OM recently put it to the readership to shout out moments of inspiration from their teams. From big gestures for patients, to changes in perspective here’s how staff members inspired their practice.
PAWS ON OUR HEARTS
Brianna Maniera, a certified ophthalmic assistant at Vance Thompson Vision, Sioux Falls, S.D., helped comfort an elderly patient who presented for her appointment.
“Through conversation, Brianna found out the patient’s dog had died. The patient was an elderly lady who lived alone,” Jason Schmit, OD, and Larae Zimprich, OD, FAAO, two optometrists at Vance Thompson Vision, write in their submission. “Once the patient had been worked up, Brianna left for the store and bought a basket filled with things that might comfort this patient.”
Included in the care package: a blanket, a candle, and a picture frame emblazoned with: “Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts.” The package was paid for using a $100 stipend given to each staff member to spend on patients in need of cheering up, said Drs. Schmit and Zimprich.
“This patient was filled with joy and was crying in the exam room. Brianna is an inspiring member of our Vance Thompson Vision family, and we’re proud to work alongside of her every day,” the optometrists wrote.
PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING
Krystal Dominguez, scribe and support staff member at Center for Sight, Carmel, Ind., recently challenged an observation from Austin Lifferth, OD, by and providing a welcomed change in perspective for that clinic day.
In describing the interaction, Dr. Lifferth says: “About halfway through the day, I recall commenting to Ms. Dominguez, ‘Today has been a really busy day with some very challenging patients!’
“She wisely, naturally, and quickly replied, ‘Yes, we have been able to help a lot of people with their eye health today.’
“Her response immediately changed how I looked at our day, and changed how I looked at the rest of our busy afternoon.”
Dr. Lifferth adds: “Perspective is everything — and we are fortunate to work with support staff, such as Krystal, who can help us re-center our patient approach and our patient care.”
SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH US
We have more moments of inspiration to share next month! If you are an OD who has a story you’d like to share, we would love to hear from you! Submit your story to Robert.stoneback@broadcastmed.com, with the subject line “Inspiring Staff.” OM
DID YOU KNOW?
Employees who receive recognition in the workplace are five times more likely to find a path for growth within the organization, four times more likely to be actively engaged, and five times more likely to feel connected to their workplace culture, according to a 2022 workplace recognition study performed by Gallup and human resources services company Workhuman.
For employee recognition to be effective in buoying your employee’s morale, it should fall into the following characteristics, according to the study:
Consistent and reliable
Authentic
Equitable and consistent among the employees
Embedded into the company culture of appreciation
Personalized based on the employee’s preferences
The full study can be viewed at bit.ly/WorkhumanGallupRecognitionStudy .
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