Drum Roll… Here are the 2024 Heritage Week Award Winners!

Heritage Week is a time to honor and celebrate the history of our ministry as well as recognize the wonderful coworkers who help continue our mission at CHI St. Vincent.

The following were selected as winners of our Leadership and Service Excellence awards for Heritage Week 2024.

Sister Margaret Vincent Blandford Leadership Award

Jackie Cotton, Nursing Director, Infirmary

“Just reading the description of Sister Margaret as a visionary and preparing for the future immediately draws the image of Jackie Cotton. Jackie is well respected by her peers, those that report to her and the executive leadership team. She is a trusted colleague for many in the organization and can always be counted on to jump in whenever and wherever there is a need. Jackie is a dedicated, hard worker with a history of improving outcomes. Most recently, she took on an interim director role for two areas that were completely different from her clinical background. She leads those teams with grace and compassion. Jackie provides calm and steady leadership, helping those teams through many organizational changes. Jackie is a humble, servant leader who does not often take credit for how extraordinary she is.”

Sister Teresa Joseph Babcock Service Excellence Award

Brett Calcagno, RN, Clinical Educator, Infirmary

“Brett continually goes above and beyond daily at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary. The effort he puts into working with the RNRPs for the Emergency Department, taking extra time with them in weekly classes while also answering extra questions they may have. St. Vincent’s core values include compassion and inclusion for the patients, but Brett also focuses on having compassion and inclusion for the staff! Helping spearhead the “Code Lavender” throughout the hospital, making sure staff gets what they need to get through difficult times. He has gone above and beyond by reading state laws from start to finish to make sure the hospital’s policies work in concert while protecting staff. He never says no! He just finds a way to get it done, and the ED loves him for it.”

Sister Teresa Joseph Babcock Service Excellence Award

Grace Tolliver, RN, Medical Group

“Grace has a heart the size of Texas. She is so willing to help anyone, be it a patient, coworker or even coworkers’ family members. She deals with her own health battles. This never hinders her from having a smiling friendly disposition. When she speaks to patients, it is with respect and dignity. She is also able to explain to them exactly what they need, whether it be for surgery prep or post op recovery. She takes calls from 0530 through to well after working hours. She does this to help patients feel more at ease before they go in for major cardiovascular surgery. She is so knowledgeable. She never asks for anything in return, no recognition, no pats on the back is expected. She would possibly not agree with me nominating her for this award.”

Sister Teresa Joseph Babcock Service Excellence Award

TeQuilla Fields, NSP Medical Assistant, Medical Group

“When you picture teamwork, TeQuilla definitely comes to mind. She is often recognized by her peers for jumping in to help them, without being asked. In our staff kudos box, she is always the top recipient. She is great with our patients as well and goes above and beyond if needed. Recently, a patient needing a 2nd TB skin test for school came in, but it was later in the week with the weekend approaching. They needed this done and read by Monday for school. TeQuilla made arrangements with the patient to ensure she could read the test. After that she made sure they would have the documentation for Monday by taking it directly to the person’s place of employment.”

Sister Teresa Joseph Babcock Service Excellence Award

Christopher Dutton, PCT (Morrilton)

“Chris goes above and beyond for our patients. He buys food and snacks for patients with limited financial resources who are here long term and don’t get many visitors. He will clock out and take patients outside for a break from the small, confined hospital rooms and will spend 1-3 hours with them before going home. He genuinely cares about all patients. He exhibits compassion, empathy and kindness to everyone he touches. He has a big smile and great attitude every time he comes to work. We are blessed to have such a wonderful person on our staff. We love you Chris.”

Sister Teresa Joseph Babcock Service Excellence Award

Latonya Slaughter, RN, Patient Care Coordinator (North)

“In the demanding world of healthcare, where every day presents new challenges and triumphs, there exists a rare and remarkable individual who exemplifies the essence of humankindness. That individual is Latonya Slaughter, a nurse whose compassion and empathy redefine what it means to care for others. Latonya’s true gift is her ability to connect with her patients on a deeply personal level. Latonya’s acts of kindness extend beyond patient care. She is known for her unwavering support of her colleagues. In the high-stress environment of the hospital, it is Latonya who can be counted on to offer a word of encouragement, a helping hand or a listening ear. Latonya’s legacy is not only in the care she provides but in the lives she touches and the hearts she warms with her unparalleled kindness.”

Sister Dorothy Calhoun Service Excellence Award

Shane Robertson, Chaplain (Hot Springs)

“Chaplain Shane is the team leader in Pastoral Services. He does an excellent job as a full-time staff chaplain. He serves with joy, excellence and shows dignity to all whom he meets at the workplace. He is a problem solver and looks for solutions to whatever challenges he, or we, face in the workplace. He serves his team well, but also any units in which he goes to assist. He does his work with diligence and excellence. He is easy to get along with and does his share of work and then some. He is our AMEN chaplain, who ends his prayers with “AAAAAMEN!””

Sister Dorothy Calhoun Service Excellence Award

Stacy Sliger, Sr. Financial Analyst (Medical Group)

“Great leadership and extremely patient. She has trained me from scratch for this position and I could not have asked for better leadership.”

Deacon Patrick McCruden Leadership Award

Amy Gates, RN, Nurse Manager, Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (Hot Springs)

“Amy is an amazing manager, always helps her unit and is willing to come in and work when needed. She goes to battle for her unit and makes sure they are well prepared and equipped to handle the day. She is a wonderful manager.”

Dr. Michael Young Physician Excellence Award

This award will be presented in December. Stay tuned!