October 24, 2023

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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.

Janet Buss, Registered Nurse, PACU, Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital 

Janet ~ Thank you so much for your quick assistance with the PET scan patient who needed to use the restroom. HUB was struggling to find assistance, and they informed me you stepped in to help immediately, saving the patient from an embarrassing situation. Thank you so much for your assistance!

Tom Grube, Maintenance Mechanic III, Maintenance, Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Thank you for responding to the Plover ED immediately after being called to fix a broken light switch plate in a patient room. It was a busy day, and your promptness was very appreciated!

Joshua Scott, Certified Athletic Trainer, Athletic Training, Aspirus Riverview Therapies 

Josh has been working very diligently to get a patient's therapy authorized. He has made multiple phone calls and emails to take care of this. It certainly has been above and beyond, and is much appreciated! Josh always does what is best for the patient.

Brandi Vakoc, Medical Receptionist, Aspirus Cancer Care-Wisconsin Rapids 

Thank you, Brandi, for being a shining star in our clinic! You always go above and beyond to make sure the patients get what they need and make everyone feel welcome as soon as they enter the clinic. We are truly lucky to have you! Thank you for all you do for the staff/patients at the cancer center!

Alissa Pikka, Certified Athletic Trainer, Athletic Training, Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital 

Thank you, Alissa, for your dedication and compassion toward mental health in the community. The posters you developed for the schools will be a valuable resource for students and athletes, and I appreciate your willingness to work through this project!

Noah Flann, Emergency Medical Technician-Health Unit Coordinator, Emergency, Aspirus Plover Hospital

Thank you to Noah for jumping to action to assist the ED with a critical patient. He just happened to be here dropping something off and got right to work helping in any way he could. ACCOUNTABILITY!

What Our Patients are Saying

Excerpts from recent NRC patient satisfaction surveys

Because We Love

Dr. Regis Chamberlin, Pediatrics, Aspirus Doctors Clinic

Dr. Chamberlin has become my son's new primary care provider. It was our first appointment with him, and it's the best experience we've ever had with the pediatrician. He was very thorough, interactive, and made the appointment fun for my son. We enjoyed seeing him and look forward to seeing him again.


Dr. Jennifer Enman-Bourgon, OB/GYN, & Aspirus Riverview Surgery Team

From pre-op instructions/visits to questions after surgery, everyone was phenomenal! On the day of surgery, not only was the staff respectful and kind to me as the patient, but to my husband as well! The staff acknowledged a severe allergy and made an extra call to the operating room to ensure I would be safe during surgery and no risk of exposure to iodine or latex, given the severity of my reaction. That was so comforting! After surgery, we had a slight complication, the staff went above and beyond to ensure I was okay and worked with me to meet my goal of going home same day. Not one person stood out more than another because they were ALL amazing and so much appreciated!


Jacquelyn Nichols, PA-C, Dermatology, Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic-Illinois Avenue

Jacquelyn Nichols is awesome. So easy to talk to and ask questions. Takes her time with you and doesn't make you feel like you're just another patient. Would recommend her 100%!!


Dr. Alfred Neuhoff, Aspirus Plover Clinic Walk-In

The provider and his assistant did not make me feel uncomfortable about what needed to be done. They were very reassuring. They explained to me what to do at home to help the recovery. I thank them for their caring and professionalism.


Marie Beranek, NP, & Otolaryngology Team, Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic-Illinois Avenue

Marie was exceptional!!! I love Aspirus ENT. Would not go anywhere else! Everyone there is so professional and kind. You can tell they truly care about the patients! I can't say enough about Marie and staff. They are the best! My child was at ease with Marie. She allowed time to answer all my questions. She fit us in urgently the same day. Crystal, MA, was awesome. She made my child feel very special. She was so kind to him. It made his day. Heather, RN, was also great! This ENT team is the best I ever had! Great experience from start to finish!! This is what health care is all about!!!

Patient Safety Tip

Fire Safety - Microwave Usage

Why: The Joint Commission requires that we follow National Fire Protection Agency requirements. 

 

Content: Please do not place cedar boards under food in hospital microwaves. This can cause smoke and set off the fire alarm. Popcorn must not be left unattended and must be observed for overcooking.


Call to Action: Only place correct items in the microwave no cedar boards, no aluminum foil, no metal utensils.

 

Questions? 

Contact your business unit's Facilities Department.

Share Your Spooky Spirit

Our Aspirus social media team would love to share photos of our team members dressed up for work on Halloween. To join the fun, submit your high-resolution, horizontal photos to [email protected] by 1 p.m. October 31.

Southeast Division News

Meet Our New Southeast Division Team Members

Aaron Meyer

Environmental Services Specialist

Environmental Services

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Donna Ernst

Financial Counselor I

Patient Access-Registration

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Emalee Percy

Video Monitor Technician

Monitor Room

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Jaden Jones

Certified Medical Assistant

Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic-

Illinois Avenue

Lee Bavers

Cook

Nutritional Services

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital

Meg Keehan

Registered Nurse

Aspirus Cancer Care-

Stevens Point

Southeast United Way Campaign Fun Continues

Click on images for larger views

You have one last chance to enjoy baked goodies and support United Way of Portage County!


Where: Aspirus Plover Clinic-Vern Holmes Drive, Outside Gail Oninski's Office on 1st Floor


When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. October 25


Funds Raised So Far:

October 12 - Clinic & Walk-In Bakers (Raised=$190.56)

October 16 - Lab & Imaging Bakers (Raised=$175.00)

October 25 - Surgical & ED Bakers (Raised=? TBD)

Check out this array of temptations at Aspirus Plover Hospital & Clinic's October 16 United Way bake sale. One last opportunity to feed your sweet tooth is coming up on October 25.

Wear Jeans to Support United Way

Thursdays: October 26, November 2, 9, 16

Wednesday, November 22


Stickers are $5 per jeans day.


Buy your stickers from Hillary Shroda at

Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital or Gail Oninski at Aspirus Plover Hospital & Clinic.


Cash or Check

Payable to United Way of Portage County

Benefits Open Enrollment is November 6-19

Employee Benefits

Important: No benefit coverage will continue into 2024 unless employees actively enroll during benefits open enrollment. Enrollment is completed in GHR (on the intranet under Life & Career).


We have reserved rooms where you can attend live Webex education sessions to learn/ask questions about your benefit choices.


  • November 1 ~ Noon: Plover Hospital Conference Room
  • November 1 ~ 2:30 p.m.: Plover Hospital Conference Room
  • November 1 ~ Noon: Stevens Point Hospital Conference Room 7
  • November 16 ~ 7:30 a.m.: Stevens Point Hospital Board Room
  • November 16 ~ Noon: Stevens Point Hospital Board Room

Aspirus Stevens Point to Host Blood Drive November 3

Visit Us at Heritage Park Trick or Treat

Members of the Aspirus team will be treating kids to healthy snacks at the Portage County Historical Society's Heritage Park in Plover. Come visit us...if you dare!

Southwest Division News

Meet Our New Southwest Division Team Members

* Denotes Contract Staff

Hayley Lord

Financial Counselor I

Patient Access-Registration

Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Kendra Moon

Registered Nurse

Birthplace

Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Welcome

William Spaulding

Maintenance Mechanic II

Plant Operations

Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Brittany Mae Jessee*

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Laboratory

Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Halloween Decorating Contest Ends Today

Volleyball Teams Help Our Cancer Patients

Two area high school volleyball teams are helping local cancer patients with the proceeds of their recent “pink” games.

 

The Nekoosa High School team and fans raised $2,048 with their September 21 “Pink Out” game. The team held a coffee fundraiser, sold concessions, and raffled off gift baskets donated by area businesses.

 

The Wisconsin Rapids Assumption team and its supporters raised $2,814 with their October 3 “Volley for a Cause” game through the sale of t-shirts and a gift basket raffle.

 

Both teams donated their proceeds to Aspirus Riverview Foundation’s Cancer Patient Fund. The fund helps patients of Aspirus Cancer Care-Wisconsin Rapids with costs related to their treatment for which there are no other resources available. Typical examples include nutrition supplements, transportation to appointments, Home Delivered Meals, grocery cards, utility and rent assistance, and more.

Be in the Know by Attending a Town Hall Meeting

November 1 Webex Meeting Link:

https://aspirus.webex.com/aspirus/j.php?MTID=me7a8efbeefb4787fd591854e8ebb2774

Toy/Book Drive to Restock Our Kindness Closet

In colder months, we tend to have an influx of pediatric patients in our ER, surgery department, and med/surg unit. You can help cheer these little ones by donating new unopened toys or books.


While this is not a public donation drive, your friends and family are welcome to send items to work with you.

Submitted by Kayla Schultz, Float Nurse/House Supervisor, Aspirus Riverview Hospital

Tanya Oviedo Awarded Bill Babcock Memorial Scholarship

Tanya Oviedo of Stevens Point is the recipient of this year’s Bill Babcock Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to a non-traditional student attending Mid-State Technical College in a healthcare-related field.


A married mother of a five-year-old, Tanya works as a certified nursing assistant while enrolled in Mid-State’s medical assistant program. She hopes to continue her education and eventually earn a nursing degree.


“I feel honored and grateful to have been selected to receive the Bill Babcock Memorial Scholarship,” Tanya said. “It is a great help to me financially, especially in these uncertain times.”


Bill Babcock was a registered nurse in Aspirus Riverview Hospital’s surgery department for many years and made an impact on countless people with his words, actions, and unwavering support. Tanya hopes to do the same. “I love geriatrics and caring for the elderly of our community,” she shared. “This scholarship enables me to put forth all my efforts to graduate with the best grades and become the best medical assistant I can be.”


Donations to the Bill Babcock Memorial Scholarship fund may be made online at aspirus.org/aspirus-riverview-foundation or mailed to Aspirus Riverview Foundation, 410 Dewey Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 54494.

Wear Jeans & Positive Shirts to Support United Way

Our Remaining Jeans Days:

Thursdays: October 26, November 2, 9, 16

Wednesday, November 22


Stickers are $5 per jeans day.


Buy your stickers at the

Aspirus Riverview Hospital main lobby desk

or from Ronda Alft at Aspirus Doctors Clinic.


Cash or Check

Payable to United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties

Positive Shirt Days

Everyone is invited to wear shirts with positive and health/life-affirming messages on our jeans days at no extra cost. Examples: Project SEARCH kindness t-shirts, shirts that support causes like autism and Alzheimer's disease, etc. (Please no political messages.)


Our positive shirt days will be on the same days as our jeans days. You do not need to buy a jeans day sticker to wear a positive shirt if you are not wearing jeans. Please ensure shirts are safe and appropriate for the work you perform.

Round Up at the Register for United Way

You can now round up for United Way at our Aspirus Riverview cafeteria.


Rounding up is available with credit card or payroll deduction purchases. If you are paying with cash, a donation jar is located by the cash register.


Thank you for all the ways you are helping our neighbors in need!

Lights of Love On Sale Now

Lights of Love Order Form

Last Call for Photo Contest

October 31 is the last day to submit photos for our contest to beautify our Aspirus Riverview surgery department.


  • Scenic photos of our community
  • Deadline is October 31, 2023
  • Do not need to be taken by an employee (can be a friend/family member)
  • Submit your high-resolution photo files via email to [email protected]


The surgery department team hopes to select approximately 15 photos to print and frame for display in its patient, consult, procedure and waiting rooms, courtesy of an Aspirus Riverview Foundation grant.

Growth

Volunteer Opportunities


Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital and Aspirus Riverview Hospital are looking for volunteers.


If you know anyone with a big heart and a little time, please send them our way! Click here to learn more.

Value of the Week - Compassion

We demonstrate caring in all we do and cherish the honor of improving lives.


Behavior of the Week

We strive to heal, soothe suffering, and alleviate stress.

Bob Smith

President, Southeast WI Division


Brian Kief

President, South & Southwest WI Divisions


Submit newsletter contributions by noon on Thursdays to [email protected].

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