Adventist Health and Rideout Honors November and December 2024 BE Award Recipients

The BE award recognizes associates who exemplify Adventist Health "BE" statements (Be Love, Be a Force for Food, Be a Mission Owner, Be Welcoming, Be Curious, Be Brilliant). All Adventist Health and Rideout associates at the hospital, outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facility are eligible for nomination.

BE Award Recipient: Jennifer Gonzales
Department: Family Health
Submitted by: Julie Buck
BE Statement: Be Love

Julie Buck: “Jennifer encompasses all the Be Statements, but what shines the most is Be Love. She always has a smile on her face no matter what is happening or how hectic her day is. She works with our very busy pediatrician so she rarely gets a moment to breath, but she still offers to help her co-workers whenever she can. She shows such compassion and empathy for all her little patients and the parents recognize this and often compliment her on her professionalism and care. She always says yes when asked to volunteer for a community event that requires a pediatric presence. She is a true asset to not only our clinic but to the organization as a whole.”

BE Award Recipient: Mark Sullivan
Department: Mobility Team
Submitted by: Tram Reynaga
BE Statement: Be a Force for Good

Tram Reynaga: "Mark is one of the best patient mobility technicians I have ever had the opportunity to work with. I can't speak for the day shift nurses, but for a night shift nurse, I often see Mark during his last route in the ICU. Since I work nights, I only get to work with him once during his daily shift. However, I admire his consistency in completing his route before ending his shift, and he always offers his help. Mark is patient, careful, and great at communicating with patients to explain what he is doing. Sometimes, he makes my shift better. For instance, one night our unit did not have a resource nurse, and the charge nurse was busy attending to a critical patient while the other nurses were occupied. I needed extra hands to reposition and clean a sedated, intubated large patient. Mark came and took his time to help me, and together we managed to clean the patient and change all the linen efficiently, despite the challenge of just the two of us doing it. Our priority was to ensure the patient's comfort. ​

“I believe many night-shift nurses in the ICU remember Mark often doing his route around 8 pm. If we don't see Mark, we know he is probably off that day. Thank you Mark for all your help.”

BE Award Recipient: Sharon Murphy
Department: Family Health
Submitted by: Julie Buck
BE Statement: Be Curious

Julie Buck: "Sharon is the pure definition of ‘Be Curious’. She is always eager to learn new things and always volunteers to go to other clinics to help. The provider she worked directly with her at the Family Health Center recently retired so she has been floating around helping in other clinics when needed.

Our General Surgery clinic reached out needing help due to their high staff turnover. Sharon was aware of the chaos she was probably walking in to, but she said yes anyways. She has been covering at that clinic for almost a month. The practice manager for that clinic sent me a message thanking me for letting them borrow Sharon. Here is what she said:

'The providers and staff at General Surgery could not say enough great things about Sharon. They absolutely loved her. Every single staff member mentioned how helpful and efficient she is. Dr. Garcia and all the APPs begged to keep her. They said that they don't have any concerns when she is there, and they know she can handle anything they throw at her.'

I hear similar praises for her anytime she goes to other clinics and feel she needs to be recognized for her amazing 'can do' attitude.”

BE Award Recipient: Jessica Linton
Department: 3 East
Submitted by: Amanda Matarazzo & Viktoriya Melnik
BE Statement: Be a Force for Good

Amanda Matarazzo & Viktoriya Melnik: "Jessica comes to work every shift with a positive attitude, and it is so evident in her behavior and daily actions that she truly cares for her patients. Specifically, she went above and beyond as a force for good by showing immense compassion for a patient whose dog was taken to the pound when he was admitted.

Jessica had the compassion towards the patient and his dog and decided to take the dog in and take care of it while the patient received his treatment. Not only did Jessica take the dog into her life and took care of it, but she also spent her own money to buy toys, food and even a jacket for this pup. She keeps the patient updated with pictures and videos. ​It was one of the most kind, selfless acts I've ever witnessed.​

Jessica is a great example of how to be the force for Good!​”

BE Award Recipient: Sakinah Smith
Department: Patient Access
Submitted by: Maribel Kaney
BE Statement: Be Welcoming

Maribel Kaney: "Sakinah goes above and beyond for patients- she takes the time to do anything for them. Sakinah makes sure that the patients feel comfortable and welcome when they enter our facility, I have talked to the patients that stated Sakinah was helpful to them, and they feel welcome when they come into the hospital, I also have seen it myself. We appreciate all Sakinah does for our patients. As a patient, it's scary when they are coming to the hospital for the first time. Sakinah gives them re-assurance that everything is going to be Okay. Patients feel more comfortable knowing someone is by their side. Thank you Sakinah.”