Ohio’s Hospice recognizes outstanding staff members and their contributions every quarter with the Bouquet of Recognition awards. We are proud to honor our most recent award winners for the passion and compassion they bring to our hospice mission.

Carnation Award

Pharmacy Services Coordinator Deb Jorgenson was nominated by a colleague. “Over the past few months of working with Deb, I have noticed her unwavering commitment to her job and to the hospice mission,” the nomination reads. “There has never been a day that has gone by that Deb has not gone above and beyond for fellow employees, patients and family members. She is always quick to take action when someone is in need, whether it be giving a tour of the facilities to family members or making a phone call to Therapy Support about equipment needs, and everything else in between. I have noticed that if there are loved ones searching for a patient room, she never gives verbal directions, but instead, always walks them to the room, always with a warm smile on her face.”

“Deb is also always professional and courteous to work with. She will listen to the problem or challenge and always offers helpful and constructive advice and insight on how to resolve the situation. Her tireless work ethic and sheer enjoyment of her job are evident each and every day.”

We join with the colleague submitting the nomination in saying “Deb is a pleasure to work with, and someone we should all aspire to emulate.”

Daisy Award

RN Lorraine Gilkison goes above and beyond in advocating for and serving her patients.

Lorraine Gilkison, pictured left, is a dedicated and caring nurse who will always go the extra mile to deliver kindness to her patients. A colleague nominated her for DAISY recognition noting that “Lorraine has always been a strong advocate for her patients in both symptom management and quality of life. She was instrumental in identifying two friends at Elmcroft of Washington Township who knew each other earlier in life. One of the patients was moved to a local nursing home and the remaining friend had no way of visiting her. Lorraine, with the help of Elmcroft and her team, was able to arrange to have the friend transported to the nursing home to visit. It brightened both of their lives, the team was inspired and the quality of life of many was impacted.”

Lorraine also includes her lovely dog, Remy, when she visits some patients. The DAISY Award recognizes her compassionate care. We join in expressing our gratitude and appreciation for all she does in service to the hospice mission.

Tulip Award

“I have never met such an outstanding person that loves his job and always does 100%, all the time,” wrote a patient’s mother in her TULIP nomination for Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton social worker Joshua Meeker.

Josh’s efforts for both she and her son held special meaning for them both. “He put together a letter to the Philadelphia Eagles team letting them know that my son was a big fan and about me being a good mom.” The team replied with a letter and several team items. Josh also helped arrange a visit with the first responders who helped save her sons’ life during a near drowning, enabling the mother to thank them for the heroic measures they took.

“There is never any hesitation in anything I ask Josh to do,” the mother wrote. “I think Josh should be recognized because he is an AWESOME employee!!”

Josh exemplifies the commitment of our mission to celebrate the lives of our patients. We are grateful for his service to our hospice team.

Sunflower Award

Personal Care Specialist Megan Wells  has a special way with patients. So says a family member who nominated her for Sunflower Award recognition.

Megan has a special way with patients. So says a family member who nominated her for Sunflower Award recognition.

“My dad was admitted to the Hospice House in May,” she wrote. “Of course he had many different nurses and aides throughout his stay. Megan stands out. Just her ability to make you feel like you are never a bother and that you are her only patient. She told my dad he was her favorite patient. She may have said it to others, but she made him feel like she meant it. Her great smile and disposition are what you hope every aide displays.”

She continued, “Megan appeared to love her job and patients, and made us feel special.”

Thank you, Megan, for making this family the center of your care and compassion. Your superior care and superior service reflect exactly what our hospice mission means.