Marcia Enga   Registered Nurse Gastrointestinal Services

The cake and juice pitchers in her department piqued Registered Nurse Marcia Enga’s curiosity, but her coworker, Grace, distracted her with errands before she had a chance to investigate further. When she returned to G.I. Services, Marcia was surprised to discover that the cake had her name on it and that she was the Employee of the Month.

“Marcia goes beyond being an excellent nurse and caring person,” said her nominator. “When she is on duty, she makes sure the patient/case load flow is most efficient for the patient, staff and physician. She looks out for the welfare of all her patients, as attested by the glowing comments from the patient questionnaires; and keeps lines of communication open between fellow coworkers.”

The best part of Marcia’s job is working with patients, who typically return after a few years for repeat visits. “It’s nice seeing them again,” she said. Receiving a colonoscopy can be a nerve wracking experience, but Marcia often succeeds in making the patients feel comfortable. “I had colon cancer. I experienced going through it. I know how they feel. I can empathize with them. When you had cancer – I don’t know how to explain it – you can relate to them (patients) differently.”

Not only does she work well with patients, but she maintains excellent relationships with doctors and staff. “Recently, Marcia noted that a new physician to KMC felt ‘lost’ at our institution, so she personally took him on a tour to every patient floor, including ER, to introduce him to the staff and doctors in each area. The physician was so impressed and thankful for this extra TLC,” her nominator said. She was also praised for helping maintain a clutter-free environment in the lounge, work areas and special supply closet.

Marcia, a University of Hawaii Nursing School graduate, started at Kuakini in 1988 as a nurse on Makai 4 and moved to G.I. Services 12 years ago. “I enjoy working with the patients and the staff. We’re a very a cohesive group – a small group. We really work well together. It’s a team effort. I can’t stress that enough,” said Marcia. Prior to joining the Health Care Team, she worked as a Medical Surgical Staff Nurse for St. Francis Healthcare System.

When not at work, Marcia enjoys caring for her two dogs, a corgi named Hachi and a poodle called Peep, at her home in Aiea. She also enjoys spending time with friends, watching action movies, and reading medical mysteries.

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June 2010

Earlyn Koizumi Manager Dietary Services

Earlyn Koizumi, Manager, Dietary Services, describes herself as a nosy person. For that reason, Administration and her staff pulled off an impressive act by surprising her with an Employee of the Month celebration. “I was totally caught off guard,” said Earlyn. “Curtis, the cook, asked me to check on the chicken that was delivered the day before because it didn’t look right. Just when I was going to ask what was wrong with it, everyone appeared.”

“My wife has been a patient and resident of Kuakini for over 15 months – the past nine months at ICF 4,” said Mr. Takashi Omiya, Earlyn’s nominator. “Being here 10 to 14 hours each day, I help my wife with the breakfast, noon and dinner meals. The weekly cycle menu is nourishing and tasty and better than many of the family restaurants. The weekly cycle menu has variety and favors all ethnic patients and residents. In addition, the Dining Room and Cafeteria is the best of the island hospitals and nursing facilities. It offers hot menu items, grill menu items, salad bar and soup varieties. Also, there are specials during the week – pan pizza, make your own sandwiches and spaghetti with different sauces. As Manager of Dietary Services, she contributes to the success of KMC and the Health Care Team.”

This month marks Earlyn’s 34th anniversary with Kuakini. Her first full-time job after college was working as a floor dietitian at Kuakini. “Patient care is my first love. When I’m up on the floor, it is like my refuge. I find peace of mind. Although I’m hardly up there, only if there is a problem,” she said. Earlyn worked her way up through the years and became Manager in 2008.

Earlyn attended Whittier College for two years before returning home to finish her BS at the University of Hawaii. She then completed her dietetic internship at St. Paul-Ramsey Hospital in Minnesota before joining the Health Care Team. “I actually like the science stuff,” said Earlyn. “How food is digested and how nutrients help the body – that fascinated me.”

She attributes her long career at Kuakini to the people she works with. “I’m here for the people. I look forward to work every day. There isn’t any where else I would want to work in regards to health care. Since Dietary is a service department, a goal of mine is to make sure my employees know and feel that what they do matters. Each person is important to provide good service to our patients, residents and customers. Dietary is what it is because of them,” Earlyn said.

Earlyn’s day starts at 7 a.m. and is filled with following up on emails, addressing problems as they arise, signing invoices and creating new logs and checklists. She often heads out of the office around 5:30 or 6:30 p.m.

If she had free time, Earlyn would bake cookies and travel. She often visits her son in California and her daughter in Denver. She also enjoys taking pictures and creating slide shows and scrapbooks. As a member of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, she takes time-off each year around Labor Day to help with the Okinawan Festival.

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Marilyn Shimabuku   Nurse Aide Makai IV

Nurse Aide Marilyn Shimabuku said she was speechless, shocked and thankful when she was surprised with the honor of Employee of the Month for May 2010. However, she was not the first to earn the honor in her family. Her son received the same title two years ago at Zippy’s in Kapahulu.

While many of her coworkers celebrated her recognition, it was a student nurse who nominated her. “Marilyn is very helpful and willing to do anything to help out,” said her nominator. “As a student nurse working in a new environment, it is very hard to begin with. But Marilyn showed me the way and made a lot of difference. Her help is priceless.”

Marilyn always strives to help student nurses as much as possible. “It’s hard if you didn’t know the floor, so you should offer your help,” she said. “They are so appreciative. Pretty soon they will be the nurses.”

Marilyn grew up in Camiling, Tarlac in the Philippines, but moved to Hawaii from Manila in 1988. She worked as a nurse aide at Oahu Care when she started at Kuakini as a part-time housekeeper. In less than a year, she received a full-time housekeeping position, which allowed her to quit her second job.

In 1999, after much prodding from her sister-in-law, Marilyn applied for and earned a nurse aide float pool position. “I was so nervous during the interview,” she said. “It was my first time being a nurse aide in a hospital. Gayle Oshima was the clinician who taught me. It was a new challenge – an upgrade. I had the self confidence to apply.”

She also celebrates her 21st anniversary as a Kuakini employee in May 2010. “It’s just like family, said Marilyn. “We know everybody here and smile at each other. I don’t know all the people I say ‘hi’ to, but we all say ‘hi’.”

Marilyn enjoys her job and making the patients happy. She is also known to tell jokes. “If you enjoy your job, you ignore the stress. It can be good fun sometimes,” said Marilyn. “Sometimes they scold me cause I laugh too loud. Laughter is the best medicine!”

In her free time, Marilyn loves to cook and recreate recipes she found in the newspaper. She also enjoys window shopping at Ala Moana, which is near her home. Although she doesn’t buy anything, she enjoys pretending she does. But Marilyn does not allow herself too many days away from work to enjoy her hobbies. “If I’m on vacation I want to come back,” she said. “I miss the 'ding' of the call lights.”

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April 2010

Lorraine Sato   Registered Nurse Makai 5

Registered Nurse Lorraine Sato’s day took an interesting twist on March 31 as she went about her work in Makai 5. “My PCC (Patient Care Coordinator) grabbed me and said, ‘I have to talk to you.’ And when I saw the cake, I was totally shocked,” said Lorraine, who was pulled into a surprise celebration to honor her as April’s Employee of the Month.

“It’s an honor,” said Lorraine. “I really don’t think I deserve it. There are others who deserve it more than I do I just couldn’t believe it.”

Her nominator could not have disagreed with her more. “The first time I worked with her, she was very friendly. She is the one who introduced me to the staff. She is a good mentor and taught me things as a new nurse’s aide. I observed that she practiced the core values of Kuakini (when she was) with workers, patients and visitors,” said Edsel Tumbagon.

Lorraine said she ‘got her foot in the door’ at Kuakini as a nurse’s aide during a summer before rejoining the Health Care Team as a registered nurse in February 1980. Although she spent her entire nursing career at Kuakini, she worked a brief stint in the pineapple cannery. “I would come home with pineapple burns from the acid in the juice. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do that for an entire summer.”

While very different from cannery life, Lorraine said there is never a dull moment on Makai 5. Her day is filled with assessing patients, dispensing medications and meals, checking orders and charting. She admitted that there are days she would like to be somewhere else, but she has never been fond of change and she enjoys her fellow Health Care Team members. “I like the people I work with and in the ancillary departments – PT, OT, Pharmacy, Lab, X-ray – they are all great people to work with. It’s been a nice match for me,” she said. She has also enjoyed talking with patients and wishes she had more time with them.

Lorraine graduated from Campbell High School and the University of Hawaii. She grew up in Ewa, but now lives in Waipahu. When away from work, she can be found buried in a magazine or mystery novel. Lorraine loves to travel and hopes to do more of it when she retires. She has already explored Japan, Canada and different parts of the United States, but her love of animals will hopefully lead her to the next exotic location. “I’ve always wanted to go to Africa.”

Congratulations, Lorraine!

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March 2010

Troy Pershing   Medical Technologist Laboratory

Almost 20 years ago, Troy Pershing, Medical Technologist, started working the evening shift in Kuakini’s Laboratory. “It was a good first job to get my feet wet,” said Troy. “And I got stuck.”

According to his nominator, who has worked with Troy for more than 15 years, “He (Troy) has worked in obscurity for too long and I would like to see him get some recognition for his loyalty and dedication to the Lab and Kuakini Medical Center.” The nomination form also praised Troy for his outstanding performance of duties, demonstration of special skills, positive attitude, willingness to learn, ability to work well with others, and support toward improving the quality of the Health System.

Despite his glowing nomination, Troy was surprised to receive the honor of Employee of the Month for March 2010. “There are a number of people on the night shift that I see that deserve the same honor. Nothing that I do is special,” he said. Troy spoke as highly of his team in the Lab as his nominator did of him. “I attribute the honor to the people I work with. We work as a team. If it was a solo job, it wouldn’t be done as efficient. There are a number of us that went to school at UH. Chemistry made a bond between us. Pardon the pun. That’s not something that comes easy. You appreciate it when you have it.”

He moved often as a child and described himself as a “military bratticus” that enjoyed science. Troy attended high school in Arizona and Minnesota before graduating from Choctawhatchee High School in Florida. He then enrolled at the University of Hawaii. “I had the motive of windsurfing at the time, but didn’t realize college takes a lot of work. But I don’t regret it,” said Troy. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and interned at Tripler Army Medical Center before joining the Kuakini Health Care Team.

Troy lives with his family in Mililani. He picked up several hobbies like hockey, windsurfing, surfing and biking while travelling around the country. These days, he spends his free time with his six-year-old son, Keith. “He’s my hobby now,” said Troy. “He’s at the age where he still wants to hold my hand going to school. In a few years that will be shelved.”

Congratulations Troy!

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Leonarda Ramirez   Housekeeper Environmental Services

Housekeeper Leonarda “Leonie” Ramirez requested a few hours off, but her Manager, Dane Kaneshiro, asked her to come in for an important staff meeting. To her surprise, the staff meeting was called to recognize Leonie as the Employee of the Month for February 2010.

“It was embarrassing,” said Leonie. “I thought, ‘Why me?’”

Leonie’s nominator answered that question in her nomination form. It said, “She is always pleasant and willing to do anything and everything to keep Kuakini clean. She is nice to everyone…never shows unhappiness or negativity. Leonarda is certainly an asset to Kuakini.” She was also described as someone who demonstrates Kuakini’s core values and contributes to the success of the Health System and its programs and services.

Leonie started at Kuakini the day after Christmas in 1989 as a relief housekeeper. Today, she cleans the Mauka 1 and 2 areas within Hale Kuakini as well as the Honolulu Heart Program and Executive Health Program offices in the Kuakini Physicians Tower.

“I work hard and try my best,” Leonie said. “I like to work. It’s like a second home over here. There are nice people to work with.” Leonie spends many of her lunch breaks sharing food with her co-workers and enjoying their company.

Prior to joining Kuakini, she worked as a housekeeper at La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls and a condominium.

Leonie grew up in a large family and is one of nine siblings. Originally from Luzon, Philippines, she moved to Hawaii in 1971. She now lives in the Lanakila area with her mother and two of her four children.

Leonie’s Saturdays are spent cleaning houses to supplement her income. In her free time, she enjoys Filipino soap operas, going to the movies – especially action movies, and attending church on Sundays.

Congratulations, Leonie!

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January 2010

Cheryl Tanaka   Care Management Coordinator Care Management

Care Management Coordinator Cheryl Tanaka’s Employee of the Month (EOM) presentation started off as a normal department meeting. Senior Vice President Gregg Oishi informed them that the President and CEO would be joining them. But when Gary Kajiwara entered the Medical Social Work office, a long line of Kuakini Health Care Team members followed him. “It was really weird,” said Cheryl. “When I saw Joy [Matsui] come in, that’s when I knew something was up.”

The crowd of people who came to congratulate her was a reflection of Cheryl’s personable nature. “Working with different people, patients, doctors, and colleagues makes life interesting. People come back with different perspectives,” she said. “I talk to lots of families and doctors each day.”

Cheryl’s typical days begins with paperwork and charts. She then talks with physicians, nurses and patients to determine realistic discharge plans. “Cheryl works really hard to discharge patients on a timely basis,” said her nominator Jocelyn Ignacio, who was the January 2009 EOM. “She works well with physicians and staff, takes the time to visit patients as well as do a thorough discharge planning assessment.”

Cheryl enjoys talking with people and maintains a great rapport with everyone. For this reason, the hardest part of her job is telling them bad news, such as not being able to transfer a patient. “It’s hard not being able to give patients or physicians the answers they want. Sometimes what they want is not realistic,” she said.

The people are the reason why Cheryl has worked at Kuakini for 30 years. “Everyone is an Employee of the Month,” said Cheryl. “I have had the opportunity to see people grow…see my staff grow and become head nurses.” Her fellow employees also helped Cheryl get through the difficult periods while her son was away at war. He recently returned home from his second deployment.

Cheryl joined Kuakini after completing nursing school at the University of Hawaii. During her tenure, she served as a staff nurse, head nurse, and nursing supervisor before joining the Care Management office five years ago.

She put herself through nursing school by working at the well-known Arakawa’s store in her hometown of Waipahu. Cheryl now lives in Kapolei with her husband and two children. She was very active in her children’s extra-curricular activities, but now that they are adults, she enjoys making crystal charms, reading and spending time with her husband in her free time. She is also known to donate her time at Kuakini’s various health fairs and events.

Congratulations Cheryl!

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December 2009

Estrellita Lapurga   Skilled Nursing Facility Nurse Assistant SNF VI

According to her nominator, SNF Nurse Assistant Estrellita (Ester) Lapurga demonstrates all of Kuakini’s core values. But Ester also lives by her three “Rs”: Respect for yourself, Respect for others, and Responsibility for your actions. “If you respect others, they will respect you,” said Ester. “And whatever you do, you are accountable.”

Her excellent Customer Care service was recognized by her nominator, Mr. Takashi Omiya. “Estrellita, known as “Ester”, is nominated for her outstanding service to my 84-year-old wife and other elder patients and residents at SNF6,” said Mr. Omiya. “She takes pride in her work – providing caring service with patience and kindness. Her cheerful attitude, encouraging words and gentle touch makes my wife comfortable and feel good.”

Ester loves working with the elderly and treats them like family. “My mom is also elderly, so I can express myself like family to them,” she said. “I do my best to get everything done, and do it well – make the residents comfortable, happy and safe. My patients come first. I make them my priority before my personal things.”

Mr. Omiya recognized her work ethic and said, “She truly contributes to make Kuakini’s SNF the best in Hawaii.”

Ester, skilled at teaching and sharing with others, is often asked to familiarize new hires. During her new employee orientations, Ester tells them about the three “Rs”. She also shares with them her personal motto, “If you make a mistake, take steps immediately to correct it.”

She believes learning is an ongoing process and learns a lot from her work colleagues and residents, as they all come from various ethnicities. “Everyone has different customs and traditions. We exchange knowledge with each other. I learn from them and they learn from me,” said Ester.

After moving from Olongapo City in the Philippines, she worked at Tripler Army Medical Center for a year. Ester then started at Kuakini Medical Center as a Nurse Aide in the Medical Surgical Unit on September 15, 1980. After six years, she transferred to Kuakini Geriatric Care, Inc. in the Skilled Nursing Facility. She has also worked as part-time interpreter for the Department of Health’s Bilingual Health Service since 1992.

In her free time, Ester does household chores and watches The Filipino Channel at her home in Waianae. When she can, she enjoys a little shopping. “I’m more busy at home than at work,” she said.

While her award presentation was a surprise, Ester humbly accepted it with open arms and hopes to be an example to others. “This reward is very meaningful to me. I would like to thank my nominator, Mr. Takashi Omiya for recognizing me for Employee of the Month based on what he saw with his wife. Thank you also to Val Falle (SNF Patient Care Coordinator) and all my co-team players. I owe it all to them. From the top, I thank God, my family, myself, our PCC, Supervisor, and my team players. Amen.”

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Joy Matsui   Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer Services

When Volunteer Coordinator Joy Matsui showed up for a meeting in the boardroom, she did not know what to expect. “I looked around, it was a mish mash of people (from different departments),” she said. “I thought, ‘Wait a minute. What kind of meeting is this?’ There was no rhyme or reason. It was a surprise!” The surprise was that she earned the honor of being Employee of the Month for the second time. Joy also earned the Employee of the Month award in September 2000.

“We, the volunteers, love Joy,” said nominator and Volunteer Karen Sumida. “We appreciate her outstanding leadership in the volunteer office. She is a great encourager of volunteerism and a great example of leadership for our young adults and youth volunteers. She is always upbeat.”

Joy considers working with the volunteers the best part of her job. “They are all very special people to give their time,” said Joy. “They are here from the goodness of their hearts. They are a different breed. I don’t think there is a hard part when you enjoy what you do.”

Joy started at Kuakini in March 1984 as a part-time unit clerk. She became a full-time employee in the Orthopedic Surgical Unit located in Waikiki 1, which is now Ambulatory Care Services. After seven years, Joy went on to serve as the Medical-Surgical Unit Manager. She transferred to Volunteer Services in October 2001.

“Here, to me, it’s family. We’re all dependent on one another. Although I was nominated for Employee of the Month for November, to me it’s everyone here that made this special honor possible. It’s not just one person,” said Joy.

Originally from Hilo, Joy moved to Oahu to attend Kapiolani Community College. She worked for a private radiology office for 12 years before joining the Kuakini Health Care Team.

Joy currently lives in Kapahulu. In her free time, you will probably find her shopping at a craft fair or spending time with her nieces.

Congratulations Joy!

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October 2009