Employee Awards
Pam Bagley WGHS 2009 Employee of the Year
Pam Bagley was named WGHS 2009 Employee of the Year. Bagley, who was the September 2008 Employee of the Month, was selected for the honor by former Employees of the Year. Serving as the Information Services (IS) department's help desk specialist, Bagley handles everything from trouble-shooting customer service calls to first-level computer support.
She began working in the Medical Records department at WGHS in 1999, and also worked in Central Scheduling for seven years prior to joining the IS department. Her experience in these areas was beneficial in helping her develop the scheduling and registration module for Meditech.
Her supervisor, Kristi Bunn, described her as an "angel," and said Bagley gives 110 percent every day in everything she does. "Pam's communication skills are key to this department, " Bunn said, "Her ability to connect with people over the phone and understand their needs helps our department operate more efficiently."
Bagley was also instrumental in helping her team become one of the health system's top fundraisers for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk.
Veronica Hopster Named 2009 Nurse of the Year
WGHS Nurse of the Year Veronica Hopster, RN II, was 30 years old and raising two children when she decided to pursue a career in nursing. She observed how nurses had cared for her father when he was sick with cirrhosis of the liver and wanted to be able to offer the same comfort to others. "I told myself that one day I wanted to be able to be a nurse and provide that type of compassionate care to others," said Hopster.
It's a decision she has never regretted. With the support of her husband, Damien and her mother, Greta Snowberger, she earned her RN degree from LaGrange College, and has been an invaluable asset to the Emergency Department (ED) team for the last four years. Working the overnight shift from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Hopster goes the extra mile for patients and families.
One of her most memorable moments as a nurse was taking care of a patient who came in the ED with a heart attack. "The patient was begging me not to let her die," said Hopster. "She went into V-Fib, (Ventricular Fibrillation) and we performed CPR on her. Later, after she recovered, she thanked me for giving her CPR."
While Hopster counts her manager, Joan Howard, RN and co-worker, Maria Myhand, RN III, among her mentors, Howard said she has made her own mark upon the department.
"Veronica is so dependable and willing to take on new duties," Howard said, "She is a great leader and a vital part of this Emergency Department."
Cathy Phillips Receives
Mary Lynn Faress Award
Winning the Mary Lynn Faress Award for Distinguished Service in Nursing had special significance for Cathy Phillips, director of West Georgia Dialysis. The former hospital administrator not only hired Phillips in 1997 to lead dialysis, but served as one of her personal and professional mentors.
Mary Lynn exemplifies integrity in how she lives her life," said Phillips, "She trusted my judgment and professionalism from day one. She supported me in my peaks and valleys and gave me guidance. I trusted her as a leader, teacher and friend."
The award honors a WGHS nurse and LaGrange College graduate who exemplifies the ideals of personal and professional integrity demonstrated by long-time Chief Nursing Executive, Mary Lynn Faress.
From the time Phillips was a child, she knew that she wanted to be a nurse and follow in her mother's footsteps graduating from LaGrange College's nursing program in 1976. Soon after, Phillips found a calling in providing physical, emotional and social support for patients with chronic kidney failure. I enjoy giving patients a sense of hope in a situation that at first seems hopeless," said Phillips.
Dialysis is the process of cleaning wastes from the blood with special equipment. While patients remain on dialysis for the rest of their lives, they are still able to enjoy life experiences. "They can raise children; go to graduations; and ball games; sing in the church choir; enjoy being grandparents and continue to live, with a greater appreciation of what waking up each day to life really means," said Phillips.
Humbled to receive the award, Phillips said she will strive to uphold the honor each and every day. "I am inspired to live up to her ideals of service to others, with a positive and living attitude and a focus on doing the right thing for the right reason each day," said Phillips.
TFH Social Worker Named
Georgia Hospital Association's
G.R.E.A.T. Ambassador
Believing it is never too late to learn, is not only a personal belief of Twin Fountains Home Social Worker, Angeline Brooks, but one she shares with her residents. Brooks selflessness and untiring efforts to improve the lives of her residents are just a few of the reasons she was named one of Georgia’s G.R.E.A.T. (Giving Recognition for Excellence, Advocacy and Teamwork) Ambassadors by the Georgia Hospital Association. The award recognizes individuals from hospitals across the state for the contributions they have made to their profession, hospital, and their community.
Brooks was 44 years-old when she enrolled at LaGrange College to earn a degree in sociology and criminal justice. She began her career at WGHS in 1998 as the director of Harrison Manor, an assisted living facility formerly owned by the health system. She then joined the staff of Twin Fountains Home where she has served as social worker for more than nine years.
She has used her own personal experience to inspire a new group of students—her residents, who range in age from 69 to 88, to re-enter the classroom after more than 60 years. These students are part of a new GED program being offered twice a week at Twin Fountains Home. Working in partnership with West Georgia Tech’s Adult Education Program, Brooks has helped 10 students achieve a life-long dream of completing their education—some have even learned to write their names for the first time. “The day I saw David Lipscomb, 87, sign his name for the first time was one of the best days of my life,” says Brooks. “I knew that he could do it, he just needed someone to believe in him.”
Brooks attributes much of the success of the program to the residents. “They inspire me every day and I feel honored to have had a small role in helping them achieve their dreams,” said Brooks.
Bonner is Volunteer of the Year
Virginia Bonner began volunteering at West Georgia Medical Center in 1991, mainly at her daughter’s insistence. Her husband, Rev. J. Phillip Bonner died in March 1991, and her daughter, Lisa Bonner Tunstall, who then worked in Human Resources at West Georgia Health System, thought that volunteering would be a good distraction for her mother.
Looking back, Bonner said she is glad that she listened to her daughter—although it took her several attempts before Bonner agreed to give it a try. “I enjoy it so much, I’d volunteer here every day if I didn’t have other things to do,” she laughed. “The people here are wonderful, and my Auxiliary friends are like family to me.”
She volunteers each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the ICU and Surgery waiting room. A former LPN, Bonner worked at Walton County Hospital and other medical facilities in Athens and Monroe County before retiring and moving back to LaGrange with her husband in the late ’80s. She understands the emotions that families are going through while they are waiting. Her friendly smile and concern offers them reassurance. “My role is to be the person who can help them with information they need,” she said.
In addition to working every Tuesday, Bonner also fills in for other volunteers who are not able to make their shift on their assigned days. To date, she has given more than 5,000 hours of service. She also enjoys helping train new volunteers. “You get a chance to know new people and you get close to them,” Bonner said.
Jean Cook, director of Volunteer Services, said Bonner’s kind and helpful nature make her a welcomed face to patients and staff. “Virginia is a dedicated volunteer and has an excellent working relationship with the staff,” Cook said. “Virginia is an excellent representative of the health system and the Standards of Behavior.”
Bonner celebrated her 86th birthday on April 9. When she isn’t volunteering, she enjoys tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She bought herself a tiller for her birthday and prepared the soil for her vegetable garden herself. When she is not in her garden, she is spending time with her family. She has nine grandchildren; one of whom is Leigh Webb, a social worker at WGHS, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
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