November 28, 2023

Passion for excellence. Compassion for people.

Every day, we show compassion for our patients, their loved ones, and one another. Below are a few recent examples from our intranet's Recognition Wall. To recognize a co-worker or view more staff recognitions, click here.

Rusty Fox, Registered Nurse, Recovery Room, Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Thank you, Rusty, for holding the patient's hand as I took him back to the OR. You have a tremendous amount of compassion for your patients, and I appreciate working with you.

Stacey Garza, Registered Nurse, Emergency, Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Thank you, Stacey, for staying late and helping with a critical diabetic ketoacidosis patient. I couldn't have done it without your assistance. The patient and family were also very appreciative of your great care.

Deborah Larson, Therapy Aide, Therapy, Aspirus Divine Savior Wellness Center

Debbie organized physical therapy wound treatments before she left on vacation. Her detailed notes outlining patient and therapist needs, as well as her foresight in packing patient care bins, streamlined the process of wound care over the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you so much, Debbie!

Lynn Waldera, Director-Cardiopulmonary & Wellness Services, Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital

The emergency department staff had a very hard day, and Lynn took it upon herself to pull a staff member aside and recognize their struggle. The words Lynn said really turned around that staff member's day and made a difference. Thank you, Lynn, for always coming to the ED with a smile and a good heart!

Tina Suzda, Medical Receptionist, Aspirus Doctors Clinic

THANK YOU SO MUCH! You have no idea how much I appreciate your help with troubleshooting our printer today. It has been such a hectic day, and you taking the time to work on this for us helps tremendously. I appreciate everything you do.

Julie Nagel, Nutrition & Food Services Assistant, Nutritional Services, Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Julie ~ Thank you for 36 years of dedicated service to the same building and the same department. The work ethic you exhibit is immense. You are a great example of all our core values and a strong, respected member of our team!!

What Our Patients are Saying

Excerpts from recent NRC patient satisfaction surveys

Karen Orr, PA-C, General Surgery, Aspirus Divine Savior

My surgeon was extremely forthcoming and was able to handle a very big cyst I had as if they dealt with it everyday. The anesthesiologists were also great. At no time did I not understand what was going to happen. This was my first surgery, and I'm happy it was with these pros. Whomever did my stitches nailed it! Thank you!

Robert Hill, PA, Aspirus Doctors Clinic Walk-In

Dr. Hill and the nurse listened as I explained my cold symptoms, did an exam, and worked through how to make sure I felt better. I was on the downhill side of pneumonia and a lower respiratory infection and didn't go to the doctor early enough because I usually don't like to go. I wasn't getting better on my own and coughing non-stop, so I needed some help. Dr. Hill was very polite, and I felt like I was in good hands.

Craig Rasmussen, LCSW, Aspirus Riverview Behavioral Health

Mr. Rasmussen was completely polite, professional, attentive, and was able to speak to my son in a manner that a 9-year-old would understand, describing in clear detail.

Kathy Kraus, APNP, Neurology, Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic-Illinois Avenue

Kathy was brilliant and very professional. She explained things in a very thorough and concise manner. I would highly recommend her. I believe that all of my physicians rely heavily on her expertise! I believe that without Kathy, things in neurology would come to a grinding halt. Hang onto Kathy!

Dr. Lisa Barry, Pediatrics, Aspirus Plover Clinic-Vern Holmes Drive

Dr. Barry goes above and beyond for her patients. She listens to every one of my concerns and addresses them all in a judge-free manner. She is amazing, and I will continue to recommend her to everyone I know.  

Patient Safety Tip

Reporting in SafetyZone when two departments are involved

Why: Proper submission of events into SafetyZone ensures the appropriate leaders receive the concern in order to investigate and follow-up.

Content: Laboratory events are the top-reported incidents in SafetyZone. It is crucial to include all involved departments to ensure proper follow-up. SafetyZone allows for you to list up to two departments when submitting an event. The “Sub Sub Location” should be the department where the event occurred. The “Sub Sub Other Location” should be the department that is involved in the workflow where the error occurred.

Call to Action: Include all necessary departments when submitting SafetyZone safety concerns. 

Questions?

Amanda Walloch, Director – Quality Improvement, [email protected]

Paul Rodewald, Manager – Laboratory, [email protected]

Tom Drury Wins Aspirus Divine Savior Sunflower Award

Congratulations to Aspirus Divine Savior's quarterly Sunflower Award winner, Tom Drury, Chaplain. Tom was nominated for the award by a teammate who wrote:

"It's with great pleasure that I nominate Tom Drury for the Aspirus Health Sunflower Award. I believe that Tom consistently displays the Aspirus values of: Compassion for every person he interacts with, whether this be a patient he counsels, a community member he connects services to, or a colleague he assists in a task. Accountability, when he represents Aspirus Divine Savior as a vital resource to the community of Portage. Collaboration, as he sits on an abundance of teams and committees to improve the health of the Portage community and the Aspirus role within. Foresight, as his daily work and mission is to grow the resources available to patients, visitors, and employees. Joy, as he displays a servant heart through all of this, giving of himself, without any thanks required.

A patient situation stands out displaying the very Aspirus values Tom encompasses. An ill inpatient was going to be given some devastating news of the sudden loss of a family member. The med/surg charge nurse was looking for resources to comfort the patient and requested how to utilize chaplain services, when we no longer have that staff full-time. Knowing Tom was on campus for a meeting earlier and left for another county meeting, we contacted him to ask if he would be able to stop in if he gets time. With complete empathy and compassion Tom responded, "I have exactly one hour before my next meeting, so I'm on my way!" On a day that Tom had back-to-back meetings scheduled all day, he very well could have said he was not available, but gladly accepted the opportunity to help. It was determined that chaplain services were not needed for that situation, but his willingness to assist the patient and the staff and represent Aspirus did not go unnoticed. Tom has been representing Divine Savior in one capacity or another for more than 40 years. He is truly an asset and blessing to this community and organization. Thank you, Tom!"

The Sunflower Award recognizes Aspirus Health's support staff for the extraordinary care and support they deliver every day while demonstrating our core values: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight and Joy.

Other Aspirus Divine Savior team members nominated for the Sunflower Award this quarter are:

Heather Martin ~ Austin Doberstein ~ Jonathan James

Kaylee Gessner ~ Stephany Walhovd ~ Adriana Calleros

Meet Our New South Division Team Members

* Denotes Contract Staff

Bria Isaacson*

Registered Nurse

Birthing Center

Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital

Eric Nellis*

Registered Nurse

Emergency Department

Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital

Jolynn O'Shaughnessy

Registered Nurse

Aspirus Portage Clinic

Nicole Ace

Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory

Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital

Matt Rajala with ADS Orthopedics Helps Train Future PAs

Kudos to Matt Rajala, Physician Assistant with Aspirus Divine Savior Orthopedics.

Matt serves as a preceptor for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health's Physician Assistant Program.

The PA program's fall newsletter spotlighted the vital role of preceptors and included this photo of Matt with PA student Rachel Stanley.

As stated in the article, volunteer preceptors "provide future PAs with the professional experiences that only clinical settings can offer."

Thank you, Matt, for sharing your time and expertise to help educate our future providers!

ER Nurse Spreads Holiday Cheer

Wow! Hats off to Cassidy Winter, Registered Nurse with Aspirus Divine Savior's emergency department. Cassidy is the talented artist behind these amazing scenes in our ER.

Thank you, Cassidy, for sharing your time and talent to make the holidays brighter for our patients and staff!

United Way Campaign Raises $5,171

Thank you to all who participated in our campaign to support the Portage Area United Way. Through our donation pledges and events, we are proud to say we raised $5,171 to support our community!

For every $10 employees donated online, they were entered into a drawing for $25 Amazon gift cards.

Congratulations to our winners:

• Suzanne Smalley
• Christine Wheeler
• Michelle Howe
• Sherri McLaughlin
• Joyce Johnsrud 



Submitted by Kari Due, Community Health Improvement Lead

John Petts Wins Aspirus Stevens Point DAISY Award

Congratulations to John Petts, winner of Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital's quarterly DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. John is a registered nurse in the hospital’s emergency department and was nominated by a teammate who wrote:

Quite possibly the most difficult job a nurse can encounter is a pediatric cardiac arrest. I was working with John on a recent evening, and the call came that a pediatric cardiac arrest was enroute. Newer nurses have a natural instinct to hang back, help where they can, but John took the patient as the primary nurse. John was calm and controlled. John was a leader and guided his team. Every drug the doctor ordered, John knew exactly where to get it and how to give it. He did not get flustered. He got the job done. John’s intelligence and skillset are admirable. In this situation, tensions run at the highest level, and the fear of losing a child is a constant pressure to perform and do your absolute best. This code was long and difficult on the hours of effort. I believe this team had the best outcome that could be achieved due to John’s leadership and skill. John directed the team and demonstrated a calm and controlled demeanor, which in turn gave the team confidence, and gave the parents confidence, strength, and faith. No matter the outcome, John provided the absolute best care to this child and the parents to give this child a chance at recovery.

The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding and extraordinary care nurses provide every day. Our Aspirus DAISY Award winners and nominees exceed the needs and expectations of patients and families by displaying the Aspirus core values of: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight and Joy.

Our other Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital DAISY Award nominees for the quarter are:

Ashleigh Halverson ~ Maggie Sullivan ~ Dana Pawlak ~ Jodi Bessette

Kayla Larson ~ Emma Kysely ~ Jenni Yang ~ Katie Tate

Linnea Kluck Earns Sepsis Star Award

Way to go, Linnea Kluck, Registered Nurse with our Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital emergency department.

Linnea recently earned our Sepsis Star Award for anticipating blood cultures were going to be needed for a patient, drew them right away, and made sure lab put in the correct draw time.

Awesome foresight, Linnea!

Meet Our New Southeast Division Team Members

Courtney Zager

Certified Nursing Assistant

Med Surg

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Melody Trentham

Nursing Manager

Intensive Care Unit

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Michaela Lussenden

Nurse Technician

Behavioral Health

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Stephanie Skovlund

Environmental Services Aide

Environmental Services

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Taylor Cook

Medical Receptionist

Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic-

Illinois Avenue

Tristin Jantz

Certified Nursing Assistant

Med Surg

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Christine Becker

Medical Receptionist

Aspirus Waupaca Clinic

Sierra Olson

Licensed Practical Nurse

Aspirus Waupaca Clinic

Southwest Division News

Dani Kilps Wins Aspirus Riverview Sunflower Award

Congratulations to Dani Kilps, Certified Athletic Trainer with Aspirus Riverview Therapies. Dani is the winner of Aspirus Riverview's quarterly Sunflower Award.

Dani was nominated by a teammate, who described how she and Aspirus Business Health Nurse Supervisor Lisa Lewandowski saved the life of an Aspirus Business Health client when he collapsed at his workplace.

Lisa and Dani immediately grabbed an AED and first aid kit and responded to the scene, where one of the man's co-workers was already performing chest compressions. After a quick assessment, Dani took over the chest compressions, while Lisa asked staff to call 911 and attached the AED electrode pads.

The AED indicated the man needed defibrillation, so Lisa followed her training and the AED's messages, ultimately delivering six defibrillations. Meanwhile, Dani and several of the man's co-workers rotated performing chest compressions for about 20 minutes until EMS arrived and took him to the hospital. A week later, the man was out of the hospital and visiting his workplace. He had a pacemaker implanted and no memory of, or ill effects from, his experience.

The Sunflower Award recognizes Aspirus Health's support staff for the extraordinary care and support they deliver every day while demonstrating our core values: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight and Joy. Winners receive a Sunflower Award pin, a bouquet, a certificate, a banner for their department, and a covered parking spot for the quarter.

Other Aspirus Riverview team members nominated for the Sunflower Award this quarter are:

Ashley Kline ~ Olivia Stroik ~ Janette Drews ~ Crystal Quackenbush ~ Deborah Drewke

Grace Vogt ~ Karen Fletcher ~ Sabrina Albiter ~ Thomas Wandry (2) ~ Brittany Franssen

Ashley Ochoa Wins Aspirus Riverview DAISY Award

Congratulations to Ashley Ochoa, winner of Aspirus Riverview's quarterly DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Ashley is a registered nurse in the hospital’s med surg unit and was nominated by a grateful patient who wrote:

First, I would like to thank the entire team from the ER staff to the second-floor staff. They all showed the upmost respect and professionalism for my care. However, I would like to pay special recognition to Nurse Ashley Ochoa. On the night of September 19, Ashlee recognized I was struggling with some personal issues and feelings of dismay regarding the potential outcome for my upcoming procedure. Ashley took the time to engage in a meaningful conversation regarding my thoughts and worries of me leaving my special needs son behind if the outcome of my procedure so dictated. The thought of that had me in a panic, and I was thinking the worst and felt lost. Ashley’s compassion, empathetic and truly genuine, sincere conversation with me lifted me up and out of my worries, tears, and anxiety and made me feel so comfortable. At the end of our conversation, she had me smiling and laughing a bit and even brought me some snacks. 😊 Also, Ashley is a true ambassador for Aspirus by reassuring me to have trust and confidence in Aspirus and that I was in excellent hands. She is one-of-a-kind and should be recognized for being a great person and employee. Ashley, thank you for turning my pain and fears into smiles and laughter. Thank you to the entire Aspirus staff. You are all amazing! 

The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding and extraordinary care nurses provide every day. Our Aspirus DAISY Award winners and nominees exceed the needs and expectations of patients and families by displaying the Aspirus core values of: Compassion, Accountability, Collaboration, Foresight and Joy.

Our other Aspirus Riverview DAISY Award nominees for the quarter are:

Lisa Lewandowski ~ Corrine Fleisner ~ Tabitha Neumann (2) ~ Sarah Knoll

Katy Ertl (2) ~ Hannah Bulin ~ Taisa Quinnell ~ Telycia Ciriacks ~ Andrea Hojnacki (2)

Kayla Schultz ~ Hollie Steltenpohl ~ Angela Hess (2) ~ Megan Munro

Lindsey Hintz ~ Kristin Peplinski ~ Jada Kautzer ~ Shelby Ligman Page

Katie Inhof ~ Morgan Rose (2) ~ Lynn Rusch ~ Bill Taylor

Meet Our New Southwest Division Team Members

* Denotes Contract Staff

Daniel Franco-Colon*

Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory

Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Kim Lambert*

Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory

Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Jenna Self

Infection Preventionist

Quality Services

Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Leslie Wanta

Patient Access Scheduler III

Operating Room

Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Need Help with Holiday Baking?

Teen Leaders Visit Hospital

Some area students recently got a glimpse of the many career options available in health care.

About 15 high school sophomores visited Aspirus Riverview Hospital on November 15 with the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce's C.O.O.L. Teen Program. (C.O.O.L. stands for Community, Occupation, Organizations, and Leadership.)

Between a hospital tour and being treated to lunch, the teens learned about the wide range of specialties in lab sciences and imaging. Thank you to our guest speakers, Jordyn Stashek and Libby Bonnin from lab, and Kelly Kremer from imaging, for sharing your insight with the students. Perhaps we will see some of them on our teams in a few years!

Lights of Love Tree Lighting is November 28

Happy Retirement, Melody!

Congratulations and happy retirement to Melody Dearth, Director of Emergency Management & Environment of Care. After 40 years of service, Melody will be retiring on December 1.

Please join us in thanking Melody for her many years of dedicated service and in wishing her a long, healthy, happy retirement.

Kindness Looks Good on Everyone!

Bob Smith

President, Southeast WI Division

Brian Kief

President, South & Southwest WI Divisions