Presence Mercy Medical Center honors ER nurse with H.O.P.E. Award
When Pamela Johnson, a nurse at Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, encountered two patients in the Emergency Department who were distraught after a house fire, she immediately went to her car and grabbed a handful of her own clothes to provide to the family who had lost everything. Then after work, she rushed to buy shoes and gift cards for the family as well.
According to her peers, this is just one of the numerous times the Oswego resident has gone above and beyond for her patients. And it is just one of the reasons Johnson was awarded the Presence Mercy Medical Center 2015 H.O.P.E. Award.
Presence Health launched the employee recognition program, the H.O.P.E. awards, to celebrate the health system's values in action: Honesty, Oneness, People and Excellence. The H.O.P.E. awards recognize employees who exemplify Presence Health Values through their daily work with patients, residents and colleagues, and also serve as respected role models in their communities.
Johnson was nominated by her peers for "striving for excellence in every interaction with every patient, family member, and team member she comes in contact with."
The nominating letter also highlighted an instance when Pam voluntarily drove to Chicago from Aurora to pick up a patient's belongings which were sent to the wrong location in error.
"Pam is always working to exceed expectations and assist when needed. She lightens up the room with her smile and makes patients feel at ease by the manner in which she delivers care," said Dawn Cech, RN, clinical nurse manager, emergency department. "Pam is an example of excellence in the ED!"
Johnson was selected from a pool of 25 nominees for the honor. She received $500 cash recognition and will attend the Presence Health System award ceremony in November.
"All of the nominees are incredibly dedicated professionals who truly personify the Presence Health Values," said Michael L. Brown, Regional President and CEO, Presence Health Fox River Valley. "I am so pleased to celebrate these extraordinary individuals who make Presence Mercy Medical Center stand out as a leader in the communities we are privileged to serve."
With family-friendly, patient-centered features like new private rooms and a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center, Presence Mercy Medical Center is positively impacting the health of Fox River Valley communities. Offering 293 licensed beds and more than 450 physicians, Presence Mercy provides advanced services in cardiology, cancer care, behavioral health, GI, diabetes care, orthopedics, and maternal/child health.
Presence Health is the largest Catholic health system based in Illinois. With more than 150 sites of care, including 11 hospitals, Presence Health has more than 20,000 employees, 4,000 medical professionals and a revenue base of $2.5 billion.