Jamestown Regional Medical Center recently announced Susan Matthiesen as its most recent Legend Award recipient. This award is the most prestigious distinction for a JRMC employee. It recognizes employees who exceed expectations and make THE difference in the lives of those they serve.

JRMC Foundation Office Coordinator, Penny Holland, nominated Matthiesen. She nominated her due to the everyday philanthropic care for JRMC’s staff, patients and guests that she displays.

“Patients who come to JRMC for audiology services are beneficiaries of Sue’s professionalism, expertise and dedication to them. Sue has been known to go on “house calls” to visit patients who are unable to make it to our campus. There are many days Sue juggles a full day to fit yet another patient into her busy schedule. As a member of the Sertoma Club, Sue shares club offerings with her patients and investigates every avenue to find ways to help them get hearing aids and other devices they need to improve their quality of life. With Sue as their audiologist, JRMC patients get the best care from a compassionate person,” Holland wrote.

Matthiesen joined the JRMC team in 1996. She lives in Jamestown with her husband, Jim.

Each quarter, JRMC’s 350 employees cast anonymous votes to select the Legend Award winner. The purpose of the Legend Award is to inspire, motivate and capture the moments that define JRMC. The goal is to help employees and volunteers connect to the sense of purpose that brought them to the organization. This award is for employees who’ve made extreme efforts to benefit their patients and colleagues.

“Nominations inspire staff members to continually be the best, exceed expectations and make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” said JRMC Chief Executive Officer K.C DeBoer.

Once nominated, both JRMC administration and employees voted on their favorite nominees and their stories.

“JRMC goes above and beyond for its staff from our Legend Awards each quarter to employee engagement,” JRMC Chief Operating Officer, Ricki Ramlo said. “We are grateful for our employees’ commitment to caring for our patients and our community.”

Finally, the Legend Award first began in 2012. Since then, more than 30 individuals were named legends and more than 100 employees were nominated.

THE EVERYDAY PHILANTHROPIST

Sue Matthiesen is one of the people that sets JRMC apart. Whether it is a patient or co-worker, she consistently shows us the high regard she has for people.

Thus, patients who come to JRMC for audiology services are beneficiaries of Sue’s professionalism, expertise and dedication to them. Sue has been known to go on “house calls” to visit patients who are unable to make it to our campus. There are many days Sue juggles a full day to fit yet another patient into her busy schedule. As a member of the Sertoma Club, Sue shares club offerings with her patients and investigates every avenue to find ways to help them get hearing aids and other devices they need to improve their quality of life. With Sue as their audiologist, JRMC patients get the best care from a compassionate person.

Sue is always there to help her co-workers. She sends flowers and delivers delicious meals when we are injured, ill or in need of emotional support. Sue covers event sponsorship fees for the rehab team so they can enjoy a day of fun together. On holidays and special occasions, many of us have come to work to find treats were left “anonymously” at our workstations and Christmas gifts have magically appeared!

Philanthropy is a part of Sue’s daily life. Whether it be a donation of raffle or silent auction items, Sue quietly and generously gives to every event, many of which she also attends. At one such event, Sue placed bids on the silent auction items she had donated. When asked why she was bidding on her own donated items, Sue replied that she would then be able to donate them again for the next event!

When Jamestown Hospital became Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Sue supported the fundraising efforts by choosing to dedicate artwork that now adorns the walls in the rehab waiting area.

Sue is also quick to support the Auxiliary. She attends many of their events purchasing plants, baked goods and items from JRMC Gift Shoppe. During one trip to the gift shop, Sue purchased crayons and coloring books to take to pediatric patients she was scheduled to see that afternoon.

Other examples of Sue’s legendary work include:

  • Providing gift cards and gift packages to award as prizes at JRMC employee picnics
  • Donating magazines to the Auxiliary’s patient stewardship program
  • Securing an iPad from an audiology vendor for a Foundation raffle

She doesn’t want any recognition either. Just knowing she’s helping is enough.

Sue is LEGENDARY not because she has touched just one of us; she has touched us all.