In an annual observance of National Hospital & Healthcare Week, Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) paid tribute to the 2,000-plus employees who contribute to the Health Systems’ award-winning care.  The five-day celebration at LMHS in May included exercise demonstrations, healthy eating tips, an employee health fair, ice cream deliveries to outbuildings, an award reception, and cookout including mini golf, corn hole, caricature drawings, and a sundae bar.  Additionally, LMHS held its annual Employee Recognition Event mid-week.
 
“Our success depends greatly upon the contributions and dedication of our staff,” LMHS President & CEO Rob Montagnese said.  “We value the significant contributions our employees have made to Licking Memorial Health Systems.  Our excellent reputation within the healthcare industry is a reflection of the high standards that our employees uphold daily.  We are grateful to them for sharing their time and talents to help us improve the health of the community.”
 
LMHS employees who are observing anniversaries in 5-year increments in 2019 were invited to The J. Gilbert Reese Center at The Ohio State University – Newark Campus for the annual LMHS Employee Recognition Event, which featured a game show theme and offered honorees the opportunity to win prizes.  The 248 honored employees, represented 2,790 combined years of service.  Among the notable honorees were two employees with 45 years of service: Maryann Hurt, Community Case Management, and Rhonda Shaw, Oncology, and one employee with 50 years of service, Steve Snow, Surgery.  Each received a framed proclamation and gift to mark their special employment anniversary.
 
Established in 1987, the Manager of the Year Award recognizes a management employee who has demonstrated fair and consistent leadership in his or her area of responsibility.  The nominee should exhibit an ability to inspire his or her employees beyond the ordinary requirements
of their jobs.  Two managers were honored this year – Jean Glaser, Director of Pharmacy, and Ian Bolden, Information Systems Manager.
 
The Clarissa Ann Howard Nursing Award for Clinical Excellence is presented annually to recognize nurses who are respected by their peers for their expertise, professionalism and clinical excellence while providing patient care.  The 2019 award recipients are Shannon Huntsman, B.S.N., R.N., and Staci Otten, B.S.N., R.N. 
 
As part of Hospital & Healthcare Week, LMHS recognized 32 MVP Award recipients who were selected for their consistent demonstration of LMHS’ values: compassion, accountability, respect and excellence.