Employee of the Month Winners
Each winner is nominated by staff members or patients for exemplifying one or more of RUHS’ core values: (T) Teamwork, (R) Respect, (I) Integrity, (E) Excellence, and/or (D) Discovery!
Do you know someone who exemplifies RUHS' core values?
Nominate them for Employee of the Month! Click the button below.
August 2025 Winners
Eric Jaregui, staff, Laboratory Services | T.R.I.E.D. - Eric received multiple nominations for his quick-thinking and action when a colleague was in trouble. Here’s one of them: Eric demonstrated exceptional bravery and presence of mind when he intervened during a critical incident involving a violent patient. His quick actions helped subdue the individual and prevent further harm to a Nursing Assistant who was under physical attack. Eric’s courageous response was recognized by the BERT Team, Sheriff's Department, and Executive Leadership. The Nursing Director of the unit personally expressed deep gratitude for his heroism. Eric’s actions reflect extraordinary dedication to the safety and well-being of our staff and patients and embody the highest standards of professionalism and teamwork.
Christopher Bent, MD, Radiology | T.E. - I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Chris Bent for his extraordinary dedication and tireless efforts in advancing Interventional Radiology (IR) at our institution. Under his leadership and commitment, the IR service has grown significantly—from approximately 1,300 annual cases in 2020 to over 2,000 in 2025. This remarkable expansion is a direct result of Dr. Bent's vision, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to patient care. Over the past six months, Dr. Bent has been on call 24/7, single-handedly managing and delivering care to all IR patients across inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings. Despite the ongoing construction of the IR suite, which has required him to perform procedures in multiple less-than-ideal locations, including a portable CT unit, Dr. Bent has maintained exceptional workflow, quality outcomes, professionalism, and efficiency under highly challenging circumstances. Dr. Bent consistently demonstrates the highest standards of care. He is prompt, collaborative, and gracious in accommodating the needs of his colleagues across departments. His kindness to his team and steadfast support of his staff do not go unnoticed—they are key to the cohesion and morale of the IR unit. Through tireless work, calm leadership, and a steadfast focus on quality outcomes, Dr. Bent continues to be a cornerstone of excellence in our institution. I am personally grateful for his contributions and proud to have him leading our RUHS IR Team.
Maryann Dee, Registered Nurse, Arlington Behavioral Health - T.R.I.E.D. - Maryann Dee is an exceptional Charge Nurse for night shift in Unit C. She is thorough in doing all the needed tasks like auditing, checking all the charts, and making sure nothing is being missed on the check lists of what’s needed to be done. She is organized and shows leadership qualities in handling staff’s concerns. She is fair and listens to both sides of an issue, follows the chain of command and gives pertinent reports to incoming dayshift staff. Maryann keeps her workplace tidy and the board neat and clean. She is a true friend to anyone without prejudice or favoritism. She amplifies what a true and valued Charge Nurse and coworker.
Stella Maderazo, Certified Nursing Assistant, 3500 Unit - T.R.I.E.D. - I would like to recognize Stella for consistently demonstrating the qualities of an outstanding nurse assistant. She brings compassion, patience, and professionalism to every shift. Whether it’s taking extra time to comfort a nervous patient, carefully assisting with mobility, or making sure every task is done thoroughly, she shows genuine care in everything she does. What stands out most is her attention to detail and reliability. She never hesitates to report even the smallest changes in a patient’s condition, ensuring issues are addressed early. She is also a strong team player — always willing to lend a hand and communicate clearly with nurses and coworkers. Patients trust her because she is respectful and kind. Staff count on Stella because we know the job will be done right, and with heart and compassion.
Natacha Talbot, Registered Nurse, Maternal-Fetal Medicine - T.R.I.E.D - Natcha currently functions as our solo RN in the Sweet Success program. She follows every pregnant patient in the clinic with diabetes (there are many). She is tenacious in her efforts to maintain close follow up with our patients to achieve the best glucose control possible. She is incredibly efficient. In fact, just yesterday I sent her a message about a newly diagnosed patient with gestational diabetes. I got up from my computer and walked by her desk a few minutes later and she was already on the phone with the patient explaining the diagnosis and next steps. By the time I returned to my desk, the orders for glucose meter were in my inbox to sign. We are truly lucky to have someone so bright, motivated, and energetic on our team.
July 2025 Winners
Cecille Blanco, Registered Nurse, Infusion Clinic | T.R.I.E.D. - Cecille is an amazing team player and such an amazing nurse to all her patients no matter what the situation is.
Mehdin Bhata, Nursing Assistant, 4500 Unit |T.R.I.E. - Mehdin Bhata has been extremely helpful and caring towards one of my cognitively difficult chronic patients. She is extremely patient with them and she always provides amazing attention to them. She goes above and beyond for the patient in regard to their medical care. She is a huge team player and extremely professional to providers that come in. She provides great updates and you can see in the patient's eyes how they adore her so much as well. She has figured out ways to calm and provide great attention to the patient.
Grace Kirchner, staff, Rehabilitative Services | E - It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Grace Kirchner, SLP for Employee of the Month. Grace is an exceptional, methodical, and empathetic Speech-Language Pathologist who consistently demonstrates an unparalleled level of care for both her patients and her team. Her dedication goes far beyond what is expected, as she continually strives to provide the best possible care. Grace is highly critical of her interactions with patients, ensuring that every assessment and intervention is tailored to meet their specific needs. She consistently exhibits a strong commitment to her craft, making her an outstanding Speech and Language Pathologist. Recently, Grace demonstrated her exceptional clinical acumen during a routine exam. In the past few years, new guidelines for certain studies have evolved, allowing for greater flexibility in how exams are conducted, as long as a qualified staff member is present and a physician is readily available, though not necessarily in the same room. During a recent exam, Grace’s sharp eye led her to quickly diagnose a patient with tracheal stenosis. Following protocol, she referred the patient to the radiologist, who confirmed her diagnosis. This was a remarkable display of both expertise and keen clinical judgment, and it highlights her ability to remain vigilant and proactive in patient care. Grace’s observation was truly astute, and this kind of dedication and expertise deserves recognition. Her contributions to patient care and the team’s success are invaluable, and I am proud to nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.
Paras Savla, MD, Resident Physician, Neurosurgery | T.R.I.E.D - Dr. Savla is a strong leader. He is always available and is frequently teaching his junior residents, nurses and others optimal patient care practices. He goes above and beyond to ensure people are on the same page and providing the highest quality of care.
Veronica Quiroz, staff, 3500 unit | T.R.E. - Kudos to Veronica for her exceptional care and dedication. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her patients receive the BEST care possible. Recently our patient required assistance with personal hygiene. His beard had become overgrown, and his hair matted. Veronica took the time to clean him up, leaving him feeling much better. The happiness on his face was priceless. Veronica's compassion and dedication truly make a difference. Great job
May 2025 Winners
Genalyn Ochava, nurse, Behavioral Health Arlington | T.R.I.E.D. - Genalyn Ochava is a compassionate and dedicated nurse who consistently goes above and beyond in providing excellent care to our patients. She makes it a point to truly listen and connect with patients, ensuring that they feel heard and cared for in their most vulnerable moments. She’s also a reliable and dependable team member. She consistently takes initiative, stepping up when needed and offering help without being asked. Whether it’s assisting fellow staff members, taking on extra responsibilities, or finding solutions to challenges that arise, she approaches each task with a proactive mindset. She has a calm and positive attitude that encourages collaboration and boosts morale within the team. Whether it’s working on a busy shift or facing a difficult situation, she remains level-headed, which makes her an essential part of the team.
Blanca Calvillo, staff, Moreno Valley Community Health Center| T.R.I.E.D - Blanca is a Surgery scheduler and she had been on her own for quite some time. I have been here for 6 months and she has trained three women to help her with her heavy load. Each person she trains she is so compassionate and patient in helping guide others to learn. She is so good at what she does and the doctors in the WHC really rely on her for last minute surgeries. I sit in the office next to Blanca and I have NEVER heard her complain about anything. If she’s stressed, she’s never shown it. She definitely shows excellence in decision making, communication and technical skills. She’s such a positive presence and everyone in the WHC trusts her.
Craig Paguyo, nurse, 3500 unit | T.R.I.E.D - With over 15 years of experience, Craig consistently demonstrates exceptional clinical skills, quick decision-making, and unwavering dedication to his patients and colleagues. Craig is an excellent communicator, ensuring that patients, families, doctors, and fellow nurses are well-informed about care plans and medications. He remains calm and professional in all situations, creating a reassuring presence for both patients and staff. Additionally, he is always willing to assist his team, stepping in whenever needed to support his colleagues during busy shifts. His commitment to quality care, teamwork, and professionalism makes him truly deserving of this recognition. I strongly support his nomination and appreciate your consideration.
Susan Boetto, staff, Food and Nutrition Services | R.I.E. - On March 12, 2025, Wesley, a legally blind patient, reached out to share his exceptional experience with Susan, a cafeteria staff member at RUHS. Wesley had an appointment with a specialist that day and, after navigating challenges in reaching the right phone extension, shared how Susan's kindness and professionalism made a significant impact on his visit. As someone newly adjusting to blindness, Wesley's experience in the cafeteria stood out as a moment of genuine care and support, reflecting the best of RUHS's values. From the moment Wesley entered the cafeteria, Susan demonstrated remarkable empathy and professionalism. Susan stopped what she was doing to assist him, recognizing his needs and ensuring he felt welcomed. She patiently guided him through the cafeteria, explaining the menu items, pricing, and even offering recommendations. Wesley particularly appreciated her suggestion of the chicken quesadilla from the grill, which he found excellent. This small but meaningful gesture highlighted Susan's attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond. Susan's mindfulness extended to every detail of Wesley's experience. Knowing he was legally blind, she helped him navigate the soda dispenser, ensuring he selected a regular Coke—a dark, non-diet drink—as he preferred. She showed him where the lids and straws were, and even took the time to put the lid on his drink and insert the straw for him. These actions, while seemingly simple, were incredibly significant for Wesley, who is adjusting to his new reality. Susan's care made him feel noticed and supported, easing what could have been a stressful experience. Beyond assisting with food and drink, Susan ensured Wesley's comfort in practical ways. She provided a disposable tray to help him carry his food items and personally carried his food and trays to the dining area, where he would be seated. She even offered to walk him to the seating area, ensuring he felt secure. While Wesley was eating, Susan checked on him to see how he was doing, a gesture that reinforced her genuine care and professionalism. Wesley noted how these actions made him feel valued and welcomed, especially as someone newly navigating blindness. Per Wesley, Susan's impact reflects so well on RUHS and the cafeteria specifically. Her ability to be patient, empathetic, and mindful in every interaction demonstrates the kind of service that makes a lasting difference. Wesley remarked that Susan would excel in any job, a testament to her professionalism and dedication. Her actions not only met Wesley's immediate needs but also provided emotional support, helping him feel seen and cared for during a challenging time. For Wesley, Susan’s kindness turned a routine cafeteria visit into a moment of connection and reassurance.
Adam Kreutzer, DO, physician, Orthopaedics - T.R.I.E.D. - He is an exemplary leader who makes sure the buck stops with him.
April 2025 Winners
Dina Banawis, nurse, Behavioral Health, Arlington | T.R.I.E.D - Dina has demonstrated an exceptional ability to mentor and guide nursing staff, particularly in the area of medication administration and management. For many years, she has shown remarkable proficiency in teaching and ensuring that new nurses understand the complexities of medication safety, dosing protocols, and proper administration techniques. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in medication administration, always encouraging the nurses under her guidance to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and double-check their work to ensure patient safety. I considered Dina as one of the best preceptors in Unit B.
Elizabeth Sandoval, medical assistant, Jurupa Valley CHC | T.R.I.E.D - Elizabeth helps all team members even outside of her department. She is compassionate with coworkers, patients and those in the community. She is loving and very professional!
Olisha Lambert, certified occupational therapy assistant, Rehabilitative Services | T.R.I.E.D - As her coworker I really feel compelled to nominate her as one of the best employees of RUHS. I have witnessed as an RN not just once, but many times, how dedicated she is to her care for our patients, especially to those who had physical disabilities and could not perform their ADLs. I have been a nurse for 27 years and have worked in different countries but I have never worked with an OT as hardworking, caring, compassionate and as dedicated as Olisha. I really want her passion and dedication to be acknowledged, as she is a true gem and asset to our organization. Every single patient that we had together is always grateful for her precious time that she would spend with them as well as their family. Olisha's wonderful personality always radiates and really inspires me to come to work ready to go the extra mile and provide extraordinary care for our patients and family.
Kyle Rains, staff, Materials, Management and Contracts | T.R.I.E.D - I would like to nominate Kyle Rains for next month's Employee of the Month. Although I recently joined the Materials Management team, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kyle on several occasions during my time at Riverside University Health System (RUHS). I’ve been here for 3 years and have collaborated with him before. Just recently I have been shadowing him and he is the hardest worker I know. I cannot emphasize enough how hard Kyle works for this hospital and the positive impact he has on the entire team. Kyle is the go-to person whenever charge nurses, educational staff, and many others need assistance. If he doesn’t know the answer, he will go above and beyond to find it, always demonstrating a commitment to excellence. Recently, he played a key role in implementing a new product at the medical center. His attention to detail in this process was remarkable, ensuring that the decision took into account the best interests of every department and staff member. Kyle exemplifies the core values that make him an outstanding team member... Kyle is a true collaborator who works well with others to achieve common goals and optimal outcomes. He is known among his colleagues as the "go-to" person, always dependable and willing to lend a hand. Whether it’s a challenging task or a time-sensitive request, Kyle is the first to step up and offer support. Kyle consistently displays compassion and kindness in every interaction. His positive attitude and approachability make him an asset to the team, and he treats every individual with dignity and empathy, regardless of their position or situation. His respectful demeanor creates a supportive work environment for everyone around him. Kyle upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in everything he does. He is transparent, trustworthy, and accountable, always ensuring that decisions are made with the best interests of the hospital and its staff in mind. His unwavering integrity sets a strong example for others. Kyle consistently demonstrates excellence in decision-making, communication, and technical skills. His ability to analyze complex situations and provide thoughtful, effective solutions is unmatched. He is a true professional who holds himself to the highest standards, always striving to improve the quality, safety, and service of our hospital operations. Kyle is a resourceful and innovative problemsolver, always looking for ways to improve practices, workflows, and patient care. He actively promotes evidence-based practices and embraces advancements in healthcare and technology. His dedication to learning and driving positive change sets an example for continuous improvement in the hospital. In all the time I’ve worked with Kyle, he has consistently demonstrated these qualities, making him an invaluable member of the RUHS team. His hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence make him truly deserving of this recognition. Kyle's impact on the team and the hospital goes beyond his daily responsibilities. He continuously strives to elevate the quality of care we provide, making a lasting difference in our patients’ experiences and the overall efficiency of our operations. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly believe Kyle Rains is an outstanding candidate for Employee of the Month.
David Caba Molina, physician, Department of Surgery | T - Dr. Caba had done an exceptional job in bringing together people from every aspect of the medical team to establish a surgical oncology department and obtain cancer accreditation for the hospital. He is about to start a HIPEC program (of which only a few programs exist in the country). He is an outstanding leader and cares for patients in remarkable way. He is truly a wonderful human being
March 2025 Winners
Earth Walter, staff, Lake Elsinore Community Health Center | T.R.I.E.D - Eartha is always willing to help others even when she is busy. Patient at the clinic always ask for her because she is very helpful. She is very welcoming.
Troy Handijo, physician, Lake Elsinore Community Health Center | T.R.I.E.D - Dr. Handojo is a wonderful physician leader. He takes the time for staff and thoroughly explain things to us. We really enjoy having him at the clinic. We appreciate everything he does.
Wiclife Owili, nurse, Medical Center |T.R.I.E.D - Wiclife is a great leader; he takes time to listen to our needs and accomodates us with our concerns and requests. Also, he always makes himself approachable and available for everyone.
Nativita BienAime, nurse, Medical Center | T.R.I.E.D - Nativita is an excellent charge nurse and coworker. She does not hesitate to help all of us. She advocates for us and our patients. She keeps her composure even in the most stressful situations. She is a strong, knowledgeable and compassionate nurse. We are truly blessed to have her
February 2025 Winners
Cherenna Nwachukwu, nurse, Behavioral Health, Arlington | T.R.I.E.D - This person is an incredibly hardworking and reliable staff member of Unit B, consistently going above and beyond his duties to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients. He demonstrates an unparalleled work ethic, taking initiative to assist colleagues and ensuring that patient needs are met promptly and compassionately. He demonstrates outstanding professionalism, compassion, and adaptability, even in high-pressure situations. Whether it's ensuring patient comfort, responding quickly to unexpected needs, or assisting coworkers, he approaches each task with enthusiasm and precision.
Leslie Lee, staff, Lake Elsinore CHC | T.R.I.E.D - Leslie is a great example of leadership. She is always showing us new things to learn and wants us to succeed. She is very compassionate and always has a positive attitude. Whenever our team members from other locations need help, she is there helping.
Donna Apostol, staff, Pharmacy Services | T.R.I.E - I am writing this to nominate Donna for the Employee of the Month. She is a fabulous employee, a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award and recognition. Let me tell you a little about her. Her customer service skills are exemplary. She is one of the friendliest people I know and she always arrives with a smile on her face and a happy greeting for her coworkers. Despite the overwhelming amount of work that everyone has to do, Donna consistently finds ways to help training her new coworkers to effectively master the workflow of our pharmacy. Her willingness to assist others and her commitment to help new employees is unequaled. She is quick to respond to help other team members and is thorough in ensuring all work is completed.
Roger Romero, staff, 3300 Unit | T.R.I.E.D - He has worked at RUHS for more than 15 years. He always shows dedication to his discipline as a scrub tech and takes pride in providing safe, caring and compassionate care to all his patients. He is always willing to teach his fellow colleagues and help the team when in need. Roger has made his home here at RUHS and most recently acted as Santa for all the maternal child units, spreading holiday cheer to mothers, babies and pediatric population. He deserves to be recognized for all of the work he does for his patients and for his coworkers; he is a great coworker.
Guillermo Galvez, nurse practitioner, Jurupa Valley Community Health Center | T.R.I.E.D - He is a Nurse Practitioner III at the Jurupa CHC. He is dedicated to the RUHS mission and is focused on providing compassionate and excellent service to our patients as reflected in his service scores and patients’ comments. Guillermo is thorough in his addressing of quality care gaps for his patients to provide the highest quality of care possible for his patients. He is appreciated and respected by his coworkers and team and known to be a kind and caring colleague.
January 2025 Winners
Sadat Sidky, Pharmacy Services | T.R.I.E.D - As the head of pharmacy procurement, Sadat has done an amazing job handling the IV fluid shortage. He has worked relentlessly to find new avenues to procure IV bags and has consistently followed up with multiple vendors to ensure supply. Unlike other local hospitals, we have not had to cancel any procedures or surgeries. Sadat has done an amazing job keeping us from feeling the brunt of the pain of this shortage.
Melissa Underwood, SAFE Clinic | T.R.I.E. Melissa's co-worker was involved in a very traumatic situation here at work last week. Melissa just called me to offer to work night shift with her colleague to support her and make sure she doesn't feel alone. Melissa is the ultimate team player.
Aracely Godoy, MSC Outpatient Registration | T.R.I.E.D Aracely is a pleasure to work with and is beyond helpful. She is always answering all our questions.
December 2024 Winners
Byung Im, Pharmacy Services | T.R.I.E.D - Byung demonstrated exceptional leadership during the most recent investigation and discovery of errors with the Alaris infusion pumps. He was able to bring together a multidisciplinary group of leaders from nursing, pharmacy and biomed, and then brought in the vendor to coordinate review and discovery of pump malfunction: over infusing and under infusing of critical and dangerous medications. His poise and thoughtful plan were much appreciated last month and key to a new project related to infusion pump work and circulation. He continues to push for better processes and standard work. all in the name of safe medication use and patient care.
Ivette Gaitan, Nurse Support - Diabetes Team | T.R.I.E.D - Ivette goes above and beyond to foster a culture that promotes teamwork. She effectively identifies the talents of the Diabetes Nurses and makes effective use of team resources. She demonstrates enthusiasm for community education, participates in hosting education events, displays a strong commitment to the mission of the Diabetes Team, and emulates the values of RUHS. Ivette promotes high standards of integrity for the nursing profession and ethical behavior both inside and outside the organization.
September 2024 Winners
William Wilford, Environmental Services | T.R.I.ED - He deserves to be recognized because he always goes above and beyond for everyone here at RUHS. He is definitely a team player, not only for his department, but throughout the hospital. He always comes to work with a positive attitude. Whenever he is asked to do something for our unit or anywhere in the hospital he is always there to help. When patients talk to him he always lifts their spirits and they never forget about him. He always brings joy to everyone around him.
Nicholas Bast, Orthopedics | T.R.I.E.D - Nicholas is always going above and beyond for his patients. He always has a good attitude and truly cares.
Rolando Nocon, 4200 Unit | T.R.I.E.D - He always takes initiative to assist, help and clean patients.
Terence Gordon, Medical Records | T.I.E - He is one of our veteran employees who continues to strive for excellence.
Imelda Ongkingco, Behavioral Health, Arlington | T.R.I.E.D - She is an exceptionally hardworking nurse who consistently goes above and beyond in her duties. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and frequently takes the initiative to finish tasks in the unit. Her boundless energy and proactive approach ensure that she is always engaged and contributing positively. Her dedication to her work is evident in the extra effort she puts into helping the unit run smoothly. She works at a remarkable pace, ensuring that everything is done efficiently and effectively. Her unwavering commitment and enthusiastic spirit make her an invaluable asset to the team, greatly enhancing the unit's overall performance.
Eartha Walter, Lake Elsinore Community Health Center | T.R.I.E.D - She always has a smile, no matter what kind of day we are having. She shows true teamwork, and is very kind and positive. She always knows what is going on in the office and if she is needed to speak to a patient, she is there for us. Her communication and professionalism with patients is awesome. We appreciate her very much.
August 2024 Winners
Shirley Bibera, Behavioral Health, Arlington | T.R.I.E.D - Shirley is one of the hardest working RNs at Arlington Campus. Shirley is a team player who shows all patients respect and compassion. No request is too small or too big. She’s ready and willing to help patients and staff anytime. She’s a wonderful nurse and I’m very lucky to work with her.
Veronica Luna, Infusion Clinic | T.R.I.E.D – Veronica is always caring and helpful to all patients. Patients call to speak to her regarding their appointments at other clinics. She assists them with other appointments they may have (not at Infusion Clinic). She goes above and beyond for all patients. She has definitely made an impact at Riverside University Health System – Medical Center.
Carolina Hernandez, 4200 Unit | T.R.E.D. – Carolina is a CNA here in 4200 at the Medical Center. She always comes to work with a positive attitude, always puts patient care first and goes above and beyond for all her patients. Patients never forget Carolina because they are very happy with the care she provides them. She is a pleasure to work with here in 4200. We are very lucky to have her as a part of our team.
Bibera and Hernandez have received multiple nominations this year. Congratulations!
July 2024 Winners
Carolina Hernandez, 4200 Unit | T.R.I.E.D - Carolina is a CNA here in 4200. She always comes to work with a positive attitude, always puts patient care first and goes above and beyond for all her patients. Patients never forget Carolina because they are very happy with the care she provides them with. She is a pleasure to work with here in 4200. We are very lucky to have her as a part of our team.
Shirley Bibera, Behavioral Health, Arlington | T.R.I.E.D - Shirley has always displayed great teamwork and leadership at Arlington Campus. I have had the pleasure to work with her for 6 years. She was also my RN preceptor during my orientation period. She provides some of the best quality patient care and is always willing to help.
Viviana Carrasco, Lake Elsinore Community Health Center | T.R.I.E.D - Viviana is always going out of her way to help, always smiling. Great with patients. She goes that extra mile.
Honorable Mentions:
Leslie Lee, Lake Elsinore Community Health Center | T.R.I.E.D - Outstanding leadership, compassionate, team spirit. Leslie is always making sure everyone is OK, if we need anything.
Roslind Sykes, Lake Elsinore Community Health Center | T.R.I.E.D - She is always helpful, smiling; she is always listening to see if anybody needs help. Great attitude.
Emhyr Wilsion, Environmental Services | T - Emhyr is very hard working and loves what she does. She is excellent at doing her job and goes above and beyond expectations
Martine Roth, Trauma Services | T.E. - Martine was so helpful with a trauma activation in the medical center. She was able to assist the nurse in proper c-collar placement, ensuring quality care for the patient. Not only did she help with the patient she was consulted for, she also jumped in and helped a another nurse get a trauma patient much needed pain medication and an IV. It meant so much for the staff involved. Martine is always such a good resource and advocate for the patients at RUHS.
Mary Ann Dee, Behavioral Health Arlington | T.R.I.E.D - Mary Ann is an invaluable asset to the healthcare team. She is efficient and exhibits behaviors that enhance teamwork, professionalism and compassion, contributing to a positive work environment that benefits both her colleagues and patients. She listens to inputs of other team members with respect, regardless of their role or level of experience. She offers help to team members when needed and provides guidance to less experienced team members.
June 2024 Winners
Nancy Kabira, Emergency Treatment Services | T.R.I.E.D. - "Nancy is a great example of having the highest standards in her job to have optimal outcomes for patient care. She communicates effectively and clearly, displays patience, and is always there to support and lend a helping hand to all of her co-workers in the name of patient care."
Ana Fernandez, Administration | T.R.I.E.D. - "Anyone who has had any interaction with Ana always comments on how helpful and innovative she is. She is a true shining star of our RUHS team!"
Daniel Whetherly, Emergency Department | T - "He is always so thorough and willing to help another department. He always makes sure the staff are comfortable with the i-stat."
Tamela Thompson, Unit 2500 | T.R. - "She is such a great team player; she is always jumping in to help without being asked. Always wearing a great smile."
May 2024 Winners
Kelley Koepp, Urology Clinic | T.E. - "Kelley collaborates with her staff to ensure patient workflow is running smoothly. She steps up to cover multiple roles in her clinic to ensure patient care workflow is not impacted."
Emmeline Gutierrez, Unit 3300 | T.R.I.E.D. - "Emmy has been there every step of the way, helping our unit and NICU get survey ready. She came in on her weekend off to assist with checking our supply rooms for expired items. She has been the backbone behind ensuring that many of the projects we have requested get completed."
Aracely Orellana, Pharmacy Services | T.R.I.E. - "Aracely is a great example of a hard worker and team player. No matter what her assigned duties for the day are, she takes responsibility in every role. Additionally, she will help support other teams without being asked."
April 2024 Winners
Dina Elezaby, Emergency Treatment Services, Arlington Campus | T.R.E - “Dina, your dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Your contributions have been inestimable and your attention to detail demonstrates your work ethic and professionalism.”
Elaina Lozito, Indio Community Health Center | T.R.I - “Elaina treats all of the clinic staff with friendly respect and upholds professional standards which likewise creates a safe work environment for all to enjoy.”
Dr. Christopher Genobaga, Community Health Center OB/GYN Clinic | T.R.E.D - “Dr. Genobaga goes above and beyond for his patients. He is always very caring and understanding with his patient, giving 100% bedside manners. Thank you for being the best Dr. Genobaga, your Pod 1 Team!"
Maribel Pena, 4500 Unit | T.R.I.E - "We have a patient who was assigned to Maribel and one day the patient got very sick and was transferred to a higher level of care. The patient still asked for Maribel so Maribel would check on the patient to help out the other nurses. I'm not sure if it's Maribel’s voice, the kindness she showed, or the compassionate care the patient received from her, but I'm sure the patient felt Maribel’s big heart that the patient trusted."
March 2024 Winners
Charlena Albright, RUHS MSC Vascular - “She should be recognized for changing the vascular clinic by having it structured and run more smoothly.”
Shawntece Andersen, Food & Nutrition Services - “She has a calm and professional attitude no matter what is asked of her. You just know she will take care of (patients) in a way that you would do if it was your family member.”
Francisco Galapate, 3500 Unit - “Francisco is such an excellent colleague. He is very nice and compassionate with all his patients every time I work with him, and he is always ready to lend a helping hand. Very professional and very calm as well.”
February 2024 Winners
John Chavez, Arlington Campus – T, R, I, E, D “John mentors new clinicians, and advocates for the fair treatment of other hardworking staff, including other disciplines. His sincere empathy for patients comes through in his work on and off the hospital floor.”
Alex Umali, RN, Unit 4500 – T, R, I, E, D “Alex is not only good to his patients, but he is also good to his teammates. Alex is always out there to respond to call lights not just for his patients, but for all. The kindness, compassion, and teamwork that he has shown is contagious and inspiring, and I am proud.”
Magdalena Villalobos, LVN, Perris Valley CHC – T, R, I, E, D “Magdalena has been serving the community as an LVN with RUHS for 20 years. She exemplifies what the public expects healthcare workers to be which is caring, compassionate, informative, and thorough.”
Juanito Gutierrez, Environmental Services – T, R, I, E, D “For the past 30 years Juan is always full of energy and comes to every shift with a go-getter attitude. He is willing to go above and beyond for the Medical Center staff, his team, and leadership.”
Firas Bannout, MD, Neurology – T, R, I, E, D “A patient called and stated she was very appreciative of Dr. Bannout and said he looked into her chart and was able to help her complete her paperwork to get her driver’s license and explained the DMV process from the medical perspective. The patient was very appreciative of the explanation and was overall happy with the staff’s treatment of her.”
Honorable Mentions:
Gilbert Gardiner – Moreno Valley CHC
Anna Lam – 4500 Unit
Dao K – Pharmacy Services
William Cunningham – Pharmacy Services
Ardith Turner – Volunteer Services
Markeis Brandon– Medical Center - Material Mgmt. - Storeroom
MichaelAyoub – Virology Lab
Elena Azpeitia – 4200 Unit
Ashton Cliften – 2400 Unit
Justin Figueroa – Emergency Department
Robert Evans – Information Technology
Dalina Aguilar – 4200 Unit
Jessica Veloz – CHC HeRCARe
Yaquelin Vazquez – OBGYN-MFM CHC
January 2024 Winners
Li Che, M.D., Perris Valley CHC – T, R, I, D “She’s so professional, attentive, kind, and supportive. I’m so blessed that she is my doctor.”
Angelina Linares, Jurupa Valley CHC – T, R, E, D “She is respectful, resourceful, and assists with essential technical skills to our team. Her behavior exonerated integrity with excellence.”
Cornelius Braxton, LVN, BH - ETS – T, R, I, E, D “[He] is not only one of our "go to" person for CPI, but he displays the day-to-day compassion, kindness, dignity, and empathy on the floor.”
Erika Flores Arellano, LVN, Women’s Health Clinic – T, R, I, E, D “[She] is very proactive, a team player, respectful, displays professionalism, and a positive attitude.”
Yeuk Ma, CT Tech, Diagnostic Imaging – I, E “In his efforts to check 2 patient identifiers, he noticed that the patient that was brought to the imaging department was the wrong patient. He proceeded to make an IR entry and identified the near miss. This is extremely helpful to our organization in our efforts to identify what went wrong.”
Honorable Mentions:
Anna Armenta, – Arlington Campus
Toni Cervantez, RN – MSC Peds Clinic
Carol Johnson – Clinical Billing
Ying Chao, RN – 2500
Sharn Deep, RN – Code BERT
Arlene Gutierrez, RN – 3100
Margarita Martinez – Infection Control
Maria Calderon – Food & Nutrition Services
Victor Ofo – Rehabilitative Services
Elizabeth Lucero – MSC Peds Clinic
Diana Mizer, RN – 3100
Julie Spicher – Emergency Dept.
Amber McNealy, RN – 2400
Amanda Hoffman, RN – 3100
Yaquelin Vasquez, RN – Women’s Health Clinic
Wendy Carello – Diagnostic Imaging Outpatient
December 2023 Winners
Jennifer Rodriguez – RN, Unit 3500 – “Jennifer’s one of the best nurses I’ve worked with! She’s a team player. She steps up and helps when an RN needs help. She doesn’t let anyone get behind. Keep up the good work!”
Jacinto Magallanes – RN, Unit 4500 – “Jacinto provided a patient that was end-of-life with dignity and respect, He was also kind to the patient’s family.”
Honorable Mentions:
Jasmine Brynd – Radiology
Patricia Bucayu – RN, Unit 2400
Holly Retchless – RN, Unit 3200
November 2023 Winners
Dustin Adams – IT Communications Tech III, Information Services
Yesenia Buenrostro – Registered Nurse III, Nurse Support - Diabetes Team
Dr. Stephanie Downing – Attending Physician, Trauma Services
Janet Orosco – Licensed Vocational Nurse II, Moreno Valley CHC
October 2023 Winners
Dr. Priya Sukumaran Victor – Ambulatory PC Physician, CHC
Jennifer Aguirre – Office Assistant III, Human Resources
Luz Lobatos – Housekeeper, EVS
Amanda Koch – Ultrasound Technologist, CHC
September 2023 Winners
David Adubi, RN, Behavioral Health, Arlington
Sheena Banning, Medical Assistant, Rubidoux CHC
Nancy Garcia, Admissions and Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Center
April Thomas, Environmental Services, Medical Center
August 2023 Winner
Raymond Madrid, RN III, Arlington Campus
July 2023 Winners
On behalf of a patient, Anthony, an RN within the ED, showed tremendous poise, respect, integrity, excellence and discovery. In the patient's words, “Anthony needs to be the example for all other employees to emulate. He should be the hospitals trainer of employees.”
I was evaluating Dr. Shah when he walked in and introduced his name and role. He told the patient why he was there and then asked the patient questions. He allowed the patient to speak without interruption and also told him the plan of care. Dr. Shah asked for permission to touch and evaluate the patient. After the assessment he informed the patient of his findings. More importantly there were questions and things that were top of mind to the patient and this physician answered all of the patients questions and made him feel as though he was a partner in his own care. Strong work to Dr. Shah of the Cardiology team. Thank you for the professionalism and the compassion that you demonstrated to our client.
Martine goes out of her way to ensure that her patients are well cared for, she is available for education and patient improvement. She goes out of her way to pick up shifts and flexible with her time.
Honorable Mentions -
Joel Punay
Mark Price
Melissa Garcia
John Paul Solomon
June 2023 Winner - Patience Ederaine (photographed above in the pink)
Honorable Mentions —
Thalia Duarte
Katherine Jimenez
Tasha Long
Ross Tesoro
Courtney Burge
Taylor Johnson
Stephanie Blomquist
Jasmin Brynd
Rodney Long
Ralph Rodriguez
Andrea Nieto
March 2023 Winners
Patience Ederaine, RN, Unit A, Arlington
Asher Falia, EVS
Stacie Nellis, NP, Indio CHC
February 2023 Winners
Dr. Sodagar, Community Health Clinic
Veronica Muniz, Physical Therapy
Ariel Pagulayan, RN III, Medical Center/Community Health Clinics
January 2023 Winners —
Orlando Tilford
Erik Mountain
Felipe Marin
Dr. Esterlita Fiel Quinones
Enriqueta Sy
Orlando Tilford started as a Community Services Assistant to outreach to patients and provide references and access to services yet within months Orlando promoted to a Behavioral Health Assistant due to his educational background and fast ability to grasp the mission of the ECM program. Orlando was at one point with no other staff and was a one man team at Riverside CHC who accomplished to engage all patients and connect with all staff at clinic. He is hard working and has received many compliments from many patients and one stated he saved their life. He displays an excellent quality service to all patients His new team mates have verbalized his work ethics is a high standard yet has taught them how vital it is to follow through each process. He has established Riverside CHC ECM team to be the top performing clinic throughout all Riverside County.
Erik Mountain, who is often known as the "Enforcer," is great with is patient care while also being compassionate. Erik works for the best interest of his patients while also being their advocates for better lifestyle. He is one of the strongest patient advocates.
Felipe Marin has great people skills…and a good attitude all times. He helps any time you need him to. The department runs smoother when he is there. His actions never go unnoticed. Patients appreciate his kindness and good work ethic. An all around great employee. Felipe is a very funny man. Laughter is the best medicine, he made my day. He should be a nurse, but is a very good transport.
Enriqueta Sy provides quality care for our patients while managing staff as an exemplary charge nurse and house supervisor. She displays humility and teamwork when working with and on other units. Enriqueta, known as "Sy," demonstrates the balance of best nursing practice, compassionate patient care, unit management, and enthusiasm. She is an asset to the Arlington campus as a peer and role model.
Dr. Esterlita Fiel Quinones has such a caring and compassionate attitude towards staff and patients. She continually adds patients that need to be seen quickly whether for paperwork or surgery clearance and takes a vested interest in her diabetic patients and celebrates their success when they're blood sugar is under control.