Sunshine Award Honors Co-workers Who Shine Bright

ST. LOUIS - The Sunshine Award recognizes co-workers and volunteers for their extraordinary services and care at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.

The honorees receive a certificate along with a commemorative pin commending their extraordinary service. The Sunshine Award is part of a recognition and reward program for ancillary care, support services personnel and volunteers.

Four nominees are selected quarterly by the Sunshine Award Committee. Co-workers and volunteers can be nominated for this award by patients, co-workers, visitors and physicians.

April 2021

Cheyenne Pugh, a housekeeper with Environmental Services, was nominated by co-workers in the OB Triage area who said, 'She does a lot of work in addition to a busy day cleaning rooms. She goes out of her way to dust blinds, move beds and sweep up dust to name a few. She is very pleasant and takes pride in her work.'

Edis Seferagic, a housekeeper with Environmental Services, was nominated by a patient who said, in part, 'The first day Edis strolled into my room he got to work with his happy smile. I had not seen such a thorough room cleaning in a month's time. He started working his way across the room...the entire time he kept the greatest attitude...What a delight, and he brightens up the patients with his happy attitude and smile, and a good feeling from his happiness.'

Lakita Evans, a laboratory phlebotomist with Laboratory Services, was nominated by a patient who said, in part, 'She deserves to be recognized and rewarded for being a fast worker. She came into my room three days in a row and found my vein within a minute. She is very sweet and pleasant. She also has an awesome attitude.'

Erin Wallis, a nuclear medical technologist with Radiology, was nominated by a patient who said, in part, 'Erin Wallis a gem and a great asset to your staff. Eye contact, reassuring touch, acknowledging delays, explaining and educating. Though here just two days a week, she added a lot to your staff. Her sense of presense and reassurance is healing. She went above and beyond transporting me by herself.'

Cheyenne Pugh, Edis Seferagic, Lakita Evans and Erin Wallis were honored with the Sunshine Award.

January 2021

James Lee, an inventory manager, was nominated by a co-worker who said, 'I want to let someone know how wonderful I think James Lee is. He's always extremely helpful with a great attitude. He works very hard to take care of our need department and I felt I should share this compliment so he knows his hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.'

Justin Lockridge, in environmental services, was nominated by a patient who said, 'Justin brings so much 'sunshine' into our lives every day when he comes in to clean our room. My daughter has been in the hospital for almost two months and Justin always brings a smile to her face. He does such a great job cleaning and is so genuinely concerned and very sweet. He brightens our days and we thank him for being so kind and sweet and doing the very best at his job.'

Lisa Doyle, in radiology, was nominated by a patient who said, 'Lisa in the CT scan department brightened by day. It was my first IV and CT scan experience and she made me feel so loved and comfortable when she said my name 'was in lights' above the CT scanner, was cheerful and patient as she explained the procedure and answered my questions. We talked about normal things to help me relax. She even wheeled me to the cafeteria after!'

Carole Foots, in lab support, was nominated by a patient who said, 'Carole is fantastic with patients. She came in my room while I was having a panic attack and prayed for me. She is amazing.'

James Lee, Justin Lockridge, Lisa Doyle and Carole Foots were honored with the Sunshine Award.

September 2020

Emily Mazdra, an entrance monitor, was nominated by a co-worker who said, 'She is very sweet and kind. She takes her job seriously and is dedicated to her work and family.'

Ashley Green, enivronmental services, was nominated by a co-worker who said, 'She went above and beyond cleaning a room! She even took out the instrument tray and food tray. She dusted behind the TV and worked very hard to clean the room. It's because of people like her that Mercy stays clean and safe.'

Rubija Hadzic, environmental services, was nominated by a co-worker who said, in part, 'Ruby always goes above and beyond for our patients and us. She is truly a joy to work with. She always sweeps, mops and completes all her housekeeping duties...At the end of her shift, she will help us by stocking dressing booths with patient gowns and fill blanket warmers.'

Jerica Mosello, patient access representative, was nominated by a patient's parent who said, in part, 'Jerica is truly outstanding! I attended an ultrasound with my 19-year-old son who has a diagnosis of autism. He was a bit anxious. During registration, Jerica was kind, patient, inclusive and tremendously helpful...My son visibly calmed down a bit during our interaction with Jerica. As the mom of a child with autism, Jerica's actions and efforts helped to ensure a great visit.'

Emily Mazdra, Ashley Green, Rubija Hadzic and Jerica Mosello were honored with a Sunshine Award.

November 2019

Zaman (Xena) Al Rifaie (EVS) - Nominated by a patient's family member: 'Most helpful person. Always brightens my husband's day. Did a great job of keeping room clean and asking about his well-being. She was far more than a housekeeper and is overall a good, loving person. I want her to be recognized for all she does.'

Tara Anders (Child Life) - Nominated by a co-worker: '…we had a patient in Tests and Treatments that received a new cancer diagnosis. The patient's mother was upset, tired and needed to eat. After learning the mother hadn't eaten and didn't have money, Tara gave her lunch to the mother when the son (had) his procedure. Tara is a loving and caring individual that goes above and beyond for all her patients and their families.'

Barbara Haskin (Mission Integration) - Nominated by a co-worker: 'She has been the most supportive as far as giving me all options that are available here through Mercy. She has gone above and beyond with such care and with encouraging words. She has given me hope in the hardest times of my life. She is an amazing, warm-hearted woman. She helps support Mercy's love and care.'

Steve Steurer (Security) - Nominated by a co-worker: 'On July 9, around 7:30 a.m., Steve noticed the ER parking lot was littered with trash and broken glass. He took it upon himself to find a broom and dustpan, and cleaned the entire lot. He stated the parking lot is the first thing patients and visitors see when they arrive at Mercy and he wanted them to have a good first impression.'

Sunshine Award recipients from left to right: Zaman (Xena) Al Rifaie, Tara Anders, Barbara Haskin and Steve Steurer.

August 2019

• Ernie Blackburn (EVS)
• Jonathan Charpentier (Sleep Lab)
• Brandon Quilacio (Security)
• Anika Reese (Lab)

'Our four Sunshine Award recipients are outstanding role models,' said Steve Mackin, Mercy Hospital St. Louis president. 'These co-workers personify the remarkable patient experience we provide. They consistently demonstrate excellence through their extraordinary compassionate care for patients and co-workers.'

Steve Mackin, Mercy Hospital St. Louis president and Tyler Witges, executive director of Lab Services present the Sunshine Award. From left to right: Steve Mackin, Jonathan Charpentier, Anika Reese, Ernie Blackburn and Tyler Witges. Not pictured: Brandon Quilacio.

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