Michelle Beckley, second-quarter Goodwill Award winner

Michelle Beckley, second-quarter Goodwill Award winner

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announced the 2015 second-quarter Goodwill Employee. Michelle Beckley, a registered nurse in Littauer’s Special Care Center, is the recipient.

Laurence E. Kelly said, “Michelle exemplifies Littauer’s values every day and is the perfect fit for this honor.”

Beckley has been employed at Littauer for almost 20 years, and her compassionate professionalism is the reason she was honored at the celebration.

“I have seen the Goodwill Award given to so many incredible employees. I never thought it would be me,” said Beckley. “I was very surprised and honored.”

Mr. Kelly touted Beckley’s kindness and understanding as a specialty care nurse. “What sets Michelle above and beyond is her genuine compassion. She even came in on her day off to check on a patient,” said Kelly. “Sometimes it’s the random acts of kindness and acts of true compassion that make all the difference in health care.”

Nominations for the award are made by NLH employees, providers or patients, and then submitted to the Goodwill Committee. Award winners are selected using a blind format

Beckley received a plaque and a check along with the special honor.

Second-quarter Goodwill Award winner Michelle Beckley

Second-quarter Goodwill Award winner Michelle Beckley

First-quarter Goodwill Employee recognized, Deb Perham

Deb Perham was recognized as the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home 2015 first– quarter Goodwill Employee for her dedication and professionalism and pleasant attitude.
“She is always ready to help and goes above and beyond,” states a co-worker.
Littauer President and CEO, 04212015_goodwiil_deb_perhamLaurence Kelly congratulated and recognized Deb for her professionalism and compassion as he presented her with the award. “Littauer is what it is today because of dedicated employees like Deb.”
Nominations for the award are made by NLH employees, providers or patients, and then submitted to the Goodwill Committee.
Perham received a plaque and a check along with her special honor.

WOW! Technology meets comfort at Littauer

Nathan Littauer brings unique technology to the area

Once again, Littauer has brought cutting-edge diagnostic imaging to the region. The hospital added the latest MRI technology to their main campus. A new suite was constructed to house the Optima MR450w with GEM, the latest in an advanced system from GE Healthcare. The system is designed to help maximize patient comfort while delivering uncompromised image quality.

“This latest MRI is both patient and clinician friendly while producing leading-edge imagery,” states Director of Imaging/Cardiopulmonary Services Dwayne Eberle at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

“The image quality at Littauer is of the highest quality anywhere. You could not get a better image at another major hospital. And good imagery means a better diagnosis,” said Littauer’s Chief of Radiology Dr. John Mastrangelo.

The GE Optima* MR450w’s innovative wide bore design allows more space for added patient comfort. The table surface with different cushion densities is designed to alleviate pressure points, and a new coil array that offers feet-first imaging for all exam types.
“Our Diagnostic Team is committed to making people feel as comfortable as possible. We understand these are stressful tests. That is why my staff is committed to making people feel comfortable. The more comfortable a patient feels the better images we get” said Littauer’s Chief of Radiology Dr. John Mastrangelo.

In addition, GE’s Optima MR450w includes Silent Scan, a revolutionary new technique that makes some exams as quiet as a whisper.

“Nathan Littauer has always been a leader in bringing new diagnostic imaging to this area,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “People with migraines or people who are claustrophobic will be especially happy to hear this news.”

Funding for MRI was made in part by donations from the Nathan Littauer Foundation. “The community response to this MRI project was overwhelming. Clearly, people are committed to keeping Littauer in the forefront of technology. ” said Geoffrey Peck, Nathan Littauer Foundation Executive Director. He added, “We are so grateful to the donors who saw the need in our community and responded so generously.”

To learn more or to schedule services, contact Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department at (518) 773-5520, or go to www.nlh.org

Photo – 03192015_optima_MRI1Littauer Patient Coordinator Keri Calhoun assists a patient for a scan in Littauer’s Optima MR450w with GEM, the latest in an advanced system from GE Healthcare

Littauer announces new Chief Nursing Officer

02262015_steph_fishalLittauer is proud to welcome Stephanie Fishel, RN, NE-BC, BS BA, as the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, a position recently vacated by the retired Regina Mulligan. Stephanie comes to Littauer from St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany where she had worked as their operations manager for over five years. A registered nurse for 15 years, Stephanie has an additional degree in health promotion/disease prevention and has her nurse executive certification.

“It is an honor to follow Ginger Mulligan, a respected nurse, manager and a valued Littauer employee for 43 years,” said Stephanie.

“I am thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our Littauer family. Her integrity as a nurse and professionalism parallel Littauer’s values of superior patient care and satisfaction,” said Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly.

“Quality patient care and supporting the health care providers who are committed to delivering superior care is my passion,” said Stephanie.

Stephanie attended Temple University and completed her education at University of Connecticut. For four years she lived in Moscow, Idaho working at Gritman Medical Center. While at Gritman Medical, a critical access hospital in a rural area, she became a jack-of-all-trades. “I learned from nurse mentors in rural Idaho, from ICU to home care,” said Stephanie. “I left there a better nurse.”

Stephanie returned to the east coast and while working in Albany she developed a passion for operational management and process improvement.
“How do we create a culture of safety? With a professional, self-driven team who embraces creativity and understands that patient safety is a journey,” said Stephanie.

After working in both small community hospital settings and large metropolitan hospitals, Stephanie is happy to be at Littauer. “I feel at home here, and I knew immediately Littauer was the right fit for me.”

Stephanie’s mantra is: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself.” You can plan on seeing more smiles with Stephanie Fishel leading the way.

Photo – Stephanie Fishel, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home