Stella lives by Covenant Health’s Pledge of Excellence as evident in her daily work serving the bariatric population. She takes immense pride and ownership in her quality of work and represents the overall culture we strive to create. Stella is charismatic in relationships with both internal and external customers, which allows her to easily connect with those served.  

She meticulously prepares for each bariatric patient to have an excellent journey throughout their surgical experience. A personal phone call just prior to surgery ensures all final questions are answered and leaves an excellent impression overall. Stella has personally dedicated herself to prep each patient room with necessary supplies & equipment, she rearranges furniture, and updates the white board for excellent communication.  

Upon arrival to the unit, Stella welcomes them with a warm and friendly greeting and thoroughly explains the plan of care. Stella personally ensures each patient feels that Covenant Health is the best and first choice for care. Each day, Stella visits and rounds answering questions, provides education, and overall support to the nursing team.  After personally completing each discharge, Stella ensures each patient receives a unit-based questionnaire to gather feedback as she strives for continual excellence within the bariatric population. Oftentimes, Stella ensures patients are wheeled straight to the discharge door for one final farewell.  

Stella leads a monthly support group for Bariatric patients and has grown this group tremendously representing Covenant’s Pledge of Excellence. Stella’s daily culture is one of high patient turnover, increase in physical demands & mental clarity yet she maintains her consistent calm & pleasant demeanor.  She has an innate skill to interpret critical situations and adapts her approach quickly, showing enjoyment, empathy, or concern in the exact times of need.  Stella often jumps in on the unit long after hours to assist with patient needs, including picking up meal trays, answering call lights, or nursing tasks as needed.  Stella can be seen throughout the facility, whether gathering supplies or providing educational support to ensure exceptional patient care and outcomes. 

Stella has dedicated her time and skills to the overall success of the bariatric program within Covenant Health. The skill of ‘meeting our customers where they are’ is shown time and time again by Stella as she interacts with each person in such a personal manner. Stella contributes so much to the team at PW, and it would be an honor to recognize her with the DAISY Award.