Milestone: Olympic Medical Center honors staffers for providing education, resources

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 17, 2021

The Olympic Medical Center Board of Commissioners recently recognized the organization’s education department at a virtual board meeting, acknowledging “the team’s commitment to bringing excellent education and resources to OMC providers and staff.”

The recognized employees made it possible for professionals to safely meet and work amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, OMC representatives said earlier this month.

“Going above and beyond during the pandemic, the honored staff developed excellent processes to keep other employees safe, such as leading N95 fit testing events, implementing education on proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and, most recently, developing and managing the OMC COVID-19 vaccine clinic team,” they said.

Jennifer Burkhardt, OMC’s Chief Human Resources Officer and General Counsel, presented the awards to the department led by Director of Education Gretchen Souza, and team members Dani Perry, Lisa Duff, Vickie DeMott and Rueben Rodocker.

“This exceptional Education Department team gives great service, education and care to the OMC community,” said Burkhardt.

“To Gretchen, OMC employees are all valued customers of the Education Department,” Burkhardt said. “In her nine years in the department (and nearly 17 years with the organization), Gretchen has been vital to supporting OMC.”

From implementing a nurse residency program to administering the first vaccine to an OMC frontline worker, Souza’s commitment has always shone through, and she received a well-deserved promotion to director this past year after growing the education department, developing staff, expanding services and never shying away from a challenge, OMC representatives said.

Burkhardt also highlighted the accomplishments of Perry, a registered nurse.

“Dani has been a gift to the Education Department since joining our team,” Burkhardt said. “She was the leader of the N95 mass fit testing clinics in the spring and summer of 2020, and she has been a leader in process development and management for the COVID-19 vaccine clinic team.

“Dani is a team player and an encourager to all she interacts with.”

Duff, a program assistant, showed willingness to take on new challenges has made her an integral member of the team, Burkhardt said, adding that “(her) contribution to employee wellness as part of the COVID-19 Wellness Team and editor of the twice-monthly Education Blackboard publication makes her a much-needed asset to the organization.”

As a 25-year employee of OMC, DeMott — a technology specialist — has seen many changes during her tenure at the organization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has embraced each change with grace, OMC representatives said.

“Since the start of the pandemic, Vickie’s job has changed 100 percent,” Burkhardt said. “She’s adapted to evolving needs and handled it with professionalism and heart.”

According to Burkhardt, Rodocker has contributed tremendously in his short time on the team as the Organizational Development Coordinator.

“Rueben jumped in with both feet and has been helpful in a large staff testing clinic and the vaccine clinic,” Burkhardt said. “We are thankful for him and looking forward to seeing his growth.”