Unit secretaries wear many hats. “You’re a logistics operator, an air traffic controller, a peer mediator, a service recovery expert,” said Colleen Mattioni, DNP, RN, interim chief nursing officer. “Many times you’re the first person patients and families see — you set the tone for the patient experience. You smile, you encourage, you hold hands when people need it.”
Indeed, they are the go-to person on the floor, responsible for everything from communicating important messages to getting supplies and scheduling repairs. “You are the glue that holds the unit together.”
The annual Helen Lysun Unit Secretary Award recognizes these attributes — someone with strong professional skills who is a caring, compassionate team member. This year, the honor went to Veronica (Ronni) Elena of Founders 8.
According to her nomination letter, Elena is “super organized and efficient in keeping everything stocked. She is always looking out for the nursing staff and is a true team player…. an incredible support to staff, listening to us and making us laugh.”
Elena is just as “amazing” with patients and their families, “always visiting with them, greeting them at the desk and spending time getting to know them.” She gives family members hugs when they need them and reminds them that she is there to help in any way.
Elena shows her love through food, cooking dinners on her days off and brings them in to share with everyone, including patients and families who are tired of hospital food.
“Ronni’s heart is SO big! She sings songs at her desk and tells us jokes, anything we need to make our day a little brighter. Her goal is to make everyone she meets feel loved and valued as an individual.”
Congrats to Our Unit Secretary Award Nominees!
Debbie Castro of Silverstein 8
Anthony Cothrane of Rhoads 7
Loiesha Dantzler of Silverstein 12
Veronica (Ronni) Elena of Founders 8
Edward Franklin of Ravdin 6
Lisa Gore-Williams of Ravdin 9
Bridget Hodges of Rhoads 3
Theresa Kocher of Founders 5
Darlene Marcus of Ravdin 7
LaShawnn Morris of Ravdin 9
Jamella Sparrow of Rhoads 1
Tamkia Treadwell of Founders 11
Judy Waters-Crawford of Founders 12