Surgical Liaison
What is your role with Community Healthcare System?
I am a surgical liaison at Community Hospital. We facilitate communication between patients’ family members and the surgery staff and recovery room staff. It is a great deal of communication.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I was raised in a family who took care of other people and took it seriously. My parents were very involved in ministry, and so am I. I have faith in the Lord, and, following His example, I want to help people and show them compassion during times that can be frightening in a place that is unfamiliar to them.
What is a typical day like for you?
In the surgical visitors lounge, we hit the ground running, registering all incoming family members. We take their contact information and acclimate them to the hospital. We facilitate communication. Sometimes surgeons come to us and we provide consultation rooms where they can speak with patients’ family. We print and maintain the surgical schedule throughout the day. We ensure family members are getting to their destinations with help if needed. We deliver and document messages. We provide assistance and support to incoming patients. You never know what any day is going to bring.
How long have you been employed here?
42 years!
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The electronic medical records software had a huge impact. I taught new employees as we transitioned from paper to computers. Technology changes everything, even the way we do surgeries. It changes the wait time. Surgeries that used to last eight to 12 hours may now last four or five hours. Cell phones have had an impact. We change what we do for our clients. We call them, and we give them our direct number for updates.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite “local gem?”
I enjoy motorcycle rides with my husband, especially to Michigan. It is lovely and relaxing. I love music, history, Bible study, antiquing. I am from Munster, and I think the Community Veterans Memorial here is a local gem. What a labor of love from our healthcare system administration.
What do you enjoy most about working at Community Healthcare System?
The people. I don’t work alone. I work with a dedicated co-worker, JoAnn Hlebasko. We are indeed blessed to have such a wonderful surgical staff. We have great volunteers, an amazing security staff, great registration department. All of the people I work with on a daily basis, they put themselves out there to help people, even if something is not part of their job description.