June 2013
Erica
Zaluskey
,
RN
Emergency Department
Salem Hospital
Salem
,
OR
United States
Erica came to work with a bit of a limp lately. You see, the day before, she had been putting hundreds of pinwheels in the dirt as a means of education and a reminder of the number of children who suffer from child abuse. Quietly working without a lot of fanfare, but with great results.
Erica is a home grown nurse for Salem Health. She worked in labor and delivery for years. Initially still in her teens as a volunteer, then clerk, then Registered Nurse. When she came to the Emergency Department several years ago, she won the most improved employee award. She now is highly valued for her ability to care for all types of patients. She triages patients regularly and works as a trauma nurse as well.
She is valued for her clinical skills and the fresh approach of making work fun and reminding us all that communication, teamwork, and respect for all, make for better patient outcomes.
The respect that Erica has by all the team members has followed her as she has a pivotal role in child abuse prevention and education. It wasn't that long ago that child abuse screening did not regular happen in the ED. Now, with Erica as the Co-Chair of the Child Abuse Task Force at Salem Hospital, each child is screened for abuse, and many children who would have otherwise slipped thru the cracks, have been rescued.
Erica's involvement also includes membership in: 1) The Marion County CART Team (Child Abuse Response Team), 2) The Marion County CFR (Child Fatality Review Committee), 3) The Marion County CRC (Case Review Committee), and 4) The Child Fatality Review Committee.
With all this, Erica has also been certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner through the State of Oregon. She is also a member of the hospital Employee Council. Lastly, she is a volunteer at the Pringle Elementary School.
Many employees are involved in committees. What has made Erica successful is her ability to move discussion and planning from the Board Room to the hearts and minds of all the nursing and medical staff. She has organized training and has volunteered countless hours of her time to the future of the children. And she does her work without fanfare, but with dedication and compassion.
Erica is a home grown nurse for Salem Health. She worked in labor and delivery for years. Initially still in her teens as a volunteer, then clerk, then Registered Nurse. When she came to the Emergency Department several years ago, she won the most improved employee award. She now is highly valued for her ability to care for all types of patients. She triages patients regularly and works as a trauma nurse as well.
She is valued for her clinical skills and the fresh approach of making work fun and reminding us all that communication, teamwork, and respect for all, make for better patient outcomes.
The respect that Erica has by all the team members has followed her as she has a pivotal role in child abuse prevention and education. It wasn't that long ago that child abuse screening did not regular happen in the ED. Now, with Erica as the Co-Chair of the Child Abuse Task Force at Salem Hospital, each child is screened for abuse, and many children who would have otherwise slipped thru the cracks, have been rescued.
Erica's involvement also includes membership in: 1) The Marion County CART Team (Child Abuse Response Team), 2) The Marion County CFR (Child Fatality Review Committee), 3) The Marion County CRC (Case Review Committee), and 4) The Child Fatality Review Committee.
With all this, Erica has also been certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner through the State of Oregon. She is also a member of the hospital Employee Council. Lastly, she is a volunteer at the Pringle Elementary School.
Many employees are involved in committees. What has made Erica successful is her ability to move discussion and planning from the Board Room to the hearts and minds of all the nursing and medical staff. She has organized training and has volunteered countless hours of her time to the future of the children. And she does her work without fanfare, but with dedication and compassion.