Moments of Truth are spotlights on employees that have demonstrated exceptional acts that go above and beyond their expected roles or duties.
For many families having a loved one come home from a skilled nursing facility can be a frightening and challenging experience. The person may need special care or may be taking medication. Even though we educate family members, questions often arise after they arrive home.
Sue Mengling, a nurse at Desert Sky, took a few extra steps to help ease one family’s fears when their loved one was discharged. Sue offered her home number and time to the family when they decided to take their father with advanced dementia home. Sue gave that friendly ear when it was much needed. Sue’s actions demonstrate what it means to be a member of the Ensign team.
Kay Mathalia has been a consistent and loyal CNA at Desert Sky for the past four and a half years. Recently, Paul Harper, one of our long-term residents was not eating and was losing weight rapidly. Kay visited with Paul frequently and overheard him say that he was craving black-eyed peas and ham hocks.
Kay went home that night and cooked up a huge batch of this special request and brought it in daily for Paul’s noontime and evening meals. She even cooked up some cornbread and made enough of both meals to fill up a large portion of her freezer. Paul ate his favorite meal for several days straight and was able to regain some of his lost weight.
Paul’s family decided to move him closer to their home, but Paul, his family and all of us at Desert Sky appreciate all Kay did to be sure that Paul was able to eat his all-time favorite meal.
Desert Sky Health and Rehabilitation Center has a very special person named Monica Dear. Monica has dedicated over two years to the staff and residents and always can be found taking care of someone. She shines and sets a high example for us all to follow. Her smile and laughter trail along the halls, brightening all of our lives. Don’t be mistaken; under all of that laughter and love is a very serious nurse getting the job done. No job is too big or too small for Monica, and she makes it all look fun. From making sure staff members have the tools it takes to do a great job to making sure our residents have new clothes to wear, Monica believes that our residents and staff deserve the best and she always aims to please. Recently, Monica accepted a new position at Desert Sky, and in the months to come, she will fill the role of Case Manager. We all wish her the best and know that she will shine in any role she chooses.
We thank you, Monica, for all of your hard work and caring efforts.
Some of the words used to describe Jennifer Cisneros at Desert Sky are vibrant, compassionate, and dynamic. Everyday she exemplifies world class quality service as the staffing coordinator. She helped organize the admittance of six new residents and five room changes, all during a power outage. When a resident was ready to be discharged, he had to take refuge in a hotel because his apartment was not ready. Jennifer and her sons went grocery shopping for the resident, so that he would have food in his hotel room upon discharge. The same resident was also struggling with some mental health issues. When Jennifer asked what he needed, the resident requested a Bible. Jennifer made sure the resident had The Good Book in his hands as quickly as possible. This type of service does not happen on some days or even most days . . . for Jennifer, it’s everyday.
Rosalinda Thomas has been a dedicated employee at Desert Sky since 2004. Rosalinda is well liked by everyone, especially the residents. They describe her as always patient, caring, and willing to lend a helping hand. She provides a good example of our expected customer service by going above and beyond for our residents’ needs, even if she is not specifically assigned to their care. Residents will search her out knowing that she will take the time to help them because Rosalinda portrays a positive attitude whenever she is on duty.
Thank you, Rosalinda, for being an awesome team member at Desert Sky.
“Service with a Smile” is a motto that Ramirez truly lives by. She has been a dedicated member of our housekeeping/ maintenance department at Desert Sky Health and Rehabilitation Center since 2002. Every night, no matter what she is doing, Maria always goes out of her way to help any person who needs it. There is never a job too big for her and she completes all that she starts. Residents rave about what she’s done for them, whether it is cleaning their room, fixing a phone, turning off alarms or just visiting. One of our residents insists that Maria is her “angel” and says that she always cleans her rugs and will stay after her shift to make sure that the resident is fully satisfied. Maria is the most respectful, pleasant, hard-working person you will ever meet.
Thank you, Maria, for everything you do.
It is impossible to describe Derrick Moten in one word because he is dependable, cheerful, helpful, caring, and so much more. Derrick goes above and beyond the duties of his RNA position to help any resident or fellow employee. Since 2005, he has been very dedicated to his job and to the residents of Desert Sky Health and Rehabilitation Center. They know that they can count on Derrick’s undivided attention and his promise. Somehow, just being around Derrick makes everyone feel more alive and he can make anyone smile with his warm heart and contagious positive attitude.
We want to thank Derrick for his devotion and feel very lucky to have him as a member of our community.
May 13th, 1998 was the first day that everyone associated with Desert Sky Health and Rehab Center witnessed the beginning of an incredibly dedicated staff member. Every day Rainie Bullington, our rehab program manager, arrives at work with a smile on her face and a willingness to help everyone regardless of how busy she is. Patients, residents, family members, and staff all comment on her contagious, bubbly personality and her dedication to provide “world-class” customer service. She is truly a wonderful person willing to help all those she comes in contact with. Desert Sky is blessed to have her on our team.
Donna Haley from Desert Sky Assisted Living Center has been a dedicated employee for over three years now and many more years to come. Donna is always on the go, and always puts the residents and her co-workers first. Going the extra mile is the standard that Donna naturally keeps herself. On the weekends not only do the residents enjoy her company and feel secure having her with them, she also brings in the latest movies from Blockbuster for all to enjoy on the weekends. Donna assesses needs, then automatically brings in the comforts that enhance our residents’ lives. It is Donna’s natural caring ways that make it a pleasure to work with and have her on this team. Donna truly loves her job, her peers, and the residents of Desert Sky.