The opportunity to provide extraordinary care has kept the top nine service award recipients motivated for a combined total of more than 255 years. Dependable supervisors, good benefits, fair wages and a friendly work environment are up there, too—but most cited the chance to make a real difference as the main reason for their job dedication.
Dr. Robert Nuss, dean of the regional campus, presented service recognition awards to employees having 15 to 35 years of service at the annual employee recognition event of the University of Florida, UF Jacksonville Healthcare, Inc. and UF Jacksonville Physicians, Inc. July 14, 2009 in the Learning Resource Center auditorium.
"I’m proud of being a part of UF&Shands because of the community service we give to all people, especially those not as fortunate as others," said Rubie Cash McCraw, the only 35-year honoree. A referral coordinator at UF Family Medicine on Lila Street, McCraw was a ward clerk who transcribed doctors’ orders in the former Duval Medical Center when she came to work here in 1968. She left for a few years to get married and have children and had her time reconnected.
Like McCraw, Anne Michael, a 30-year honoree, has seen nearly every building on campus constructed and witnessed significant growth in services, programs and faculty. Employed as an executive secretary when the UF Health Science Center was still called Jacksonville Health Education Program, Michael now serves as coordinator of administrative services. "This is probably the most underappreciated jewel in Jacksonville in terms of health care," she said.
"I cannot imagine working anywhere else," said 25-year honoree Susan Jasinski, a facilities project manager for the department of planning and development. "I have always prided myself on working for such a great organization. I have seen the financial ups and downs and have great admiration for the senior leadership." Bridgett Walton, a 30-year employee, agrees. A customer service representative with Community Health who started working as a nurse’s aide at the former Methodist Hospital at age 16, Walton calls herself "one of the lucky ones." She met Bobby Walton, her husband of 27 years, here and finds the work rewarding. "If I can make patients feel better, that’s what keeps me going," she said.
"In this time of transition and mobility, the fact that we are identifying people with up to 35 years of service is a reflection of the organization and the individual," said Nuss, congratulating the honorees. "An organization is only as good as its people."
Dr. Guy Benrubi, senior associate dean for clinical affairs and chair, department of obstetrics and gynecology, presented awards for five and 10 years of service. A 31-year employee, he said staying for five to 10 years denotes commitment to an organization and its growth. "Twenty to 30 years has become our life," he said.
Certifications and other work related achievements also were recognized during the ceremony. Nancy Frashuer, CEO of UFJPI and senior vice president/CFO of UFJHI, presented a Special Achievement Award to Sandy L. Barata for community service that Frashuer said "represents us well and does a lot for our organization." Barata, administrative director, department of pediatrics, was one of four women featured on the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women’s 2009 Women’s History Month Poster for outstanding community involvement. Tim O’Connor, training and development manager for UFJHI/JPI, received an award for attaining Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.
Clinics receiving excellence awards for achieving 85% goals in two consecutive performance survey periods were: Augustine Oaks Family Practice, Pediatric Multispecialty Center, Pediatric Cardiology, San Jose Pediatrics, Southside Women’s Health, Beaches GI and Plantation Oaks Family Practice.
Nuss recognized Mary Campbell, who will be resigning soon as director of human resources, for her outstanding service to the organization.
The following employees also received top service awards: 30 years) Linda Cisero, intake coordinator, Child Protection Team, department of pediatrics; Flossie Lake, office manager, Community Health; 25 years) Barclay Hancock, assistant to the diabetic educator, UF Family Medicine; Robin Owens-Railey, advanced registered/neonatal nurse practitioner; Patricia Wells, cash coordinator, cash applications.