RMC Celebrates Their Holiday Heroes

People still get sick around the holidays and so when everyone else is carving the turkey, opening presents and gathering around the family tree, Roosevelt Medical Center is fully staffed with nurses, activities, housekeeping and dietary staff to care for the sick and the 20 residents who call RMC home.

This year, Vickie Grimsrud, Activities Director, implemented Holiday Heroes, an appreciation program geared toward ensuring staff know how much they are needed and appreciated for working on the holidays.

Both evening and night staff enjoyed Grimsrud's homemade, hand-delivered, dilly party mix and a lighthearted atmosphere complete with Christmas music and decorated trees throughout the facility.

Notes of thanks were also posted on the RMC website and face book page to enable other community members to express their appreciation.

"This was just a way of thanking the efforts and sacrifices staff make by stepping away from their families to care for ours. It may not be the same as relaxing in front of a roaring fire at home with loved ones, but in a world where health care co-workers can become like a family, these small holiday celebrations can really make a difference," Grimsrud said.

Dr. Jaber Abawi, a former RMC provider, also revived his long-time tradition of paying for all of the holiday meals eaten by both staff and residents on Christmas Day.

For Michael Eylander, a nurse's aide, working in the Alzheimer's unit on New Year's Day will give another staff member the opportunity to spend time with family. "I'm young and don't have a family yet, so I am happy to work the extra hours and let someone else enjoy that time with loved ones," he said. Eylander is a senior at Froid High School.

Although it can be hard for the families and friends of healthcare professionals, working around the holidays can really shed some light on what is really important this time of year.

Terrie Turbiville, an LPN, elected to work Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. "I don't have children, so if I can work and give those staff members who have children that time with their families, I feel good about contributing to their happiness. Besides, I would rather be with the residents because they are like my family. We share the holidays together," she said.

Typically, healthcare professionals work 12-hour shifts. One of the things that medical professionals do to keep a positive attitude is enjoy the season for what it is, a time to be generous and spend time with friends and colleagues. This year, staff members also enjoyed a holiday celebration party at the Saddle Club and several gift exchanges and potlucks took place at the facility throughout the festive season.