Check out your Company Bowl for anonymous work chats.
Congratulations, Timothy Pham BSN RN at PIH Health Whittier Hospital for winning the DAISY Award! Timothy’s patient was extremely appreciative of his attentiveness and concern while caring for him when undergoing a heart stint placement. “Tim treated me like I was part of his family,” shared the patient. Although providing care for his patient was physically and mentally tiring, Timothy upheld professionalism in all circumstances and handled situations with kindness and compassion. “Dedicated, caring, professional, and kind are just a few words to describe Tim,” shared the patient. Thank you for all of your efforts and for putting patients first, Timothy!
#EmployeeSpotlight Surgical physician assistant Henry, who works at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital has a special interest in this weekend’s Big Game. He started his professional career as a defensive back for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers! 🏈 Following his time in the NFL, Henry became a physician assistant, and for the past two and a half years, he has helped PIH Health patients achieve positive outcomes in their surgical care. He enjoys his work and when describing his role as a surgical physician assistant, says, “Our job as surgical healthcare providers is to thoroughly explain the procedure to the patient, why it is being done, the expected outcome and to educate by answering questions and addressing concerns.” He looks forward to overcoming new challenges and finding solutions to unique issues every day. As part of his daily commitment to putting #PatientsFirst, he assures his patients that he will take great care in keeping them safe and treating them with the utmost respect. Henry’s passion for providing quality healthcare.
#EmployeeSpotlight: Meet Kathe, a registered staff nurse in PIH Health Whittier Hospital’s Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). 2022 marked Kathe’s 40th year as an employee at PIH Health, where she first started out as a volunteer “candy striper” before moving on to a nursing student, nursing assistant, registered nurse, nursing supervisor and clinical nursing instructor. "PIH Health has been a part of my life since day one,” says Kathe. She was born at PIH Health Whittier Hospital the year it opened, and over the last 40 years as an employee, has watched PIH Health expand and grow and cared for countless patients along the way. Kathe says that she and all the staff in the PACU contribute to PIH Health’s Patients First vision by working together as a team and always providing dignity and compassion to each patient. “I am proud to be a part of these respected coworkers,” says Kathe. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, spending time in nature and with her family. PIH Health thanks Kathe for her years of service and for continuing to provide quality care to the community! #GPTW
#EmployeeSpotlight: Meet Ceasar Ruiz Perez, a registered nurse working in the Surgery department at PIH Health Downey Hospital. Ceasar joined PIH Health 18 years ago, starting as an orderly in the Radiology department and progressing to his current position as a surgery charge nurse. “As an orderly, I became fascinated with the operating room team, the instruments and equipment used, and the human anatomy. I was inspired to choose a career path related to surgery,” he shares. Ceasar strives to achieve the goals he sets for himself and is proud of his accomplishments, including earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certification and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership. He states, “I am truly grateful and appreciative for the professional growth and knowledge gained while working for this organization.” Outside of his efforts at PIH Health and his academic pursuits, Ceasar enjoys playing video games with his son, practicing Krav Maga and watching basketball games. #GPTW
#EmployeeSpotlight: Meet Flora Agpalo, a phlebotomist working at the PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital Laboratory who also assists in the hospital’s Point of Care Testing program. Flora joined PIH Health 31 years ago when she started working as an assistant in the chemistry lab at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital. As a phlebotomist, Flora is specially trained in drawing blood for various medical purposes. She explains that keeping the patient relaxed and comfortable is key when drawing blood, especially when the patient is nervous. “When I apply the tourniquet to their arm, I talk to the patient about what they enjoy doing and before they know it, I’m done drawing their blood.” One of Flora’s favorite parts of her job is making her patients smile. She tries to say ‘hello’ to as many people as possible and does her best to make everyone feel special. “Give a big smile and even though you may not receive a smile back, it’s free,” she shares. Flora also enjoys bringing smiles to others through her love for cooking, dancing, walking, exercising and hiking. #GPTW
#EmployeeSpotlight: Meet Cindy, a medical assistant for one of PIH Health’s Urgent Care Centers. Cindy has been with PIH Health for nearly 4 years, and says that she enjoys working in an urgent care center because of the hands-on experience she gets each day. Throughout her time with PIH Health, she has learned how to adapt to all situations as patients come in. Cindy chose to work in healthcare because she has always wanted to help others and be a part of the “bigger picture,” –working in an urgent care center allows her to do just that. “PIH Health’s mission is providing high-quality care,” says Cindy. “I make sure to do that by treating my patients the way I would want to be treated if I was in their shoes.” Cindy contributes to this mission every day by greeting each patient that walks through the door with a smile and ensuring that all of their concerns are advocated for throughout their visit. When Cindy is not working, she enjoys spending as much time as she can with her son. PIH Health thanks Cindy for her service to our community!
PIH Health honors all our radiologic technologists for the vital work they do every day to provide patients with safe medical imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments. Thank you for all your hard work and putting our patients first. #NationalRadiologicTechnologyWeek #GPTW
In honor of Home Care and Hospice Month, PIH Health is spotlighting Carolina, a registered nurse (RN) for PIH Health Home Health. Carolina has worked for PIH Health for 21 years, first as a pharmacy technician before becoming a registered nurse. She now works as a home health nurse and cares for patients throughout Los Angeles County, in addition to caring for patients at the La Mirada Home Health location. Carolina has even continued to grow with PIH Health, now working to become certified as a wound and ostomy nurse. “Each day is a challenge and a joy to be able to help patients in their journey to recovery,” says Carolina. “Each patient is unique, and I love to make sure I am adapting my care to their needs and personalities—I learn a lot from them.” Carolina says that she and her department put patients first by utilizing their skills efficiently to accommodate patients who speak different languages and patients with disabilities. In her spare time, Carolina likes to play the flute, spend time with her family, take care of her chickens and bunny, and embark on mission trips.
In honor of National Healthcare Facilities and Engineering Week, PIH Health is spotlighting Shawn, a bed technician for the Plant Operations and Maintenance department at PIH Health Whittier Hospital and PIH Health Downey Hospital. Shawn has been with PIH Health for more than 6 years. Led by their on-site directors and managers, the department is comprised of skilled professionals such as carpenters, electricians, and HVAC technicians who utilize their specialized skills together to maintain and improve all areas of the hospitals. Each day, Shawn is responsible for maintaining safety with patient equipment, such as hospital beds, and for providing equipment to clinical staff throughout both hospitals. “Working jointly with healthcare professionals is very rewarding,” says Shawn. “By providing the highest quality of support, they are able to provide high-quality care to patients.” PIH Health employees who work hard to maintain PIH Health facilities for their service to the PIH Health community. #GPTW
Our medical assistants are awesome individuals with magical abilities to touch the hearts of our patients and their families. Medical assistants display a wide range of skills crucial for the healthcare setting. Thank you medical assistants! We are grateful for all that you do. #GPTW
