Michael Nickerson’s “heart of gold” celebrated

Employee of the Quarter, Michael Nickerson

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home awarded their Employee of the Quarter to Mr. Michael Nickerson. Mr. Nickerson is a Licensed Practical Nurse II, (LPN2) at the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home, a position he has held since 2002. Mr. Nickerson was presented with a gift of appreciation by the Hospital’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly during an employee celebration last month. He was also presented with a plaque. Mr. Kelly explained, “He exemplifies the true meaning of caring and compassion.” Mr. Kelly added, “He possesses exceptional clinical skills.” His coworkers, many who made the nominations, explained he “Has a heart of gold” and he “is an excellent role model”. One employee stated that Michael is “A rare gem that shines brightly”.

Mr. Nickerson said thank you to the crowd that had gathered, which included his mother. He did not know he would be chosen as Employee of the Quarter until Mr. Kelly announced his name. He later explained, “I was very surprised to hear Mr. Kelly announce my name. For me this job means everything.” Upon reflection as Employee of the Quarter he added, “I consider everyone I work with family”.

The Employee of the Quarter is a function of the Hospital’s Goodwill Committee a multi-disciplinary team that strives to recognize employees within the hospital who embody Nathan Littauer’s original mission.

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Gloversville NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital joins other hospitals across the country celebrating National Hospital Week, May 8-14, 2011. Hospital week is a yearly recognition program, spotlighting the individuals who drive the engine of health care. This year’s theme is “Champions of Care”. Nathan Littauer is also celebrating National Nursing Home Week the same week.

Nathan Littauer Hospital will be celebrating Hospital Week May 2011

At a picnic May 12^th employees will be recognized for their dedication to the Littauer Family of Health Services. In celebration the hospital plans the following activities:

Monday: Kick off event: Employee Appreciation Cake with background music by volunteer Pat Travis-Doull. 2-4 pm.

Tuesday: Hospital employees with be given a sweet surprise by Courtesy Council Members and can receive chair massages

Wednesday: Employees will be wearing green to show their pride in the Hospital and Nursing Home. Employees will be able to receive Healing Touch Treatments.

Thursday: The Hospital will be putting on a BBQ luncheon with music for all shifts. 11am -1:30 pm.

Friday: Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home plans a “Give back” where employees will be bringing in summer fun items for the

BOYS and GIRLS CLUB.

According to the American Hospital Association, “Hospitals are: Economic Contributors, Gateways to Care, Centers of Innovation. Improving Community Health and Committed to Quality and Safety.”

The celebration of National Hospital Week began in 1921 when a magazine editor suggested that more information about hospitals might alleviate public fears about the “shrouded” institutions of the day. From that beginning, Hospital Week expanded to facilities across the nation. Today, National Hospital Week is the largest health care event that celebrates hospitals’ history, technology and dedicated health care professionals.

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Notes for the press: Members of the press are invited to any of the above events. Press must be escorted to any event. To make arrangements to cover any of the above activities please contact Cheryl McGrattan at 773-5533. Media policy is also posted on www.nlh.org.

“We have an event every day!”

Nathan Littauer Nursing Home Celebrates National Nursing Home Week.

Nathan Littauer Nursing Home is getting ready for a week long celebration honoring National Nursing Home Week. This year’s theme is “Fulfilling the Promise” and is part of the National Nursing Home Week started by The American Health Care Association (AHCA). “We are so proud of the work we do here everyday.” said Leslie Beadle, Vice President and Nursing Home Administrator. “Therefore, we are thrilled to celebrate our nursing home, our wonderful residents and our committed staff.” She added, “We hope this is a community wide celebration.”

Nathan Littauer’s Nursing Home will be joining nursing and rehabilitation facilities nationwide, beginning Mother’s Day, May 8, and continuing through May 14, 2011. This year’s theme was selected to honor those who are “Fulfilling the Promise” by serving others, thus adding value to life and helping to overcome many of the infirmities of age and disability.

“We want to celebrate those people that make a positive contribution every day. We are also saluting our staff.” Explained Rachel Killips, Littauer’s Recreational Director. She is heading up the festivities at Littauer. She explains, “We have something planned every day to mark the occasion.” For Nursing Home Week, Nathan Littauer is announcing the following activities the week of May 9-14, 2011:

Sunday, May 8- In honor of Mother’s Day Nursing Home staff will be passing out corsages to all the ladies and hosting a Tea at 2:15 with a violin player.

Monday, May 9– The Nursing Home will be hosting Jackpot Bingo from 2:15-3:15pm for residents and a Sundae Party 2:00-4:00pm for staff.

Tuesday, May 10– The Nursing Home will throw a 90’s and over birthday party at 2:15. Staff will be able to enjoy chair massages from 6:00-8:00am and 2:00-4:00pm

Wednesday, May 11- The Nursing Home will be throwing a “Night in Paris” Dinner Dance from 6-8 pm. with a band and cocktail attire, and we will be having a decorating contest with staff and residents alike participating.

Thursday, May 12– Gary Van Slyke will be performing patriotic songs for the residents from 2:15-3:15 pm. Rachel Killips will be teaching a dance class for the staff at 3:30pm.

Friday, May 13– Decorating contest winner announced with continental breakfast for residents and staff at 10:30am.

Saturday, May 14- Staff and residents will be starting their own mini greenhouse plants to put out in the patio for everyone to enjoy in a few weeks.

Nathan Littauer Nursing Home is an 84-bed skilled nursing facility providing short and long-term rehabilitation for people of all ages. They are tireless advocates for quality care and services recognizing each person’s individuality. The Nursing Home’s compassionate and caring employees provide essential care to people in our area. Along with a long-term residence, the center has been instrumental in helping hundreds of people return to their homes through careful rehabilitation. The Nursing Home opened in 1972 and has been recognized by the State for their excellence in care. The Nursing Home currently employs approximately 115 people.

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Notes for the press: Press are invited to any of the above events. Press must be escorted to any event. To make arrangements to cover any of the above activities please contact Cheryl McGrattan at 773-5533. Media policy is also posted on www.nlh.org.

Dr. Frederick Goldberg is pictured with WAMC’s Alan Chartock

On April 11, 2011 Nathan Littauer’s new Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Frederick Goldberg made a highly-anticipated appearance on WAMC’s radio show “Medical Monday”. He spoke for an hour about Patient Safety. “The prestige of this show cannot be underestimated” stated hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. The show is heard on 26 stations spanning seven states. If you did not hear the show you can listen to the Medical Monday archives by pressing here>>

Employee commended for helping people “get back into life”

Candace Underwood is Littauer’s Employee of the Year!

Gloversville, NY… Nathan Littauer Hospital announced the Employee of the Year earlier this month at the Goodwill Committee’s annual celebration. The winner, Candace Underwood who is a Physical Therapy Assistant, was awarded the top honor. “She is a shining example of exceptional patient care. She frequently goes above and beyond for her coworkers and patients.” stated Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. She added, “And it obviously shows.”

Candace Underwood works at Nathan Littauer’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Department in Gloversville. She has been working at Littauer for over 22 years. With a passion for sports she explained, “I want my patients to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, which is why I am compelled to get my patients back to enjoying life.” Candace recently authored a ski preparation video with her coworkers posted on YouTube with tips to try and keep people injury-free when skiing. An avid skier herself, she understands the value exercise and works tirelessly to get people “back into the game”.

“Nathan Littauer Hospital currently has about 980 employees. Therefore, this is definitely a prestigious award” stated Bill Oates her Department Manager, adding “She is a person who has truly found her calling occupationally and appears to enjoy arriving at work daily.” Her patients consistently have wonderful things to say about Candace. Some recent feedback on patient satisfaction surveys state:

“Please relay to Candy for me the great benefit she is responsible for in bringing me to the comfort level I now enjoy. She is the best and I miss her and her therapy sessions”.

“My physical therapist Candy was great. She would always talk to me like we were friends and she always made me feel great”.

“Candy does an excellent, thorough job and should be commended for her caring and attention towards her patients. People like her are hard to find so treat her well”.

“The services that I received were excellent. I was very pleased with the therapist who worked with me, Candace Underwood, and would recommend her and this department to anyone”.

Candace responded to her new title by explaining, “I am very honored to receive this award. I have worked here for many years and know most of the people in this hospital. It is a great place to work and I enjoy coming to work everyday. The rehab department (where I work) is like family. Thanks everyone.”

Candace Underwood is a deserving award winner. As Employee of the Year Candace receives gift certificates, preferred parking and on a specific day of her choosing, she will arrive to work receiving the time-honored “Red carpet treatment” from her coworkers.

Candace is a native of Johnstown, NY. She studied at Maria College and SUNY Brockport. She has two daughters, Alison and Kate and one grandson.

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Hospital welcomes Dr. Frederick Goldberg

New Chief Medical Officer announced at Littauer.

Gloversville, NY….Laurence E. Kelly, President/CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home has announced the appointment of Dr. Frederick Goldberg as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Goldberg’s distinguished medical career has spanned private practice as a pediatrician to physician executive positions at Community General Hospital in Syracuse and Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica.

“Dr. Goldberg successfully led implementation of quality and safety initiatives leading to improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs. Our Medical Staff and Board Search Committee were impressed with the education, background, knowledge and experience he will bring to Littauer,” stated Mr. Kelly.

In response to his appointment Dr. Goldberg said, “The Littauer team of physicians, managers and staff demonstrate the same passion for healthcare quality and safety as I do. Joining this team is an honor as together we embrace the challenges facing health care delivery in upstate New York.”

Dr. Goldberg is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed his residency at The Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He received a Master of Science in Health Care Management from Harvard University.

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Nathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties in Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed acute care hospital, eight primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded 1894, has 980 employees and recently opened a new Emergency Care Center. For more information please visit www.nlh.org.