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ReflectionsReverence

Respect the CHI St. Vincent Spiritual Mission 2

Always Greet and Welcome Everyone 3

Treat Everyone as a Valued Individual 4-5

Speak Positively of CHI St Vincent 6

Respect Cultural Differences 7

IntegrityBe Honest 8-9

Resolve Conflicts Respectfully 10

Show Respect for Each Other 11-12

Be A Good Steward of our Resources 13

Take Ownership of Patient Safety 14-15

CompassionBe Sensitive and Address the Concerns of All 16-17

Be an Active Listener 18

Be Knowledgeable and Prepared to Provide Information 19

ExcellenceModel a Strong Work Ethic and Safe Patient Environment 20

Be a Welcoming Owner 21

I Am This Hospital 22

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Living our Values in Action Reflection: Reverence

“Respect the CHI St. Vincent Spiritual Mission.”

Let’s pretend that your banker calls you up and says “someone who loves you very much wants to give you $864.00 every day. But there is one condition," the banker continues. "You have to spend it every single day. You can't save it up. You can't add it to the next day's balance. What is not spent at the end of the day will be taken away”That's a pretty good chunk of change.

But you know this would never happen in real life. So let's deal with reality. Someone who really does love you very much deposits into your Bank of Time: 86,400 seconds every single day. That someone is God. And the condition is that you must spend it. You can't save up time today and apply it toward tomorrow—there's no such thing as a 27-hour day. Each and every day, you have the opportunity to invest your precious commodity of time into the lives of the ones you care for the most: family, friends, patients, coworkers, even random strangers. I hope that your Creator is at the top of your time investment list as well.

What we choose to do with our time can make a difference or not. Paul wrote about this in Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV): "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is”.

At CHI St Vincent we have two opportunities to pause and collectively spend time with our most important relationship: Our Creator God. These prayers only last 45 – 60 seconds and can be the key to centering your thoughts, starting your day positively, and connecting to the One who loves you the most. Is it too much to ask you to pause, bow your head, and invest time into your most precious relationship?

Prayer:

Lord, you know the little details of my life, my comings and goings, my frantic times and still moments. Help me remember You, wherever I am, whatever I’m doing. I want to become more than a person who prays, but a person formed and shaped and deepened by prayer in every way. Prayer should be a benefit, not a burden. Help me to stay connected to You and make You a priority. You certainly have done that with me.

Amen.

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Living Our Values in Action Reflection: Reverence

“Always greet and welcome everyone with a smile, eye contact, and a friendly greeting”

Science tells us we are more likely to perform a thoughtful deed when someone does one for us. For instance, smiles are usually contagious. When someone smiles at us, we naturally want to smile back. It is a ripple effect. When you greet others with a smile enough times, it becomes a habit. It seems so natural yet, you may be surprised to find out that lack of kindness and loneliness/anxiety can have a direct impact on your health.

Neurologist Dr. Sanjay Gupta did a study about the health effects of kindness and loneliness. Gupta says that being social actually improves a person’s immune system. Simply saying hello can make the person who receives that greeting live longer. There is also evidence that being the one to say hello is empowering and can improve your own health.

At CHI St Vincent we want to develop a genuinely friendly culture where everyone who comes here or works here feels welcomed. When they walk through our doors, we want our employees to look our customers in the eye, say “hello, how can I help you”, “Welcome!” This means that we might have to change our patterns of looking at people instead of our cellular devices or some other distraction as we walk.

Be a part of imagining better health. Let your greetings, smiles, and eye contact convey genuine warmth and compassion. It is an important part of our commitment to our mission and ministry. Your contagious smile can be a healing presence. Smile and make a life better!

Prayer:

God of Joy, Thank you for giving me the ability to heal with a simple smile. Kindness should be so natural. Help me to not be so distracted that I fail to let it shine through. Let my greeting convey how much I care about others. To love others as much as I love You, can start with this simple, yet significant and healing gesture. Amen.

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Living Our Mission Devotional: Reverence

“Treat everyone as a valued individual”

One of the greatest values of CHI St. Vincent is our ministry to the poor and vulnerable. Not only do we treat everyone as a valued individual, but we respect cultural differences and honor everyone’s individual preferences.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a wonderful example of how we can and should help everyone through the healing ministry of The Church. Jesus tells the story of a traveler who was stripped, beaten, and left half-dead and alone. Although others passed him by it was a Samaritan (considered by many to be an outcast and hated by Jews and others) who stopped and rendered aid. In this parable and story, Jesus compels us to “love our neighbor as yourself”. He never says “love only those who are like yourself”.

This is the parable that call us to compassion, to charity, love, and to pity. The parable of the Good Samaritan is the parable that actively urges us to get out of ourselves, to move out of our comfort zone, to do good, to reach out, and to put ourselves in another’s shoes: (The shoes of the sufferer). It is compassion that makes us feel with those who suffer and those in need to be ministered to.

By this parable, Jesus is telling us to follow the Samaritan’s example in our conduct and to show compassion and love to those we encounter in our everyday activities. Jesus demonstrated that we should love others regardless of their race and religion. We are therefore called to give generously and freely without expectations of receiving something in return. The Samaritan saw a person in need of assistance and assisted him above and beyond. Jesus also drew a sharp contrast between those who knew the law and those who actively follow the law.

We are therefore called as the Good Samaritan to respect the dignity of all persons. To never judge or label anyone based on appearances, socio-economic status, family systems, or disease. A CHI St Vincent coworker should go the extra mile with our compassion into the life of the sick, their families, the critically ill, and the dying and provide our compassionate presence, to revitalize them with respect, integrity, compassion and excellence. Remember that Jesus himself said “In so far as you do it daily [to each and every patient,] you are doing it to Him” (Matthew 25:40)

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Prayer:

Compassionate Savior,

You were never afraid to touch the lepers, heal the sick, help the poor in spirit. You value all persons regardless of their cultural heritage or status in life. I want to look people in the eye and REALLY listen. Help me to see that those who cross my path are just like me. All deserve compassionate caring simply because You are their Creator—my Creator, and You expect nothing less from me. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Thank you for this divine opportunity to love others as much as I love myself. Amen.

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Living Our Values in Action Reflection: Reverence

“Speak positively of CHI St. Vincent, its team members and coworkers”

Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?

Here are some basic points about how friends and co-workers can affect your attitude:

The more friends you have that are content with their lives/work, the more likely you are to become content. And the more friends you have that are discontent, the more likely you are to become discontent… in fact they have found that sadness is twice as infectious as happiness!

Long term emotional states really are contagious. And it’s important for trying to understand why people feel the way they do about their lives.

So what should you do? Be aware that negativity can spread but you can choose to make a positive difference. Focus on being genuine and offering supportive comments about those you work with. When you assure your patients that the next shift is also capable and caring, that will build confidence not only with the patients, but with your team.

Take time to celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Be positive, even on social media.

Use the “Thumper Rule”: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!

Remember every day is your day. You have complete control over how you decide to view what is happening in your day. Make it the way you want it to be and be the change you want to see. Know you make a difference in every moment and every interaction so let your positive attitude be your legacy.

Prayer: Help me to start each day with a positive attitude Lord. People may forget what I said, or what I did, but people won’t forget how I make them feel. I can make a difference. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Amen

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Living Our Values in Action Reflection: Reverence

“Respect cultural differences and honor individual preferences.”

I was visiting with a nurse recently and asked her: what is the biggest challenge we face in healthcare regarding cultural diversity. She said, “It’s not that we don’t value it. It’s that we are so focused on our high acuity tasks that we often don’t take time to sit and inquire about cultural and religious preferences.” Jean Watson, a nursing theorist once said: "What if we began to pause and to realize that maybe this one moment, with this one person, is the very reason we're here on earth at this time?"

We can make a difference in people’s lives and treating the whole person, involves asking and not assuming about important cultural issues which can affect their healthcare. For instance, a critically ill Catholic patient may need the Sacrament of the Sick; a Jehovah Witness patient facing surgery cannot have blood or blood products; a Muslim patient who prays 5 times a day may like his/her bed to face East Many patients have dietary concerns and restrictions, especially during their Holy Days. Just as importantly, let’s not forget each other as co-workers and providers, for we too have our individual beliefs and cultures that make us who we are.

My grandmother used to say “You can’t judge a book by its cover”. Don’t assume that everyone is just like you or believes the way you believe, or prays the way you pray. We celebrate that CHI St Vincent is a faith based hospital that values and honors diversity and individual preferences.

Prayer:

“Creator God, You are bigger than any of us can imagine. Thank you for creating a diverse world. Help me to realize that when I stop to ask about what is important to a patient, family member, or coworker, what I’m really saying is “I Care—You are important.” Thank You for this opportunity to be inclusive and welcoming and to serve. Amen

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Living Our Values in Action Reflection: Integrity

“Be Honest”

Are You a Person Of Integrity?

Integrity is defined as: “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” It is not only telling the truth, it is living out of your convictions.

God not only has characteristics, He has character. The characteristics of God are seen as: compassion, holiness, righteousness, justice, and mercy, to name a few. But the Bible speaks of God's character, too — He is never changing: the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is faithful, trustworthy, true, and loyal. He can be counted on. His Word is everlasting. As a God of integrity, He desires a life of integrity in His followers. In other words, there should be no discrepancy between one’s public life and one’s private life. People of integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Integrity is not something we have, but is something we are. Does our behavior match our beliefs?

In our work at CHI St Vincent, we need to “walk the talk. We need to live in such a way that our patients, families, coworkers, and others will know that we are sincere in what we say and promise that we will do. Following through with your commitments and what you have said you will do is a crucial part of integrity.

Living with integrity is not always easy. Sometimes we find it hard to say “no” and find ourselves saying what we think people want to hear. But we fail miserably when we don’t keep our word. We sometimes over promise and build false hope, because stating reality can create anxiety within us. We don’t want to cause emotional pain, especially if we are giving a patient or family bad news, but in the short run we may feel better because we dodged an “emotional bullet”, but families are left with unrealistic expectations which might be more hurtful in the long run.

Take a moment and do a self-inventory. What are your characteristics? Do they match your character? Are you consistent in your home life, and workplace? Does your “yes” mean “yes”, and your “no” mean “no”? Do you keep your word and follow through on your promises?

“We reflect God's character when we speak the truth, for "God ... does not lie" (Titus 1:2)

Prayer: (see next page)

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Holy God,

Thank you for reminding me that You have never broken Your word to us. Because of Your Holy Integrity, I too, should have integrity. You don’t always give us what we want, but you always give us what we need. When I say “Yes”, let me follow through. Give me a desire to help others and find solutions even when I don’t know all of the answers. Most of all give me courage to say no to the things I know are not right. When I live out of my integrity, others will see that I genuinely and compassionately care, even when things are difficult. May my words and actions be pleasing and acceptable to You, O God. Amen

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Living Our Values in Action Reflection: Integrity

“Resolve conflicts respectfully, directly, and promptly…”

Mrs. G’s husband had been a patient for over 10 days. In that time she felt that no one had ever cleaned his bathroom, changed his sheets, or made sure he had a bath, and she was quite upset. The Director of Environmental Services met with her, and could have responded in many ways, but he chose to practice the H-E-A-R-T Service Recovery Model.

He listened, empathized, and said the two most important words: “I’m sorry”, and just as importantly reassured her and thanked her for bringing this to his attention so he could bring resolution.

The late motivational speaker and well known leadership guru Dr. Stephen Covey told us we should “seek first to understand, then be understood”. This is very important and hard to do because most of us assume we know what the issue is and are trying to think of our next response. We try to fix or defend a problem, and don’t clarify that we really understand what this person is going through and feeling.

This patient’s wife relaxed because she felt heard, understood. Our Director of EVS further empathized by acknowledging just how difficult it must be to have someone you love be sick. Because she felt that he genuinely cared, she opened up more and talked about her stress of watching her husband get worse instead of better. After their meeting he then called the Chaplain’s office and asked them to follow up with support.

Prayer: Holy God, conflicts and disappointments happen every day of our lives, but how we choose to respond can make a world of difference. Help me to listen with my heart and show how much I care. Amen

The H-E-A-R-T Service Recovery Model (Hear, Empathize, Apologize, Reassure, and Thank)

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Living Our Values in Action Reflection: Integrity

“Show respect for each other by keeping commitments and managing each other up”

As I watched my grandson’s little league baseball team play their last game that would determine the championship, I noticed a little boy who approached the batting box. He ran towards the box with excitement, stood, and raised the bat, which seemed to be too heavy for him to hold. His grip was not that of a seasoned player. He either swung too early or too late and never hit the ball. My thoughts were that he hadn’t improved at all since the beginning of the season and that someone hadn’t taken time to teach this little guy how to play the game.

He didn’t seem to care that he struck out every time he came to bat. What amazed me was that every time it was his turn, he ran to the batter box with joy and excitement, and his team mates cheered him on, without fail. You see what I hadn’t seen was all the times he had encouraged his team members in practice and on the field. I did not know that he had encouraged his coach even through all their losses, and they had quite a few. When he wasn’t at bat, he could be found in the dug-out standing anxiously at the fence calling out to his team mates with phrases such as, “You can do it”. “Go Tigers”. He was always attentive, he seemed to have found respect and love from his team members. I thought, how precious.

Amazingly, they won the championship that day. Somehow, someway, they had beaten the best team in the league. Afterwards awards were handed out but the award that amazed me the most was the one that he gave the little boy. He was awarded the “Most Valuable Team Member” award. Yes, the little boy who played without skill, who struck out every time was chosen MVP. The thing I learned from watching a Little League Baseball Team wasn’t how to play a winning game, how to run the fastest, how to look the part by wearing the latest and greatest gear. I learned how one little boy can change the whole team by encouraging others, by hugging his coach and saying things like, “We will win next time coach, good job”. He was the weakest player by skill but the strongest by voice.

Think of the challenges that you face together on every shift and the coworkers who are on your team at CHI ST Vincent. Everyone is different but we all play a valuable part in successful healthcare. Confidence builds confidence. When we “manage each other up” with our patients, they will have confidence in the round the clock care they will

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receive. Every unit has problems and challenges. And equally important, when your coworkers feel that you genuinely care about them, they are more likely to listen and make necessary changes that can strengthen the whole team. Encouragement is inspiring, uplifting, and contagious. It helps to go the extra mile when people notice how hard you are working and trying.

Today, choose how you are going to play in the healing game at CHI St. Vincent, how you will become the most valuable player on your team and “Just do it”.

1 Thessalonians 5:11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Prayer:

Holy God,

Your love for us is unconditional and inspiring Lord. Help us to love one another because You have first loved us. Thank you for my team. We have a responsibility to each other to do our best. Help me to be an encourager because genuine care and compassion can change things. Amen

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Living our Values in Action Reflection: Integrity

“Be a good steward of our resources”

According to Webster, stewardship is “the activity or job of protecting and being responsible for something”. In Genesis 41, we find the story of Joseph and how Pharaoh made him steward over the land of Egypt. Joseph was not part of the royal family, and he would not inherit the throne. Yet, because of Joseph's wisdom and discretion given by God, Pharaoh entrusted the entire kingdom to his care.

At CHI St Vincent we have a commitment to our community, our co-workers, our patients, and providers to be good stewards of resources. Being good stewards of our time, supplies, and spending allow us to keep the rest of our commitments to always be there in times of crisis, to always have the expert clinicians, tools, and equipment to provide the highest level of care, and to always provide that care in a compassionate and caring fashion. Just as at home, each of us has a significant role in how creative we are in managing those resources so together we can achieve what individually we cannot.

SVI ICU has taken this challenge and creatively found two ways to be a good steward with their supplies and with their time. “We have done supply round ups so that we do not throw away or misplace supplies. We also try to be timely in shift change so that our co-workers can clock out on time.” On another unit, a nurse paid attention to detail and stopped an expensive test from being conducted on the wrong patient. EVS turns the lights and TVs out in every empty room.

Whether you are saving on paper, printing, products, produce, or people our challenge is to be creative and find ways to be a good steward of our work environment.

Prayer:

Holy God, You ask me to do my best and that includes being a good manager of my resources. Let me take pride in the work that I do, the ways I manage my time, talents, and resources. Amen

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Living our Values in Action Reflection: Integrity

“Take ownership of patient safety, quality improvement and environmental issues”

My aunt used to say “you know basically, I am a good person”… and then she would tell a very juicy story as a follow up. What I’ve learned about life is that even good people make mistakes. It doesn’t matter how good you are, how smart you are, or how hard you try, unless you make a standard practice out of your tasks at work and at home, you probably are going to make a mistake. Depending on your job, that mistake could have catastrophic consequences that no one wants to see happen.

No one can argue that patient safety should be our first priority, so what can we do to ensure that safety is first and foremost in our minds? We all value safety, but how do you turn that desired outcome into a creature of habit?

Jenny Bradford, our Director of Risk Management at CHI ST Vincent emphasizes that we have to remember “you have to practice an action or behavior 21-30 times before it becomes a habit.” I have a place where I put my keys and cell phone at home, but the minute I accidentally break that routine and randomly lay them down somewhere else, you can bet I’ll spend precious minutes looking for them until I see them. And then I say “Oh…I remember now! That’s where I left them!”

To turn an act into a habit, we should all remember STAR: which is tied directly to patient safety.

STOP THINK ACT REVIEW

The key to patient safety is for each of us to take ownership of safety, quality improvement, and environmental issues. If your ‘Spidey Sense’ is saying “something is not right”, have the courage to speak up, call a time out and ask for a double check about what’s going on. If you find an error in your work, report it immediately so that it can be corrected and addressed, even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed. If you see a hazard on the grounds, fill out a maintenance work order, or address the safety issue yourself instead of walking by and assuming someone else will take care of it.

We have a lot to celebrate! If you want to see some of the wonderful catches our CHI ST Vincent Team is making, go to the Insider page and do a word search: “safety first”. It will take you to links where you can read story after story about how our coworkers

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are making great catches in safety, simply because they have great habits, they are thinking about the job, and reviewing and calling out when there is a problem sighted.

Take a few moments and share your stories where you made a great catch regarding safety.

Prayer:

“Holy Father, with You all things are possible. As I work today, give me clarity of mind, wisdom as I work, and courage to speak up when necessary. I am the vessel You can use to make a difference in someone’s life today, even save someone from devastating harm. Let me lean on You for understanding and strength to compassionately serve.

I pray this in Your holy name…

Amen”

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Living our Values in Action: Compassion

“Be sensitive and address the concerns and needs of patients, family members, coworkers, volunteers and other customers.”

He knew something was wrong the minute he looked at the expression on her face. By any other standards, it was a typical day for our valet transporter. Patients and families were arriving at a pretty fast pace. People had been arriving early for registration for surgeries, but nothing out of the ordinary was happening. But when a woman pulled up in her car, and got out for valet parking, he could tell immediately that something was wrong. He could see the panic in her eyes and body language. So instead of just parking her car, he made a compassionate decision—he asked what was wrong, and if he could help.

The woman was the wife of a patient who had become critical. She had received the phone call that no one wants to hear, urging her to come to the hospital as quickly and safely as possible. But in the shock of those moments she seemed to have lost the ability to think clearly and did not know where to go and find the critical care unit who was caring for her husband. So our co-worker found someone else to park her car and he escorted her to the unit where her husband was admitted.

There were many choices that could have been made. Technically he was hired to valet park cars in an expedient and professional manner. Instead he chose to follow his instincts and show compassion to this stranger. He went the extra mile by physically escorting her to the unit. He was sensitive and addressed the concerns and needs of our patients, family members, coworkers, volunteers, and other customers. The gratitude for that small gesture was clearly evident on her face because now she was not alone as she faced the worst case possible situation. She had gotten to the bedside in time to be with the one she loved most in life.

Take time to look our customers in the eye and address the needs that you may instinctively be picking up on. You never know how God can use you when you act compassionately in someone’s life.

Prayer: (see next page)

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Holy God, we chose working in the healthcare profession because we wanted to help people. Give us eyes to notice broken and hurting people, a compassionate heart to respond, and courage to offer assistance because when we do, we are being Your hands and feet. The glory is Yours. Thank you for the opportunity to be Your servant. Amen

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Living Our Values in Action Reflection: Compassion

“Be an active listener and communicate professionally”

Words from St. Augustine, fourth/Fifth Century, Adapted

“What does love look like?

It has hands to help others.

It has feet to move us to the poor and needy.

It has eyes to see suffering and need.

It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others.

That is what love looks like.”

Prayer:

“Lord, I can guess I will meet someone today who needs a listening presence. Keep me from being distracted as I give them my full attention. Let me listen with my eyes, ears, and heart. Thank You that You are never distracted when I come to You for help. Showing compassion by genuinely connecting with others is a healing experience.”

Amen

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Living our Values in Action Reflection: Compassion

“Be knowledgeable and prepared to provide information on resources to patients & coworkers in need of support.”

She was a new nurse for CHI St Vincent Hot Springs and during her first week, she lost a patient who was the same age as her twin brother who had also recently died. She internally felt overwhelmed and thought about quitting her job even though she just started. The social worker noticed her struggle, and told her about our EAP: Employee Assistance Program that gives 3 free counseling sessions, completely confidential, to any employee in our facility. And she decided to take advantage of the program in hopes of processing her grief and overwhelming stress resulting from that patient’s death.

On her way to her car, she saw a patient, sitting on the bench by himself and something in his eyes told her he was distressed and may need someone to talk to. She paused long enough to hear a little of his story, and she told him about Chaplaincy Services. He immediately said he would like to talk to a chaplain, and so she called and gave his name and room number to the chaplain on call.

Two people were helped that day, largely in part because coworkers noticed the people around them, knew about resources that could help, and took time to care—to lend a hand and make a phone call that made a difference in these lives.

Prayer:

“Holy God, help me to ‘think outside the box’ and realize that there are many ways to help others that I may not personally know about. You place people in my path all day long. Help me to look up from my work, see the need, and respond with compassion. I don’t have all the answers so help me to utilize the gifts and knowledge of my coworkers. Thank you for this opportunity to serve You and help others in need. Amen

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Values in Action Reflection: Excellence-

“Model a strong work ethic and safe patient environment: Going the extra mile”

It was long after the evening prayer. As one of our weekend PRN chaplains, I went to visit a patient in one of our ICU units. I saw a nurse who typically works the day shift, working feverishly to meet the needs of a patient and her family. Because it was so late in the day, I assumed that this nurse was working the night shift. I figured she had probably changed her schedule and had started working nights. In a few minutes, I saw the nurse getting her stuff together and finally saying goodbye to the other nurses.

I then realized that the nurse had stayed well past her already-long shift to make sure that a difficult situation was under control. I was reminded of what I’ve seen a zillion times since I started working here almost 13 years ago. Nurses staying as late as it takes to be sure the patient is good to go for the next shift. Unit clerks being called on their day off to come in and help train a new clerk. Maintenance, grounds crew, and security working round the clock on icy nights to make sure our property is safe. Staff spending holidays at the hospital instead of with their family. Physicians making themselves available at all hours of the day and night to take care of a critical patient. And the amazing thing is, they usually do it without complaining! All of these staff members are willing to go above and beyond for our patients and their co-workers. They are CHI “models”. They are modeling a strong work ethic and safe patient environment. We all have plenty to do just doing our jobs.

Doing what we’re supposed to do is important and good. Jesus said he didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. But Jesus also asked his disciples to do something additional that set them apart: “Turn the other cheek, give up your coat to someone who needs it, and go the extra mile.” May this continue to be what sets apart you and me, and all of us here at CHI St. Vincent.

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Prayer: Creator God, Help me to maximize my time and work in the most efficient and effective way that I can. My time here belongs to my employer and I realize that I can make a difference when I give my best. Give me courage to speak up for safety concerns. Let me treat every patient and co-worker with confidence because I want to

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build confidence and not tear down. When I give my best, I am using all the potential and gifts that You have given me and I know that brings You honor and glory. Amen.

Values in Action Reflection: Excellence

“Be a welcoming owner”

Have you walked into a building that is new to you for a service? Maybe the building was large and imposing; and unfamiliar-- you felt lost and a bit bewildered. A stranger approached you and offered to help you find your way - you had instant relief and appreciation. How much did it cost for that stranger to help you – probably not anything. The value of being helped was much greater.

A patient’s family is walking down a hall. A co-worker smiles and says “Good Morning” – you can see how it gave them a bright moment in their day. How much did it cost to say hello – probably not anything. However, it was important and of value to them.

The elevator door is about to close and you see someone in a wheelchair approaching. You hold the elevator door open and assist the individual. The person smiles and says “Thank You” - how much did it cost you to hold the elevator and assist – probably not anything, but the value to them was important and caring.

A Veteran is trying to push himself/herself in a wheelchair and is struggling. A coworker notes the struggle and says “I am going the same place as you are, can I push you to your location” - how much did it cost the coworker to help – probably not anything.

Taking time to help others is valuable to both. There is joy in both giving and receiving.

Prayer:

Holy God, Thank you for the opportunities to make people feel welcome at our hospital. No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted. Help me to always find time to connect with those around me. Amen

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Values in Action Reflection: Excellence

I Am This Hospital—Author unknown

“I am this hospital….I am what people see when they arrive here.

Mine are the eyes they look into when they’re frightened and lonely.

Mine is the voice people hear when they ride the elevators and when they try to sleep and when they try to forget their problems. My voice is what they hear on their way to appointments that could affect their destinies and what they hear

after they leave those appointments.

Mine are the comments people hear when I think they can’t.

Mine is the intelligence and caring that people hope they’ll find here. If I am noisy, so is the hospital. If I am rude, so is the hospital. And if I’m wonderful—so

is the hospital.

No visitors, no patients can ever know the real me, the me that I know is there—unless I let them see it. All they can know is what they see and hear and

experience.

And so I have a stake in my own attitude and in the collective attitudes of everyone who works at the hospital. CHI St Vincent is judged by my performance.

It is judged by the care I give, the attention I pay and the courtesies I extend.

My work has purpose, is worthwhile and I make a difference.

I am this hospital.

Prayer: Father, thank you for showing us that everything we do makes an impact on someone, whether we intend it to or not. May we be worthy of this higher calling and serve You with our best in every way. Amen