a patient who presented to the Emergency Department with a positive pregnancy test and vaginal bleeding. The patient arrived in the Radiology department at approximately 10:15 p.m. Angie started the exam at 10:19 p.m. Immediately it was evident this was an abnormal exam.
While Angie was scanning the patient, the Emergency Department called and spoke to the technologist assistant and relayed concern about the patient being hypotensive and that they wanted the exam portably. Because Angie was in the midst of the exam and close to finishing, she proceeded.
At 10:34 p.m., Angie completed the imaging and was confident the patient had an ectopic pregnancy, likely ruptured due to a large amount of clot. There was no evidence of an intrauterine pregnancy. Angie typed a thorough technical impression, and at 10:48 p.m., she sent the study for interpretation. At that time, she also phoned them to request that they prioritize this patient.
Angie returned from performing a separate labor and delivery exam at 11:25 p.m. when she saw that the ultrasound report on her previous patient had been interpreted by the radiologist. While reviewing the report she noted an opportunity to clarify the findings and contacted the radiologist and Emergency Department doctor. Following their discussion, the report was finalized, for which the Emergency Department doctor was grateful, and by 1 a.m. he had the patient in the operating room.
Angie felt blessed in covering that nightshift. She knew she was meant to be there for this patient. I wholeheartedly believe Angie’s exemplary attention to detail and thorough follow-through resulted in this patient receiving the best possible care in the timeliest of fashion, and with the best possible outcome. Sometimes humans become angels on earth, not in heaven.
Submitted by Jeff Crawford, Manager, Radiology
Ellen Soehner, Roger Cutler & Holly Williams
Ellen Soehner, Roger Cutler and Holly Williams
The patient was in the OR, and we all were so busy. It was my first day as relief charge, and it was a wild day. We had two back-to-back patients who were very sick. Suddenly a third patient started to decompensate and needed to go to the operating room for emergency surgery.
The family knew that their mother was very close to passing, prior to her being whisked away to OR. It was important to them that we ensured their mother had her last rites, as the family was Catholic. Ellen Soehner, our float Monitor Technician, called Roger Cutler, Spiritual Support Volunteer, who called in a priest.
The patient was in the OR, and we all were so busy. But Holly Williams, RN, met the priest downstairs and walked him to the OR.
The team then allowed him to suit up and enter the OR to perform the patient’s last rites. It wasn’t long until the patient was brought back up to the Intensive Care Unit, and the family decided to move forward with comfort care. The patient passed quickly.
It was such a busy day, and I was so proud that our team got the priest here in time. I know that meant so much to the family. Thank you, team, for all you do.
Submitted by Autumn Avalos, RN, Intensive Care Unit/Cardiac Care Unit
Several Caregivers
Krista Rooks, Case Management, Rehab Therapies – Acute, Telemetry Care Unit, Cardiovascular Unit, Neuro-Trauma-Surgical ICU and Surgical Care Unit
I want to recognize Krista Rooks, Nurse Manager, Telemetry Care Unit, as well as the following Enloe teams: Case Management, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and the Telemetry Care, Cardiovascular, Surgical Care, and Neurotrauma Intensive Care units.
They have gone above and beyond for a young patient with a traumatic brain injury and complex history.
While many individuals were involved in the incredible care of this patient, I want to highlight Krista Rooks specifically for the exceptional support and compassion she has shown throughout this patient’s stay. Krista has truly gone above and beyond to ensure this patient received the best care possible and that he is set up for a successful recovery. Krista worked tirelessly to advocate for this patient, his needs and the needs of his family. It was truly inspiring to watch her put so much care into the finest of details of his care and recovery.
She created an individualized plan of care and ensured the patient’s telemetry care team were effectively updated and involved in the plan. She worked on personally educating the patient’s family effective methods for communicating with a person who has experienced a traumatic brain injury. She collaborated closely with Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy to assist in the patient’s recovery so he could get back to the things that brought him joy prior to his injury, such as learning to play the guitar.
Krista also took the initiative to set up a special dinner for the patient and his mother in our cafeteria. This act was so appreciated by the patient, as it gave him an opportunity to bond with his mother outside of his hospital room.
Krista transformed his hospital room into a personalized rehabilitation room, complete with a laundry basket to allow him the opportunity to practice his hand-eye coordination by putting clothing into it. Krista also arranged for the patient to assist Enloe’s volunteers by bringing flowers to other patients in the hospital as part of his rehabilitation. He was given small administrative tasks to further rehabilitate, such as hole punching some blank paper for the Telemetry Care Unit Monitor Technicians. Though these tasks may seem menial to most, they helped the patient prepare for the next stage of his care and his new life post injury.
On the day the patient was discharged to go to rehabilitation, we walked down to the entrance with him and his mother. They both seemed to glow with excitement at the prospect of going to Rehab, and his mother expressed her overwhelming gratefulness to Krista and the staff involved in her son’s care.
The patient is now on a successful road to recovery, but most importantly, he and his family were given hope through the compassion they were shown. It was truly amazing watching this patient’s journey go from him having trouble integrating back into society, behaviorally and physically, to becoming more confident, stable and independent.
He has come so incredibly far, and I don’t think he would have been nearly as successful without the extraordinary efforts of Krista, Case Management, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and the Telemetry Care, Cardiovascular, Surgical Care, and Neurotrauma Intensive Care units. This is a group of people who will go to incredible lengths to provide the best care for their patients, and this story is just a small sample of that. They are instrumental in making Enloe such a unique and incredible hospital.
Submitted by Angela Caspary, Department Assistant, Telemetry Care Unit
Keith Cavaness
Keith Cavaness
In recognition of Keith Cavaness for warm and compassionate patient care: Recently, Dr. Cavaness was rounding on his patient in the Medical Neurological Unit, and at that time, a physical therapist was working with the patient. The physical therapist needed assistance with helping the patient mobilize. Dr. Cavaness offered his assistance to help mobilize the patient, instead of having the physical therapist ask the nursing staff for help.
After assisting the patient, Dr. Cavaness could see that the patient’s spirits were down. He knew that one of the main goals for the patient was to get his appetite up so that he wouldn’t need a PEG tube. Dr. Cavaness approached the charge nurse and the bedside RN at the front desk and asked if he could take the patient outside for some sunshine and fresh air. This was a great idea and just what the patient needed.
Dr. Cavaness insisted that he take the patient outside himself, but first he needed to go downstairs. Ten minutes later, Dr. Cavaness returned to the floor with a box of ice cream sandwiches. He then handed an ice cream sandwich to the patient and took him outside, in a wheelchair, to not only uplift his spirits but also to give some meaningful conversation.
What he did for the patient was so kind and thoughtful. It meant a lot to the staff to see a physician who showed such compassion and kindness to his patients; the interaction meant a lot to the patient as well.
Submitted by Kristina Bruns on behalf of Tracina Kerry, Registered Nurse, Medical Neurological Unit
Roger Cutler
Roger Cutler
This story is about complete dedication and selflessness. The Telemetry Care Unit had a patient who had been on the unit for a couple of weeks. He had a very unexpected course that resulted in him losing his legs. We were working on getting him discharged when we learned that he did not have access to his laptop. The laptop was necessary for him to get the resources he needed at home for support and for his employment. The TCU staff was working with this patient to resolve this problem and learned that he had an unfortunate event prior to his admission that forced him to pawn his computer.
Roger Cutler, Spiritual Support Volunteer, came to see the patient and learned of the issue. He took the reins and went above and beyond to set this patient up for success. Roger tracked down the pawn shop, gathered the needed paperwork and ensured that the debt was resolved. He was able to hand deliver the laptop to the patient prior to discharge.
Roger is an amazing resource for our patients and staff. This is one of many examples of his dedication to our patients. Thank you, Roger, for going above and beyond and making this patient’s discharge successful.
Submitted by Krista Rooks, Nurse Manager, Telemetry Care Unit
Haley Synold & Dawn Larabee
Haley Synold and Dawn Larabee
Their Story of Excellence: When a loved one dies of COVID-19 and family cannot be present with them, what can you do as a caregiver to ensure that family feels a part of the moment, even from far away?
This is the dilemma that faced our Neuro Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit (NTSICU) nurses at the peak of the first wave of COVID-19. Haley Synold, RN, wanted to give families a keepsake of their loved one’s heartbeat and talked to Dawn Larabee, Monitor Tech.
They found a way to encapsulate a loved one’s heartbeat that was simple to make and beautiful. Dawn, from her monitors, prints a paper strip of the patient’s heart monitor and places it in a red top lab tube, creating a beautiful personal keepsake for families. Today as I write this, 10 family members for two patients will carry their loved one’s heart home with them and won’t have to leave empty handed. What an incredible gift and innovative thinking by these two caregivers who worked together to make a huge difference for families.
Submitted by Sara Voigtritter, Infection Preventionist, Infection Control
Casey Pevey
Casey Pevey
His Story of Excellence: The CVU had a patient that was here for an extended length of stay. Due to the amount of time the patient was at the hospital, many of our nurses had the opportunity to care for him. There was one nurse, Casey Pevey, that particularly stood out for this patient. Over the many 12-hour shifts spent together, they created a unique bond.
Casey was scheduled to go on a vacation to Costa Rica and the patient was anticipated to be discharged to a facility. After returning from his vacation, Casey stopped by my office to tell me he was delivering this patient a beanie that he had brought back from Costa Rica. The patient had unfortunately been readmitted to Enloe so Casey was able to hand deliver the beanie that he had promised he would get him.
It is a simple act of human kindness like this, that can make an everlasting impression, especially during a time of need.
Submitted by Holly Abrams, Nurse Manager, CVU
Marie Daly, Robert Sutton, Shane Mariluch, Tyler Lombard & Nathan Clark
Marie Daly, Robert Sutton, Shane Mariluch, Tyler Lombard and Nathan Clark
Their Story of Excellence: Marie Daly, Lead RN Case Manager, received a call from Radiology asking for help with getting a patient his medications so he could have his procedure the following day. The patient and his wife live in Willows, and due to their age and the distance to Chico, didn’t feel comfortable driving in poor weather to get the medication. The courier was unable to assist due to being out of town. So Marie reached out to Robert Sutton, Dispatch Supervisor, explaining the scenario.
Robert came to the rescue with the help of Shane Mariluch, Paramedic Charge, and the Enloe EMS Willows crew, Tyler Lombard, Paramedic, and Nathan Clark, EMT. Marie obtained the patient’s medication, which our Outpatient Pharmacy passed on to Shane. Shane then met the ambulance crew, Tyler and Nathan, halfway between Chico and Willows. Tyler and Nathan completed the last leg of the journey and successfully delivered the needed medication to the patient’s home. Thank you to our first responders who answered the call to serve and did the right thing for the patient.
Submitted by Michelle Evans, Director, Case Management
Hailey Peek
Hailey Peek
Her Story of Excellence: On May 2, 2022, Ms. Hailey Peek, Surgery Services Scheduler, was instrumental in scheduling a complicated add-on case for the main GI department.
Hailey provided multiple options, updates, helpful information and clarifications, all while the clock was ticking toward the end of her shift late that afternoon (though she never said a word about it). She never got flustered and remained calm, friendly, and professional. Hailey was invested in helping this patient get the care they needed and wasn’t going to stop until she had all the pieces lined up for the main GI suite procedure (GI M.D., Anesthesia M.D., GI Room, Specialty RN Assist, supplies, CPT codes, information loaded from the Snap-Board, main GI charge nurse notified, etc.). She just kept going. It wasn’t until it was all confirmed by Hailey, and we hung up the phone, that I finally looked up at the clock and noticed the time. I could only smile to myself and take note of it.
The next day, the GI case went according to plan, and no one would have ever known the amount of work that went on behind the scenes to make it happen.
Thank you, Ms. Peek, for your amazing service to Enloe, our staff, our patients and our community.
Submitted by Leisa Ann Bunte, Supervisor, Digestive Diseases
Several Caregivers
Donna Larson, Jennifer Melo, Breana Feistel, Melissa Coulter, Megan Lyford, Jeff Beck, Amanda Lefor, Dave Smith, Baylee Martin, Elise Debord, Suzie Lawry-Hall and Buck August
Their Story of Excellence: On Wednesday, April 20, a patient was brought to the ED via EMS transport after suffering a medical issue while riding his bike in Bidwell Park. After a valiant effort to save him, the patient passed in our NTSICU unit. The family was grateful for the care they all received during this event.
On Thursday, April 21, the patient’s family reached out to Enloe letting us know that the patient’s phone was not returned with his belongings. However the location software on the phone continued to report that it was at Enloe. A thorough search of every unit, in which the patient was cared for, was launched. Patient Care Vice President Donna Larson, ED Managers Jennifer Melo and Breana Feistel, Melissa Coulter, NTSICU Nurse Manager, Megan Lyford, NTSICU Charge Nurse, and Jeff Beck, Admin Nursing Supervisor, assisted with the search. Additionally, NTSICU’s Amanda Lefor, the patient’s bedside nurse in his final hours, also worked very hard to find the phone. Baylee Martin, Business Development Specialist, and Chelsea Watters, Marketing Intern, searched the outdoor area and flowerbeds near the ambulance bay entrance and visitor exits. The search continued though the day Thursday, to no avail.
On Friday morning, Elise Debord, Patient Experience Manager, contacted the family again to ask if the phone’s software still reported it at Enloe and they replied that it did, but that there was only 15% battery left so time was running out. Elise realized that the exact location, indicated by the location software, was in the vicinity of where collected waste is stored for pickup. Elise called Engineering Supervisor Dave Smith, who met her near the dumpsters. He informed Elise that some of the containers had been picked up for transport at 0600 that morning, approximately an hour earlier. Rather than give up, Elise called the phone’s number; Dave heard something, but it was very noisy at that time and he was uncertain where it might be.
I received another message from the family letting me know that the patient’s belongings, returned to the family Wednesday night, contained the remains of his coat. However, the part of the coat where the pockets were, had been cut off during treatment in the field. They believed the phone was zipped in the pocket. They sent a photo of the coat so that it could be identified. By this time, the family reported that the phone was still pinging at Fourth Avenue and Magnolia, but that the software showed there was 0% power left on the phone.
I shared that news and the photo with Elise. Not to be deterred, she again visited the trash storage area, this time with Suzie Lawry-Hall, Marketing & Communications Director, and Buck August, Women’s Services Dietitian. She dialed the phone number and again asked the family to “ping” it with the software. Buck “Bat Ears” August heard one of the trash bins buzzing. By process of elimination, they narrowed down the sound to a single bin and found a plastic bag containing the remains of the coat and the phone, at the very top of the bin. The phone indicated it had 1% power remaining and the screen read “Lost iPhone. This iPhone has been lost. Please call me. It belongs to (patient name). He passed away on 4/20/22. Please return to family.”
Elise took the phone and headed to her office to call the family, during which the phone lost all power and shut down. She contacted the family and was able to place the phone into the hands of the patient’s grandson that afternoon. I received a final message from the patient’s son as soon as they heard the news that the phone had been found. It read simply, “God bless you all. We are rejoicing.”
Without the extra effort taken by everyone involved in this search, both inside the building and out, this family would have lost an important connection to their loved one. I applaud everyone involved in blessing this family with something they thought was lost forever. Thank you all!
Submitted by Jolene Francis, Vice President of Philanthropy & Communications
Jenay Holloway
Jenay Holloway
Her Story of Excellence: I came into the labor and delivery unit with bleeding at 25 weeks of pregnancy. I have experienced loss in the past and was terrified and hysterical. I also have had cold experiences with medical staff, which makes a terrible situation feel even worse.
The moment Nurse Jenay Holloway came to get me from the lobby, she saw that I was crying, put her arm around me and told me everything was going to be OK. I instantly felt relieved that I was in the care of someone who was taking my concerns seriously. She validated every feeling I had while providing exceptional medical care. She advocated for me to the OB about what was going on.
Thankfully I was discharged the same day without any complications, but Jenay continued her care and compassion through all the hours I was there. She gave me a hug when I was discharged and told me to come back, without hesitation, if I had any concerns. She truly went above and beyond, and I will forever remember her kindness, during a scary moment, and be grateful.
Submitted by Sydney Pepper, Patient
First Quarter
Royce Rhoda
Royce Rhoda
Her Story of Excellence: I was born at Enloe Hospital 70 plus years ago, so my roots at this facility run deep. Dr. N.T. Enloe signed my birth certificate. Many, many times I or my family have been served by your medical community. I can say that almost every experience over the years has been positive. I recently was seen in your Emergency Department for what I thought was going to be a fairly routine follow-up to a common medical issue. I seriously hesitated going, as I didn’t think my problem was serious enough to take resources from your staff, but ultimately decided to be checked out. The wait in the ED was reasonable, and the care was exceptional. I had a nurse named Alyssa, and Brittney Dixon, M.D., Emergency Medicine, treated me. Both were professional and thorough.
My initial problem was addressed, but after a CT scan, Dr. Dixon informed me of an “incidental finding.” She instructed me to consult my primary physician for further investigation. I did that promptly, as I was and am quite concerned. My primary physician indicated that I needed a different CT scan and called Enloe to schedule it within 48 hours. I had that follow-up scan. The purpose of my letter is to single out one of your employees for the best, most compassionate care I have ever received. I feel so strongly that she deserves recognition for the care and concern she displayed. Her name is Royce Rhoda.
When I had the first CT, due to past surgeries, it had been excruciating to lay flat on my back and extend both arms above my head, but I managed to get scanned. I dreaded the next CT scan. When I arrived for it, Royce was briefed about my inability to lie flat. Royce was wonderful! She not only put a pillow under my neck to ease the neck pressure, but she placed a horizontal bar above my head for me to grab instead of having to place my arms behind my head. What a different experience — the CT was completed without back or neck pain. Royce’s act of compassion and understanding made all the difference. She not only listened but figured out how to relieve my discomfort. In today’s world, it is often easy to complain, and I do so when I feel justified.
In the reverse, I also think it is important to take time to acknowledge those who go above and beyond. I just wanted to share that Royce made an uncomfortable experience less so. She exemplifies the “Best at Enloe!” Health care workers and hospitals have had a rough couple of years, and from those of us who appreciate all you do for us as a community, I just want to say thank you!
Submitted by Vicki R. Patterson, Patient
Juliette Lindeman
Juliette Lindeman
Her Story of Excellence: My child made a very bad decision last month and overdosed. We spent the day in the Emergency Department, and he was admitted to Pediatrics. I hate to admit that I’ve forgotten the name of the sitter that was assigned, but this absolute angel accompanied us in the ED and on the fourth floor.
This is not the first time I have been in this position, unfortunately, but it was the first time here in Chico. This sitter and our nurse, Juliette Lindeman, RN, Pediatrics, were definitely the kindest and most supportive caregivers I could have imagined. They did not judge my child for questioning his gender identity; they simply accepted his name and pronouns. They did not judge my child for his emotional struggles; they just gave excellent, skilled care with affection, humor and kindness. Most of all, they made him feel safe and valued.
Our whole care team was great, but these two women, on our first scary night here, were really a cut above. I hope they will be acknowledged and celebrated by Enloe and emulated by their colleagues!
Submitted by the Mother of a Patient
Katie Duncan
Katie Duncan
Her Story of Excellence: I am a nurse, and as such, I am accustomed to being people’s point of contact on some of the worst days of their lives. I am not accustomed to being on the other side. On February 20, while I was traveling with my family near Sonora, my dad had a life-threatening accident on his property in Berry Creek and was pinned under a tree with what we would later find out were a broken back with a spinal cord injury, a broken scapula, an open leg fracture, severe scalp laceration, ear avulsion and a traumatic brain injury.
When my mom called me in hysterics, my husband called to ensure that a helicopter was dispatched, which it was. I cannot stress enough that there were many players involved in saving my dad’s life, but I would like to share my personal experience with a friend of mine who not only played a key role for my dad but impacted my experience as well. My dad was extricated from under the tree with valiant efforts from many. Then, he was stabilized and transported to the helicopter by Katie Duncan, Flight Care RN, and her team. My dad arrived at Enloe; it was quickly determined that he would need to fly to UC Davis due to the severity of his injuries.
My mom was able to fly with him, and given my location at the time, my husband and kids were able to drop me off (alone due to COVID) at the UC Davis ED to wait for the helicopter. When they arrived, I hugged my mom, and then she was pulled back to be with my dad. (Only one person was allowed to accompany him.)
I sat there in the UC Davis ED alone, under the weight of my grief. When I looked up, there was Katie in her blue flight suit. I was hugging her and crying before I could even register the movement. She told me everything I wanted to know and some things I needed to hear. She grounded me and hugged me until I felt strong again. So many members of my Enloe family lifted me up and let me cry while I struggled through this experience with my dad, but Katie was the first. I will never forget that.
Submitted by Sarah McFarland, RN Charge, Med Neuro
