United Hospital Center has developed a new way to optimize employee appreciation by introducing the Commitment to Excellence GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Award.
The Award recognizes staff members that are able to personify United Hospital Center’s extraordinary patient experience.
It was especially important to mark the launch of this program on Tuesday, January 24 as it was National Compliment Day. Too often, important actions such as innovation, superior initiative and heightened awareness to quality improvement go unrecognized.
“The Commitment to Excellence GEM Award was developed for RN’s, LPN’s and PCA’s who consistently demonstrate this superior clinical nursing knowledge and expert skills, while applying both with compassion in ways that impact our patients’ Quality of Care,” said Stephanie Smart, RN, BSN, vice president of Nursing at UHC. “It’s all about making a personal connection with our patients and being part of our team.”
The award nomination process can be initiated by any of our patients, visitors or staff by filling out a nomination form and returning it to any of the Commitment to Excellence GEM Award ballot boxes that are located on every floor throughout the hospital. One may also choose to complete the nomination form on UHC’s Intranet.
“Two recipients will be selected every quarter based on a numerical point system. Their story, featuring reasons they are deserving of the award, will be published in UHC’s Stethoscoop (internal news publication) and posted on UHC’s Intranet,” said Karla Tucker, RN, BSN, CCRN, scheduling analyst/nurse manager at UHC. “Each recipient will receive a certificate and their choice of a $100 gift card or four hours of vacation time. In addition, all recipients will receive a GEM Award lapel pin to show off their achievement and an award plaque. Both will be presented by Stephanie Smart, VP of Nursing.”
During the Nurses Week luncheon in May, all GEM Award recipients from the previous year will be entered in a drawing for a $1000.00 award (less payroll taxes).
