April Associate of the Month: Plymouth Campus

Ron Westafer, RN

Ronald Westafer, RN, Emergency Department

“Ron Westafer is an excellent Nurse in the Emergency Department, is well like by his peers, and is highly recommended by the Physicians in the ED,” said Elaine Flemming, RN, Nursing Director at SJRMC/Plymouth. “He is very knowledgeable and well versed in Emergency Medicine and places patient satisfaction as a major goal.”

Ron has been a part of SJRMC since 1997 and is active on many committees. He frequently checks in with the Nurses on the Critical Care Unit and the Medical Surgical Unit to assist them with policy updates, changes, or implementation of different initiatives.

“Communication is vital to the success of any organization, especially in health care where the work we do affects so many,” said Westafer. “I am always glad to help however I can and am honored to have been selected as the Associate of the Month here in Plymouth.”

Ron receives many patient compliments, as well, and goes the extra mile to make sure his patients have outstanding care. He is friendly, caring and outgoing. Ron comes to work with a smile and keeps the smile during the entire 12-hour shift.

“We are very lucky to have Ron part of the Saint Joseph family,” said Flemming.

Congratulations to Ronald Westafer, the Plymouth Campus Associate of the Month for April!

April Associate of the Month: Mishawaka Campus

Kim Erby

Kim Erby, Human Resources Assistant

Kim joined SJRMC in October 2004. She has remained an integral part of the Human Resources team since she started.

“She is recognized by her team members as the glue that holds the team together,” said Virginia Chism, Director of HR Recruitment.

 Kim has a pleasant personality, always remains calm in all situations, and is always willing to reach out and help associates who bring everything imaginable to HR’s attention. Being the point of entry into HR, Kim successfully juggles many different responsibilities, and through it all she never loses her focus or her pleasant demeanor.

One of Kim’s co-workers felt Kim should be recognized for her kindness, and described Kim as being unfailingly kind to everyone she encounters. She describes a situation where Kim’s kindness was displayed to her while her arm was in a sling, and after a heavy snowfall Kim cleaned her car from top to bottom!

“It all comes down to just treating others as you want to be treated,” said Erby. “Simple acts of kindness go a long way. I am proud to be a part of Saint Joseph and am very proud of this wonderful recognition.”

HR is proud to have a team member that embodies our Guiding Behaviors and reflects that behavior in all that she does. Thank you Kim for all that you do for SJRMC!

Congratulations to Kim Erby, the Mishawaka Campus Associate of the Month for April!

March Associate of the Month: Plymouth Campus

Bruce Hite, Coordinator

Bruce Hite, Coordinator

Outpatient Rehab Therapy

Bruce Hite joined the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Family in 2004 as a Patient Care Provider (PCP) on the Medical Surgical Floor at Plymouth. He transitioned to Outpatient Rehab Therapy, where his duties include: registration of new patients; checking their benefit coverage; scheduling and reminder/follow-up phone calls; ordering office supplies; and managing the front desk.

“Bruce has a difficult job trying to keep scheduling on track with productivity,” said Raymond Canda, SJRMC’s Physical Therapy Rehab Administrator. “But he handles this with great efficiency and effectiveness and always with an upbeat personality.”

Bruce is described as an excellent team player who is thoughtful of patients and staff, alike, as well as being a dependable hard worker extremely focused on accommodating others.

“I try to remember each day that I am representing more than just myself but the entire organization whose goal is to deliver the best health care possible,” he said. “The best part of my job is the interaction with patients, knowing the position I work directly affects how that patient will see the rest of our department and, ultimately, the entire hospital.”

While Bruce feels honored to have been recognized as Associate of the Month, he is quick to note the award is a reflection on his entire department.

“I think this speaks volumes about the caliber of people working here at Saint Joseph,” he said. “I cannot say enough how much I appreciate everyone here. This is a feeling I will not soon forget.”

Congratulations to Bruce Hite, the Plymouth Campus Associate of the Month for March!

March Associate of the Month: Mishawaka Campus

Vanessa Davidson

Vanessa Davidson, Unit Secretary

Orthopedics/Neurosurgery

For 30 years, Vanessa Davidson has been an integral part of SJRMC’s Orthopedic Team. From day 1 back in 1981, Vanessa has worked the 3 to 11 shift as the Unit Secretary.

“Actually, I started here at Saint Joseph as a student intern in 1979 in the Plant Operations Office,” she said. “Two years later I was hired as Orthopedics Unit Secretary and I have been here ever since, enjoying every minute of it.”

Described as cheerful and ready to volunteer for extra assignments, Vanessa will go above and beyond to assist patients and families for the smallest things. But it was the big blizzard earlier this year where Vanessa continued to show she is always ready to give 110%.

“The last two Code Whites, Vanessa assisted the hour Supervisor with finding staff and coordinating rides to work, which was invaluable to our patients and their families,” said Christine Kaufman, Orthopedics Nursing Manager. “Vanessa is a wonderful Associate for Saint Joseph and we feel extremely lucky to have her.”

And who knows? Maybe this is just Vanessa’s first 30 years at SJRMC.

“After 30 years, I still come to work with a smile on my face,” she said. “I want to thank everyone for thinking of me for this wonderful honor and I look forward to another 30 years here!”

Congratulations to Vanessa Davidson, the Mishawaka Associate of the Month for March!