Kuakini Health System

Employee of the Month Program

Each month one member of Kuakini's outstanding health care team is selected by Administration from the nominations submitted by fellow employees. The Employee of the Month receives a congratulatory plaque signed by the President and CEO and the Chair of the Board of Directors, a monetary award, and a laser-etched crystal in a ceremony held in the Administrative Board Room. The employee is also recognized with the posting of his/her photo in the lobby of the hospital and receives special parking privileges for one month in a designated stall.

May 2013 Dennis Josiah	November 2012 Rozanne Schirmer
April 2013 Dean Kaneshiro	October 2012 Jovencio "Jun" Luga
March 2013 Lelane Alvarico	September 2012 Jeffrey Roesener
February 2013 Hannah Gildener	August 2012 Eric Miura
January 2013 Gregory Feast	July 2012 Francis Acasio
December 2012 Sarah Yamada	June 2012 Leonora Cadelinia

Employee of the Month Profiles

May 2013

Dennis Josiah Emergency Services Technician I Emergency Services

Dennis Josiah joined Kuakini in 1980 as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) whose responsibilities included assisting with Medevac arrivals that came via the helipad atop the newly constructed Hale Pulama Mau building. “We used to get three to five Medevac patients each week,” Dennis said.

Several things have changed since then. Dennis’ job title is now Emergency Services Technician I, Medevac helicopters have not come to Kuakini for a long time and the former eight-bed Emergency Room is now a 16-bed Emergency Services facility.

“The ER is much busier now,” Dennis said. “I like being involved in patient care as well as the challenges and the camaraderie.”

His cheerful attitude and outstanding customer service skills were factors in his being chosen as Employee of the Month for May. His nominator noted Dennis’ dedication to Kuakini Medical Center and said “his caring and dedication knows no end.”

“Since caring is our tradition, this should be the standard for all Kuakini Health Care Team members,” Dennis said. He said he enjoys working collaboratively with the staff and helping with various department needs such as fixing equipment, ordering supplies, and restocking shelves.

“It is important to be self motivated and want to make a positive difference in someone’s life,” Dennis said. “I like learning from the people I deal with. There are a lot of good people working here at Kuakini. I am blessed to know them.”

Dennis has helped deliver several babies in the ER and has been given sound advice from older patients. He said cases involving abuse are tough. “You learn to deal with it and make the best of the different situations you encounter. I have learned a lot from the patients. I like making a positive impact on others,” Dennis said.

Dennis likes to golf, although he has not had time to do so for a couple of years. Besides keeping busy with housework, Dennis and his wife like to fix homes and then rent them out. His future plans include spending more time with his five grandchildren.

April 2013

Dean Kaneshiro Respiratory Therapist Cardio-Pulmonary Services

If Dean Kaneshiro had his way, his Employee of the Month recognition would be shared among all his co-workers in Cardio-Pulmonary Services. “This past year has been very busy for us and everyone has stepped up to help in the department,” Dean said. He acknowledges his teammates for going above and beyond their job responsibilities to provide good patient care.

Dean was chosen as April’s Employee of the Month because of his outstanding job performance and for providing good customer service. “When he is called to provide treatment or if a patient needs help, he comes right away. He talks professionally, does not have an attitude problem and gets along well with everybody,” wrote his nominator. He was also described as a hard working person and team player who exemplifies Kuakini’s Core Values.

“I like helping patients and seeing them improve. I like knowing that I had a positive impact on their life and their families,” Dean said. He said he feels good about being able to comfort patients and their families and make their situation easier to manage.

Dean joined the Kuakini Health Care Team in 1991 as a Certified Respiratory Technician who worked on weekends while he attended classes at Kapiolani Community College. In 1992, he became a full time Registered Respiratory Therapist at Kuakini. His current duties include providing patients with respiratory therapy, checking patients who are on ventilators, and administering pulmonary function tests to inpatients and outpatients in the Pulmonary Services Lab. He also makes daily assignments in the department and assists with payroll records.

Because of respiratory therapy’s role in patient care, “we get to go everywhere, meet everybody and interact with so many people,” Dean said. “There are good people in this organization (Kuakini Health System). The people here are the heart and soul of Kuakini. If I could, I would retire here,” Dean said.

Dean likes to fish. However, he works two weekends each month and prefers to spend time with his three-year old daughter on the weekends when he is not working. “I enjoy watching her grow up. Since I want to spend my weekend time wisely, I am lucky if I can go fishing twice a year,” Dean said.

March 2013

Lelane Alvarico Registered Nurse Makai IV

Registered Nurse Lelane Alvarico of Makai IV said earning the honor of Employee of the Month for March 2013 was “beyond her expectations.” While she was surprised by the award, her fellow Health Care Team members knew it was well deserved.

“Lelane (Lani) is an outstanding employee in many ways. She has a cheerful attitude and outstanding leadership (qualities). She is patient, compassionate, a hard worker, honest, dependable and has a great smile. Her warm nature and genuine concern for our patients are very reassuring to them. She is knowledgeable and skillful in all aspects of her job. Even on a stressful day, she maintains a level of professionalism while being positive,” said Unit Clerk Mely Nakasone, who was her nominator.

Lelane also shared glowing remarks about her Team. “Makai IV is one of the best floors,” she said. “We have a good team. We take care of each other. We have a good relationship. We help each other, especially when we get busy. You are not alone here. We have a wonderful, good boss. Jocelyn is great. I love to come to work.”

Mely also described Lelane as Makai IV’s “expert IV Nurse.” While she particularly enjoys wound care, Lelane also enjoys starting IVs. “I love it. It’s a matter of doing it. The more you do it, the better you get,” she said.

Lelane’s parents had hoped she pursued a pharmacy career after she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. However, her cousin, who was a nurse, sparked her interest in nursing. She started as a nurses aide on Makai IV shortly after she moved to Hawaii from the Philippines in 1989. She remained with Makai IV when she became a licensed practical nurse and then an RN in 1992 after completing the Nightingale Program at Kuakini. “I love it,” said Lelane. “I grew up here (on Makai IV) in my nursing career. Every aspect of my job - I love everything.”

When not at work, Lelane sometimes goes shopping with her coworkers. She also enjoys spending time with her two children, who keep her busy with their tennis and soccer activities.

February 2013

Hannah Gildener Medical Social Worker Medical Social Work

Medical Social Worker Hannah Gildener was told by a resident’s family that they had nominated her for the Employee of the Month. However, she was still surprised to learn she earned the award for February 2013. “What an honor it was to be recognized for something I consider my responsibility,” Hannah said. “It is heart warming and appreciated.”

Hannah received six nominations for Employee of the Month. Her nominators complimented her pleasant personality and friendly demeanor. “Hannah has been an outstanding social worker and shows her concern and care for my mother. She has also provided great support to our family (for) which we are indebted to her. She definitely deserves the Employee of the Month,” said one nominator.

“She’s a very down to earth person,” said another nominator and coworker. “She makes the unit fun to work in with all her beautiful smiles.”

Hannah, who is the social worker for Kuakini’s Intermediate Care Facilities, reciprocates many of the same feelings about her fellow team members. “We have amazing nursing staff and activities. I couldn’t do it without them. They make it a fun place. Their loving and caring attitude is apparent and you feel good when you are there. The staff is willing to go above and beyond,” she said.

Hannah grew up in Kona and earned her degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Hawaii (UH) at Hilo. She moved to Oahu and earned her master’s degree in Social Work from UH at Manoa. Prior to joining the Kuakini Health Care Team nearly four years ago, she worked as a graduate assistant at the State Hospital.

“I’ve always wanted to help people – better understand them and help them through difficult times – help improve whatever they are going through.” While fitting every thing she would like to do in one day can be difficult, she does her utmost to provide compassionate care. “It’s really about being there and listening to the families. As a social worker, you offer them that time – be their advocate. You are the bridge between the family and staff.”

In her free time, you might find her at the Farmer’s Market at Kapiolani Community College and spending time with her rabbit named Otter. Hannah lives in Waikiki, but often flies back to Kona to visit her family.

January 2013

Gregory Feast Registered Nurse OTED-Makai III

“Make it a great day today. Give good care to your patients.” “Let’s make OTED #1!” These are examples of encouraging phrases that Registered Nurse Greg Feast of Orientation, Training, Education and Development-Makai III (OTED) would write on his unit’s whiteboard. Prior to attending Kuakini’s new customer service classes, he took it upon himself to improve his customer service skills and helped motivate others to do the same.

According to one of his nominators, “Greg is a team player. He takes feedback in a positive way…I believe Greg is a model for other staff to emulate.” He was also mentioned during a management meeting as a good example of an employee practicing Kuakini’s new customer service initiatives and making a difference.

Greg said that he was “shocked” to learn that he was the Employee of the Month. “You just think, ‘I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do.’ I guess I try to motivate people, that is because I care – I truly, truly care,” he said. “I’m all about teamwork. It can be hard when it’s very busy...But there is a light at the end of the rainbow. If you have good people and you work together, you can do anything. If we do it together, it doesn’t matter if it’s a bad day. We can make it a good day.”

Greg started at Kuakini in OTED as a licensed practical nurse after moving to Hawaii from San Jose, CA in 2003. He completed the program at Kapiolani Community College and became a registered nurse in December 2011. After about 10 years in OTED, Greg joined Kuakini’s Emergency Services team in January 2013.

Greg loves being able to see patients get well and being there for families in difficult times. He originally considered a career as a flight attendant, but is happy with his choice in nursing. “I always loved science. I was fascinated by the human body and our bodies’ capabilities. I still am. Now, I’m in love with the profession. I’m dedicated to my profession, dedicated to Kuakini. I love the philosophy of caring. I like that we are like a family and we just don’t say that. We really are (a family.)”

When not at work, you might find Greg, the self proclaimed Netflix addict, reading, gardening or watching horror movies. Congratulations, Greg!

December 2012

Sarah Yamada Radiologic Technologist Imaging Services - Radiology

A knee injury led Radiologic Technologist Sarah Yamada to eventually joining the Kuakini Health Care Team. “I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) several years ago and it made me think about X-ray (radiology). So something good came out of my injury,” said Sarah. “After my MRI, I thought, ‘This is something I can see myself doing.’”

Sarah worked as a student in Imaging Services for a year and officially joined the Kuakini staff in 2006 after her graduation from Kapiolani Community College. Prior to that, she worked as a bartender.

“X-ray is kind of like artwork. You have to think about what you’re doing and fine tune it,” said Sarah. Her skills in Imaging Services have earned her the Employee of the Month recognition for December 2012.

According to her nominator, Sarah makes patients very comfortable as they go through their X-ray procedures. With a smile, she brings them warm blankets and explains everything to them before the procedure takes place. “Sarah exemplifies Kuakini’s core values of caring and respect,” said her nominator.

“Wow. I was a little shocked,” said Sarah about her award. “Thank you for the appreciation. It makes me feel good that I’m appreciated.”

Sarah enjoys working in Imaging Services and working in patient care. “I like the people I work with - makes it nice to come to work each day. I’d like to thank them for being supportive. We make a good team. Team work – that’s what gets us through the day. The hardest part is driving in traffic.”

Outside of Kuakini, Sarah enjoys going to the beach, hiking, working out and spending time with her four-legged babies – three dogs and one cat.

Congratulations, Sarah!

November 2012

Rozanne Schirmer Registered Nurse Chemotherapy

Registered nurse Rozanne “Roze” Schirmer originally went to school in the mainland to study engineering, but decided it wasn’t for her. At her mother’s suggestion, she attended nursing school at the University of Hawaii (UH) and loved it.

Roze joined the Kuakini Health Care Team after graduating from UH five years ago. She started in the Medical-Surgical Float Pool, went on to work in Makai 5 and joined Chemotherapy in 2010. “I love it here,” said Roze. “I love working with people - love what I do here.”

“This bright young woman not only fit in (at Chemotherapy), but proved to be an exceptional staff member,” said her nominator Laurieann Ishikawa and fellow Chemotherapy staff member. “She believes, as we do, that our department and our hospital is one of the best and deserves the best from each of us. She has learned her job very well – she also helped to create new forms and update old policies. Our patients love her and she cares for them as well. She is willing to learn new things and assists in familiarizing students with Chemo. She is an asset to our department and our Health System – we are all lucky to have her.”

“A great big thank you for recognizing me,” said Roze. “I didn’t know it was that much of an impact – how I work with patients. I’m grateful for being recognized for the work I do. Thanks to the girls here for taking me under their wing. They are very patient.”

The best part of Roze’s job is working with Kuakini’s staff and patients. “Everyone feels like family. I like the closeness. Everyone is friendly,” she said. The close-knit relationships in Chemotherapy also make it difficult when dealing with the loss of patients who they have come to know and care about. “It can be hard dealing with families when they’ve lost loved ones. We get so close to them. We get sad, too. We do a lot of talking and are open with them about feelings. Families come back here to visit us. We take the time to listen to them and let them cry – reassure them that they did everything that they could.”

Roze grew up in Waipahu and now lives in Kunia, close to her family. She joked that lately the hardest part of her job was waking up in the morning, considering that she is now 7 ½ months pregnant. She and her husband eagerly await their first born, but they also have two dogs that are like their children. When she can, Roze enjoys the ocean and outdoor activities.

October 2012

Jovencio “Jun” Luga Senior Respiratory Therapist Pulmonary Therapy

Senior Respiratory Therapist Jovencio “Jun” Luga’s childhood experiences helped shape his career path. “My mom said that when I was small, I was always sick,” he said. “I had asthma, just like my small daughter. But eventually I grew out of it.”

Jun finds it rewarding to help others who suffer from respiratory issues. He said that the best part of his job is when patients recover and return home.

Jun received several glowing nominations from his fellow Pulmonary Therapy Team members who described him as authentic, encouraging, friendly, filled with integrity, motivating and much more. “Jun’s positive energy serves as an exceptional role model for our Respiratory/Cardiopulmonary team. He is very encouraging and supportive with us. The Kuakini cardiopulmonary/respiratory staff is very fortunate and honored to have Jun as part of our team and leader,” said one nominator.

Another nominator described his leadership qualities. “He leads by example and has a ‘can do’ attitude. Jun always wears a smile, listens with an open mind, and treats everyone with respect. It doesn’t matter who you are or what position you hold. Jun makes sure we all know that everyone is equally important to our team.”

“We, the staff, find him highly enjoyable to work with and for. Jun takes very good care of us and we truly appreciate all he does. He truly is one-of-a-kind. His motto is, ‘Here at Kuakini, we aim to please!’” said another nominator.

Jun was surprised and overwhelmed by his recognition. “Thank you for the nomination,” he said. “It’s an honor to receive this. I’ve been here for 20 years and never expected this. It’s like winning a Grammy award. Words cannot express the feeling. It’s not me who actually deserves this award, it’s my department. It’s the Department of the Month award. It’s because of them that I got Employee of the Month. We work as a family. The respect is there.”

His time at Kuakini started while he was a student with Kapiolani Community College. After graduation, he officially joined the Health Care Team in May 1992.

When not at work, Jun trains for his second Honolulu Marathon in December. He also teaches handgun courses at Koko Head Shooting Complex.

September 2012

Jeffrey Roesener Pharmacist Pharmacy

Pharmacist Jeffrey Roesener was embarrassed by his Employee of the Month recognition, but also very appreciative. “Thank you to whoever nominated me. I was very surprised,” he said.

Jeffrey might be more surprised to learn that he was nominated by 12 other employees. His nominators listed many reasons why he deserved the award, some of which are listed below.

“Jeff is always willing to help change any medication problem that arises on night shift. He takes the time to explain confusing stuff. I love working with Jeff. I don’t want him to go on vacation.”

“Always willing to help with such a great attitude. Thank you, Jeff.”

“He’s great in emergencies – calm and professional.”

“Awesome team player. He is certainly a joy to work with.”

“He is always willing to assist nurses with medication questions. He verifies medications accurately so we can give stat medications rapidly.”

“Always pleasant to staff and patients – going beyond (what is) necessary to help us, no matter how busy he is.”

“All I know is that Jeff is always the best.”

“During emergent situations, he is always ‘on the ball’ with meds.”

“There are so many people at Kuakini – in the Pharmacy and on the floors that deserve this (honor). Thank you to everyone in the Pharmacy for covering for me on my days off,” said Jeffrey. “I try to help out the nurses and do what I can. Their job is very difficult. My wife is a nurse (at Kuakini). I hear about how tough it can be.”

Jeffrey met his wife, Marlene, at Kuakini shortly after he started the part-time night shift position in 1983. He became a full-time employee on the night shift in 1986. Prior to joining the Health Care Team, he worked in the Chemistry department doing research at the University of Hawaii.

His interest in pharmacy was sparked as a high school student in Cincinnati, Ohio during a tour of a hospital. Jeffrey got his first job in the Sterile Processing Department at that same hospital while he was still in high school. He later transferred to its Pharmacy department during college.

When Jeffrey and Marlene are not working at Kuakini, they are working on their home in Kaneohe. “We’re always renovating the house. We added three bedrooms and bathrooms. We always have fun. We do all the work on it,” said Jeffrey.

August 2012

Eric Miura Patient Care Coordinator ICU, CCU, CCFP

Eric Miura, Patient Care Coordinator of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) and Critical Care Float Pool (CCFP) was embarrassed to be nominated as Employee of the Month for August 2012. “My first thought was, ‘Who would do such a thing?’” said Eric, who humbly accepted the award.

His nominator complimented him on managing such high intensity departments while demonstrating all of Kuakini’s seven core values – quality, caring, ownership, pride, teamwork, respect and responsibility – which were all listed on his nomination form. “It’s busy and it can be hard,” said Eric about working in the ICU and CCU. “You have to be sensitive with the families – they’re not used to seeing their family (member) really sick like this.”

While paperwork is not one of the highlights of his job, Eric enjoys working in the ICU and CCU where he can apply critical thinking nursing skills. He also admitted that working with his staff was the best part of his job. “I like my staff. They’re really good. I think they’re great nurses.

Eric, a registered nurse, served as Assistant PCC of ICU, CCU and CCFP since November 2010 before being appointed the PCC in January 2012. He joined Kuakini as a Licensed Practical nurse about a decade ago and has worked in the Medical-Surgical Float Pool; the Orientation, Training and Education Department (OTED); and the Progressive Care Unit. “Kuakini is a smaller hospital. It’s easy to get to know everyone. If not by name, then by face,” he said.

Eric has more than 20 years of health care experience, which includes his time as a medic in the military in the late 1980s. The GI Bill helped him through nursing school at Kapiolani Community College. He also worked in the restaurant L’Uraku while going to school.

When not hard at work, Eric enjoys hanging out and playing basketball with his two sons, who are ages 10 and 13.

July 2012

Francis Acasio Food Service Worker Dietary Services–Kuakini Medical Center

Food Service Worker Francis Acasio lives near Kuakini and walks or rides his bike to work each day. Although he may seldom use the free month of parking that he received with his Employee of the Month award, he considered it a happy bonus and was very honored to be recognized.

“Thank you – thank you very much. I appreciate it a lot,” said Francis. “I like working at Kuakini. I’m happy here. Over here (at Kuakini), it is so friendly. It doesn’t matter how hard the job is as long as you’re happy.”

Francis moved to Hawaii from the Philippines in December 1995. Although English is not his first language, he has been able to communicate well with patients and provide them with a positive experience when he passes food trays during lunch and dinner.

“He is always smiling and friendly to patients, staff and family,” said the physician who nominated him. “When he passes the food trays to patients, he introduces himself, smiles and tells the patient, ‘Enjoy the food.’ He is a fine example of our outstanding customer service to our patients and their families.”

Francis, who joined the Health Care Team in December 2006, said he was surprised to learn he was the Employee of the Month. “I just do my job and follow what I’m supposed to do. I serve them good and give them a smile. When you make people happy, you become happy, too.”

Francis spends most of his free time with his 2-year-old granddaughter. “Before, I would go fishing. Now, I go fish at Tamashiro (Market).”

June 2012

Leonora Cadelinia Nurse Aide Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) 5

When Nurse Aide Leonora Cadelinia rushed to the ICF 5 solarium for an end of the month meeting, she walked in, said she had been busy helping a resident, and apologized for being late. As she sat down, Leonora noticed there was a cake with her name on it in front of her. She thought, “It’s not my birthday, what’s going on?” It was then that she was informed that she was going to be Kuakini’s Employee of the Month for June.

“I was happy and honored,” said Leonora. “I am thankful for being chosen. Thank you to everyone for being so nice,” she said.

Both of Leonora’s nominators praised her for being the “best” nurse aide. “She’s always there if we need help,” said one nominator.

She has been working on ICF 5 since she joined the Kuakini Health Care Team in 1991. Before that, she worked as a nurse aide in a convalescent center on the North Shore. “I wanted to work closer to my home in Salt Lake so I am glad I got the job at Kuakini,” said Leonora, who was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

Leonora works the 11 p.m. – 7:30 a.m. night shift. She said it can get quite busy because residents may get restless, need help walking or need assistance when going to the restroom. “But I like this work because it’s good exercise for me to get up and walk around to the rooms throughout my shift,” she said.

“I love to take care of people so I’m happy when I’m caring for residents,” said Leonora. She said she also enjoys working at Kuakini because of her co-workers. “Everyone works well together. We have teamwork and we respect each other,” she said.

After she leaves Kuakini, Leonora is still in her “caring” mode. Besides taking care of household chores and chauffeuring one of her two sons to school activities, Leonora takes care of her 94 year-old mother and a neighbor. As a result, she said her hobby is cooking – to make sure everyone is well fed.

“I hope to continue working at Kuakini for as long as I can,” said Leonora. “I love this kind of job!”