Volume 18, Issue No. 44 - October 26, 2009

The Queen’s
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Connection
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QU
EEN’
S MEDICAL CENTE
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A Weekly Publication for the People of Queen’s • Vol. 18 • No. 44 • October 26, 2009
Donna Murakami Honored by T10 Fans
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“It’s a small world after all,” the staff of
the QET 10 Nursery/Postpartum sang
in unison to QMC’s September Employee of the Month Donna Murakami, RNC (registered nurse, certified).
Her original party was scheduled for
the last day in September, but Donna
called in sick; her party was reset for
Wednesday, October 21. Donna took ill
again on the Monday of that week, precipitating a call from Nurse Manager
Katie Barbieto, RNC, who asked, “Donna, just how sick are you?” A worried
Donna assured Katie that she was sure
she would be back at work by Wednesday for an “important meeting.”
“I felt stressed,” laughed Donna after discovering it was all a ruse to get
her to her own Employee of the Month
celebration. She was soon adorned in
lei and a very special set of mouse
ears fresh from Disneyland. Many of
her coworkers sported Mickey Mouse
ears and waved fans which read “You’re
FANtastic” and included pinup shots of
male celebrities Orlando Bloom, Daniel
Craig, Dennis O’Leary and Harrison
Ford. “Oh, those are all the men I’m in
love with,” Donna blushed, but pointing at boyfriend Ben Isidro (right), she
continued, “he’s number one—he’s better than all of them.”
Admitting that she is obsessed with
Disneyland (“I go there twice a year”),
Donna reported special affection for
Mickey Mouse, the California Adventure roller coaster, Indiana Jones ride
and of course, It’s a Small World. Although the single mother of three boys
(12, 19 and 20 years old) loves to trav(Continued on page 2.)
Security Celebrates
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Last week, security officers across the
country celebrated National Healthcare
Security and Safety Week. Queen’s Department of Security Services celebrated with a bake sale, crafts fair, white
elephant sale, security and emergency
preparedness displays, decontamination
equipment display and fire extinguisher
training on the helipad. Security culminated the week with entertainment and
an awards ceremony honoring Security’s
Employee of the Year and Department of
EOM Donna M.
(Continued from page 1.)
el, she is pretty busy and dedicated
right here on the home front. She is
entering her final year of her Master’s
degree studies in pediatric nursing.
Before coming to Queen’s in 1999,
Donna said she had a pattern of
switching specialties and hospitals every three years. “I’d just get bored,”
she admitted. Then she interviewed at
Queen’s for a position as a special care
nursery nurse. “I had no experience in
that area. I’d really like to thank Katie for giving me a chance, and Cindy
Kitkowski who trained me. The educational support from the Queen’s administration is a huge bonus.”
When Donna applied for funding
for her master’s degree Katie couldn’t
help but ask, “What are your plans?”
Donna’s reply was, “I’m not going anywhere.” She is now fully committed to
the QET 10 unit and has found a true
calling and love for working with new
mothers and their babies.
Donna is admired and depended on by
Queen’s Employee
Give the Gift of Health
Bake Sale
Friday, October 30
9:30 am - 1:30 pm, Near Morgan Lounge
Main OR
Queen’s Giving Campaign Crafts Fair
Friday, November 20
9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Front Lawn
For more information, call Joele at ext. 5418
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the Year. Chosen by her peers, Tresia Rodriguez was honored for her selflessness,
leadership and for teaching others. Gary
Dias, Director of Security, stated that
Tresia is always there for somebody and
that the recognition was well-deserved.
“Tresia is one of our best,” he said. Volunteer Services was honored as the department of the year. Also selected by Security staff, Volunteer Services was cited as
the department that most helped Security fulfill its mission at Queen’s.
her peers, her patients and physicians.
“Donna has the ability to bring together
physicians and nurses to work toward
common goals,” said pediatrician Joan
Meister, MD. Robb Ohtani, MD, cited
her patient safety consciousness: “She
has participated in debriefings after
complicated cases and formulated ideas
to improve safety and systems to promote better care for patients.” Deb Trankel, RN, CNIV, said, “Donna exemplifies
Magnet qualifications in every way and
is a pleasure to work with.”
Della Graham, RN, commented, “Donna is never to busy to help a peer or patient. Whenever she is on the floor, I feel
a sense of peace knowing that if I need a
strong resource she is available. In my 40
years of nursing, I would rank Donna in
the top five.” Della also recognized Donna’s “bili tool” for monitoring jaundice in
newborns as a tool which promotes nurse
confidence. Donna developed a flow
sheet to assist nurses in monitoring the
bilirubin levels of newborns, which can
indicate jaundice. The information into
entered into a website, which streamlines
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1. Security boasts many talented musicians.
From left to right are Jesse Gamiao, Kokua
Greeter/Concierge, Boyd Hurley, 1st Shift
Manager, Jerry Lee, Security Officer, and
Alex Nuesca, Investigator. Gary Rivers of
Facilities helped set up the equipment for
the performances. 2. Gary Dias presents
Tresia Rodriguez with Security’s Employee
of the Year Award. 3. Janine Takabayashi,
Bev Parker and Ellyn Fukuda accepted Security’s Department of the Year Award.
the report given to the physician so that
it’s more standardized.
At a child’s recent first birthday, the
family reflected back to his birth at
Queen’s: “I remember how fragile my
son was and all the help given to us
as we learned newborn care from your
staff. Nurse Donna Murakami stands
out in memory for her professionalism,
experience and dependability. I sensed
her sincere heart to serve and appreciated her proactive care. I remember
how she explained my son’s bilirubin
level to me, reassuring me that his
level was okay. Donna knows how to
put a first time parent’s worries to rest
by clearly explaining and teaching in a
humble and confident manner.”
Donna says she couldn’t imagine a better place to work, adding, “Everybody
here is so supportive of each other. It’s a
very positive working environment, very
nurturing. My boss is always open to new
ideas. We all work really well together.”
Pharmacist Debut in ER Lead Trend
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They are young, bright, energetic, and
apparently just what the Emergency Department didn’t even know it needed.
They are the new Emergency Department clinical pharmacists Marcy Matsukawa and Eric Gilliam, who began their
service in September, just in time for National Pharmacist Month in October.
“They won me over; now I want to
know if we can extend their hours,”
admitted Steven D. Holmes, PhD, RN,
BC. “I’d love to have them on the night
shift.” RN Theresa Russell concurred
completely, adding, “They have really
improved the safety and quality of patient care by being right there assisting
with critical intervention. I appreciate
the way they also take the time to explain what they’ve done. Now we’re all
constantly yelling for them.”
ED pharmacy is an emerging field
with the 2008 ASHP (American Society
of Health-System Pharmacists) survey
showing only 6.8 percent of hospitals
nationwide providing the dedicated coverage. “We’re still figuring out what our
responsibilities should be,” Marcy confessed. “They didn’t teach this in school,”
Eric agreed. It’s an emerging field in the
process of being recognized as a clinical
Service Awards for October 2009
5 years
Leslie Abe
Michelle Cacho
Lily Camit
Josephine Demicilio
Robin Duran
Mako Ikemiyagi
Elain Lee
Melani Mangrobang
Ethel Nable
Rachel Naleppa
Angela Senoraske
Darren Shibuya
J. Paul Thompson
Lori Tuiasoa
May Vawer
Teodora Yagin
10 years
Dorothy Burgess
Dean Campos
Joyce Harbottle
Elena Ibana
Silvia Jager Lo
Cheri Lima
Donna Murakami
Glenn Nishimura
John Yount
pharmacy specialty. Eric says he chose
the specialty because he feels like his
contribution in the ED is much more immediate than in other departments.
“The ED is one of the best places to
learn because it provides an immediate ‘light bulb’ moment,” said Eric.
“Hopefully, we will get students from
UH Hilo’s new pharmacy program, as
well as our own pharmacy residents,”
Marcy commented.
“It’s very hands on; you get to use
every skill set,” Eric explained. “All
kinds of patients come through the
ER. There is definitely a personality
component involved; Emergency pharmacy is not for everyone. You need to
anticipate what’s needed to be a valuable member of the team.”
“We can make a great impact and
catch potential medication errors before they happen,” Marcy added. “We
In acknowledgment of many years of continued service, the Queen’s ‘ohana congratulates those who are marking an anniversary.
Mahalo to all for your dedicated service.
Employees work at QMC unless noted.
15 years
Voltaire Gamil
20 years
Francisca Edra
Sharon Nishi
25 years
Elizabeth Camarillo
30 years
Theresa Russell
Edene Toma, QDC
Shirley Villegas
35 years
Joyce Lichte
Carolyn Tanabe
Above: Eric Gilliam, PharmD, and Marcy
Matsukawa, PharmD, in the ER.
want to free staff up to do other things.
We talk directly with the patient or
family members about what meds the
patient is already on to avoid possible adverse drug interactions. We call
their doctor or outside pharmacy right
then if there are any uncertainties.”
Eric and Marcy also want to standardize the medication process for critical situations. They want to simplify the
system so that the correct options are
available and known to all when they
are not on duty. Currently, they cover
the ED from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Another area they’ve targeted is the
discharge prescription process. “We really want patients to have their medication in hand before they leave,” Marcy
explained, “not just to capture the revenue, but to increase patient satisfaction
and prevent readmission.” She cited patients with accessibility issues, including
transportation, insurance and availability. “This also gives us a chance to counsel
the patient on how to take the medication properly. It’s a teachable moment.”
“They’re extremely user friendly,”
commented Tony Zanni, RN, ED staff
nurse. “It’s very nice having them; it
saves us a lot of time.”
“We’re all about being proactive,” Eric said. “We involve ourselves by noticing, anticipating, checking in. I think
the patients like it, too; their response
has been very positive.”
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It’s Respiratory Care Week. Visit an
education booth near the Kinau ATM
on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Learn about
asthma, a free COPD drug program and
using an inhaler properly. On Tuesday,
the Sleep Lab will answer questions
about sleep apnea. On Wednesday get a
free lung function test.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cyber Surgery: Discover the Latest Advancement in Robotic Surgical Procedures, a free Speaking of
Health community lecture, will be held
on Wednesday, October 28, from 6:00
to 7:00 pm at the Queen’s Conference
Center. Join Racquel Bueno, MD, QMC
general surgeon, as she discusses the
procedures and benefits of robotic surgery. Call 537-7117 to register.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop by Day Treatment Services in
the Kaheiheimalie Building at Nuuanu
and Vineyard for a bake sale and lunch
on Friday, October 30, from 9:00 am
to 1:00 pm. All proceeds will benefit
psychosocial rehabilitation clients. Drive
through the parking lot and pick up tasty
treats via window service or pre-order by
emailing kwright@queens.org or by calling
585-5240. Drop-offs are available for orders over $20. Each pre-order will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a
free lunch! The menu is: Combo 1-Chow
fun bowl with fried chicken, $3; Combo 2-Musubi and chow fun, $3; Combo
3-Soda, choice of cookie or brownie and
choice of musubi or chow fun, $5. All
items are also available ala carte.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight Watchers participants may
pick up registration forms at the Women’s Health Center and bring payment
to the first session on Thursday, October 29 at 11:30 am.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lead by Ann Frost, PT, Healing in Motion is an exercise support group for
breast cancer patients and survivors that
encourages physical fitness and friendship. The group meets on Wednesdays,
from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, October 28 to
November 18. There is a $20 fee for four
sessions. Call 573-7117 to register.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A Blood Drive will be held on Monday, November 2, from 7:00 am to 3:00
pm in the Imaging classroom. Be sure
to bring a current photo ID with your
birth date on it.
It’s All About Movement
Sell:
Puppies: (3) Chows, 7 wks old, all F, 3 blk, 1 lt
brwn. Call 689-4699 or 222-7555.
’95 Harley Sportster 883: 1200 conversion,
8400 orig mi, brand new rear tire, lots of extras,
forward controls, drag bar, straight pipes, low
profile seat & more. Grt running/sounding bike.
Stop paying to park at work. $3,700 on Craigslist,
$3,500 to QMC employee. Vince @ 754-2219.
Rent:
Punahou: 1/1 part furn grnd flr apt, nr bus,
Punahou, Shriner’s, Kap. Pool, coin op w/d.
$1,200 incl elec, water, basic cable. 6 mo lease.
Miki 988-2042 or 722-0121, lv msg.
Haiku Point : 2/1/1 twnhse, ceiling fans, microw,
w/d, a/c. $1,650 incl water & cable. 230-1275.
Aiea: 2/1/1 pkg, dwnstrs unit, w/d, nr mall &
frwy. $1,500 incl utls. Call 292-7978.
Near QMC: Spacious 2/1 apt. Pets OK, w/d,
nr bus. $1,800. Call 808-372-1534.
Placing an ad: Queen’s employees only. Include
name, phone and Employee ID number. Mail
to Creative Services—Print Connection, fax to
547-4002 or e-mail to jkimura@queens.org by
Wednesday. The Print Connection reserves the
right to edit or refuse any ad. The Print Connection
does not make any warranty about the fitness of
any product or service listed in Q-Mart.
The Queen’s
Connection
Weekly
The Queen’s Print Connection is published
by Creative Services. If you have news or
wish to opine, call us at 537-7532 or e-mail
jkimura@queens.org. News deadline is the
Monday prior to publication.
QMC President. . . . . . . . . . Art Ushijima
Publisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy Cameron
Editor/Writer. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Kimura
Assist. Ed./Writer. . . . . . . Glee Stormont
Above: Queen’s Physical Therapists, PT Assistants and Rehab Aides celebrate National
Physical Therapy Month in October. Physical therapy helps millions of Americans manage
or eliminate pain and regain control over the movement of their bodies.
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The Queen’s Medical Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
www.queens.org
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