Employee Spotlight - Page 2 of 43

Behavioral Medicine’s fun in February

Behavioral Medicine had fun in February! We were a part of the Kankakee School District’s Black Experience for Black History Month.

February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Riverside Behavioral Medicine, Harbor House, Merchant St. Art Gallery of Artists with Autism, and Spizzirri’s Reptile Rescue and Rehabilitation partnered to have an evening of fun. Participants were able to paint live reptiles while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies!

We ended the month with a Police and Fire Appreciation Celebration sponsored by Kankakee United and Riverside Behavioral Medicine.

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Congratulations to Dr. Raunak Khisty on his recent publication!

We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Raunak Khisty on his recent co-authored publication titled “Parallel Application to U.S. Psychiatry Residency Programs: Trends in Frequency and Differences by Applicant Group, 2009-2021” in the journal Academic Psychiatry!

This research was conducted in collaboration with Rush University and the University of Chicago, showcasing a collaborative effort across institutions. The paper delves into the trends of parallel applications to U.S. psychiatry residency programs, analyzing dataset for 67,261 applicants over 12-year period The results have significant implications for understanding current trends in residency applications and informing future directions in admissions processes. Their work contributes valuable insights into the trends and disparities within the application process for U.S. psychiatry residency programs.

Please join us in congratulating Dr Khisty on this well-deserved recognition!

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DAISY Award: Katrina Whitten

Katrina is an RN at Riverside Medical Center. The DAISY Award is an honor that recognizes the exceptional, skillful, and compassionate care these nurses demonstrate for our patients and families every day.

Her nomination read, “Kat goes above and beyond as a nurse, she reads stories at bedtime to the patients/children. This comforts and helps the patients/children to fall asleep. This is something that some techs have taken into consideration and also do for the patients/children, she’s an excellent role model. Kat is extremely knowledgeable and offers different solutions with situations when necessary. Kat is very helpful with the patients/children and staff, while exhibiting her team player spirit. She’s always picking up to work extra hours, asking the techs if they want to pick up with her. She will also back up other staff with expectations to be followed by the patients/children. Kat genuinely cares about the patients/children, staff and takes pride in her nursing position. Katrina is an excellent and valuable asset to the Mental Health Specialty Unit.”

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Starfish Award Winner: Lourdes R.

Congratulations to our newest Starfish Award Winner – Lourdes Robles! Read her story below.

My dad, Robert Milton, was admitted to the ICU and eventually transferred to another floor. He was placed on Hospice care while at Riverside and wasn’t able to go home because of his condition. He passes away on October 10th, 2023 at the hospital. He had been there for 2 weeks before he passed, and I was there with him 24/7 during that time. I give all this information to paint a picture of what a very difficult and sad time it was for me, primarily because I was watching my dad slowly pass away. However, the staff at Riverside made it as comfortable as possible for both me and my dad. Every time they left the room, I was ALWAYS asked, “is there anything I can get for you?” By almost every nurse, tech, or housekeeping staff member. And they meant it – because when I did need something, they got it for me. I felt cared for and I can’t even begin to put into words how comforting that was during that sad and stressful time. The nurses, techs, and students kept my dad clean and as comfortable as possible. AMAZING job!!!! and my dad’s room was cleaned well daily, which also greatly contributed to our comfort. One housekeeping staff member in particular was so genuinely kind and compassionate. We received her care on both the ICU and med floor. Not only was she exceptional at her job duties, but she had a warm personality and it was evident she really cared about my and my dad’s comfort. I didn’t see her very much during that time, but that just makes it even more significant that I am writing this nomination for her. She had that much of a positive impact on me and my dad during that time at Riverside. We are so appreciative and she deserves to be recognized for the wonderful way she performs her job and provides needed comfort and care for the patients there. I do not even know her last name unfortunately, but her first name is Lourdes and I am hopeful there is only one Lourdes in the housekeeping department! Please let me know if I can help provide any more details to help identify her. Lourdes – Thank you SO much for the exceptional care you provided to us and for your compassionate nature and warm, friendly smile! We are very grateful. – The Robert Milton family

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Butterfly Award Winner: McKenna

Several IMCU team members, leadership, and family were on hand to share in the recognition of Riverside’s newest Butterfly Award Winner, McKenna! McKenna is a CNA on Riverside’s Intermediate Care Unit.

Her nomination read: “McKenna is a CNA on the Intermediate Care Unit. As a nurse on that floor, it is a very fast-paced environment that requires a lot of teamwork between the nurses and CNAs. Having McKenna is like a breath of fresh air when it comes to those busy nights. She is always willing to help her fellow nurses with anything. Most of the time she’s one step ahead by already having the task completed or has gathered all the supplies that are needed. She always goes above and beyond, providing exceptional and compassionate care to her patients. She is truly an example of what Riverside stands for, giving the kindest touch when providing patient care, and she connects with all of the patients and peers. She is truly an extraordinary person, and IMCU is beyond lucky to have her.”

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