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BVMs and Lay Employees Benefit from |
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Key phrases from the prayer offered at a recent Mt. Carmel Coordinators meeting fit equally well for a Wright Hall Supervisors meeting. The two BVM retirement facilities in Dubuque and Chicago share also a like mission, “to create a homelike environment for residents, and a work environment that promotes job satisfaction for employees.” In this endeavor, BVMs and lay staff at both facilities work together as partners at all levels. The model is one of mutuality and collegiality rather than the usual institutional model of a hierarchy. The Mt. Carmel Continuing Care Retirement Community (MCCRC) has some 301 full and part time employees for its approximately 220 residents, while Wright Hall has 26 full and part time staff for about 45 residents. Aside from the obvious difference in size and also in physical layout, both facilities have a remarkably similar living and working environment. A Seasoned Team It's easy to pick up the spirit among those present at the Coordinators meeting at Mt. Carmel. Most are seasoned employees, with Environmental Services Coordinator Patty DeVries logging 28 years with the Sisters of Charity, BVM. The coordinators know one another well as colleagues and friends; they are a support group among themselves, and “a support system that allows things to happen,” as one coordinator puts it. Administrator Joyce Cravens explains, “I came with Caritas Center when the management model that united the entire complex was developed. We've worked to expand all services across campus.” Associate Administrator Sarah Rentz works effectively with Joyce to oversee the wellbeing of all residents. Together they stress the solidarity among staff members which helps lessen turnover. Wright Hall Joyce and Sarah's counterparts at Wright Hall are Administrator Joan Lewison, OSF and Associate Administrator Sharon Rezmer. “I like the holistic approach which values others' concerns and acts on the core values of the BVMs,” Joan says.
She and Sharon appreciate the good relationships they enjoy with “a caring staff, which works together for the good of the whole.” Supervisor meetings at Wright Hall mean fewer people sitting around the table than at Mt. Carmel; their collaborative spirit is evidenced in their sharing. According to Sharon, the whole staff collaborates, especially when it comes to planning special events. Some of the informal happenings result from suggestions of the residents; others are major community events at which the residents are hostesses, greeting and mingling with guests. It's especially the latter events at which Food Service Supervisor Reggie Rudolph displays his culinary skills. He takes pride in the fact that both visitors and residents enjoy the meals he and his multilingual staff serve. Reggie notes that at Wright Hall, “You feel like you're part of a team where your opinions and suggestions count.” Two of the record-holders for length of service at Wright Hall are Licensed Practical Nurse Linda Laski with 21 years, and Housekeeper Mary Palomino with 18 years. Linda enjoys her responsibilities, summing up with “I'm allowed to be a good nurse.” She works with administrators to promote the good health of the residents, and values “a wonderful atmosphere for employees.”
Mary agrees, “Everyone gets along well; the atmosphere is cheerful and thoughtful, with residents supportive of employees in times of family difficulties like illness and death.” Patrice Rog, CSA in her pastoral care role and Tom Kennedy, director of maintenance, both interact frequently with residents through their respective positions. Both are relatively new to Wright Hall, “a workplace which people enjoy,” according to Patrice; and “a safe and comfortable building for residents,” which Tom is proud to provide. Sprawling Complex Wright Hall's ten-story vertical architectural plan keeps Tom busy enough. The MCCRC covers the distance of a city block from the west end of the Motherhouse to the chapel in Marian Hall, with plenty of surrounding grounds. For Director of Facilities Greg Fuglsang, overseeing a physical plant of this extent means coordinating a myriad of tasks that go from parking and paving to landscaping and sidewalks to communicating and collaborating with housekeeping and food service for special events, and with pastoral care for funerals. Pastoral Care Coordinator Deb Doyle provides spiritual opportunities not only for residents but also for employees. Her staff has a two-month rotation from Marian Hall to Caritas to the Motherhouse, so that a personal connection is possible for each resident. Contact with residents' family and friends is maintained, and it is especially at the time of a sister's death that pastoral care provides a welcoming and comforting presence to all who knew and loved the person. Because a holistic approach embraces the physical along with the spiritual, Health Care Services Coordinator Sherry Jacobs and Wellness Coordinator Mary Astgen have important roles at Mt. Carmel. Nursing provides “person-centered care,” according to Sherry, involving patients in all decisions about their care that they are capable of making. “Everything we do enhances their home and their life.” Mary Astgen helps residents set individual goals that can assist with pain management, and which ultimately can result in less “sick” time. In an effort to allow sisters opportunities for getting out, Mary claims knowledge of all the handicap-accessible restaurants and bathrooms in Dubuque. Dining Services Coordinator Dan Behrens and his competent kitchen staff are augmented by an energetic crew of high school students who assist in the Caritas and Marian Hall dining rooms. Helping residents through a nutritious buffet line, serving beverages and clearing dishes, both young and seasoned employees have time for exchanges with the diners. In late October, the annual bus trip from Wright Hall to Mt. Carmel added about 40 to the noon meal crowd. In November, it was the annual welcome for benefactors that increased the supper meal count by about 200. For both events, Dan and his crew set a bountiful and beautiful table.
BVMs on Staff In addition to the lay employees, three BVMs are involved in the overall staffing at Mt. Carmel CCRC. Alice Caulfield (Alissio) and Florence Heflin (Floretta) are Community Representatives, who keep retired sisters connected to all aspects of BVM life and mission. BVM Clemenza Finney coordinates support services, which translates as “volunteers.” These include both laypeople from “outside” Mt. Carmel who help with transport and other support services, as well as sisters who live there and help with residents' personal needs. At both Mt. Carmel and Wright Hall, administrators and staff remark on the many expressions of gratitude they receive from the residents, and on the affirmation given by their colleagues. Before the MCCRC Coordinators meeting drew to a close, the entire group highlighted the work of Secretary Kathy McDermott, who had been busily taking minutes. It was one more example of the mutuality and collaboration and support which all experience on a daily basis. As someone commented, “Here you're a person, not a position.” About the author: Mary Martens, BVM (Loras) is administrative assistant to the BVM Council and a member of the Communications Advisory Committee. Return to Table of Contents. |
