Last Call for Compassionate Care Scholar Nominations- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
Last Call for Compassionate Care Scholar Nominations- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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March 16, 2001
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In This Issue:
Teaming Up for the Big Race
Web Delivery for New Arrivals
Last Call for Compassionate Care Scholar Nominations
5-Digit Dialing Training Sign-up Begins
Pike Notes
Valet Meets One Millionth Customers
Obituary: Louis Zani
Call for Nominations
"You work for a whole different purpose when you work at BWH," said Les Bucey, RPh, supervisor, Pharmacy Department and one of the inaugural group of Dennis J. Thomson Compassionate Care Scholars in 2000. “You’re here for one reason—to help people feel better. That’s something you can hold onto and feel good about. This award showcases that sense of purpose to the entire hospital community." Last year's diverse group of Scholars—clinicians ranging from physicians to nurses to social workers to pharmacists to patient care assistants—were nominated by their peers for embodying the legacy of compassion, thoughtfulness and respect left by Thomson, the late vice president of Public Affairs. Two weeks now remain for nominating a Compassionate Care Scholar for the 2001 program, which is slightly modified from last year's program. This year, nominators are required to be leaders in the nominee's clinical area, and must be willing to provide the Scholar with the opportunity to develop and implement a small project to enhance compassionate care among their colleagues (such as a brown-bag lunch discussion, mentoring a new employee or conducting a survey in one’s clinical area). Nominators are asked to submit nominations by March 31, 2001. Bucey said that while he never knew Dennis Thomson personally, learning about his work at BWH has been inspiring. “Talking to the people about how much he was involved at the hospital, and realizing what kind of a person he was and what he stood for, has been an incredible experience. “To be mentioned in this group of extraordinary caregivers is quite an honor,” said Bucey. “I know some of the other award winners, and knowing the work they do every day, I am not surprised that they won this award.” Sara Brenner, MSW, addiction specialist, Department of Psychiatry, also served as a 2000 Compassionate Care Scholar. “Delivering compassionate care should be part of one’s daily work experience, but when you are recognized by your peers or colleagues, it gives you a sense that your work is appreciated and that you are making a difference,” said Brenner.
As a result of being a Scholar, Brenner has had the opportunity to work with the planning committee of the Schwartz Rounds. “That’s been a wonderful learning and hope-inspiring experience for me,” she said. “It’s one way that institutionally, compassionate care is being recognized and encouraged. So many of the staff here work in very emotionally-challenging settings. At the Schwartz Rounds, staff can come and talk about difficult cases and experiences, and about their own feelings on working in this kind of environment.” Keeping care compassionate every day can be difficult, Brenner said, but having a positive and encouraging work environment helps immensely. The support of her addiction specialist team in Psychiatry has been invaluable to her work. “This award has been a great recognition for my team as well,” she said. “Without them, I could not do the work I do.” For more information or to nominate a Scholar, visit the web site
http://healthcare.partners.org/bwhintranet
or call ext. 8985.