Progress Notes — August 15, 1983

 
 
 

This document has been recreated below for ease of use. It has been lightly edited for clarity. Hyperlinks have been inserted where additional, relevant information is available.

For posterity, the original document is available, too.

 
 
 

 
 
 

Joan Straatmann, Editor

 
 

Administrator's Column

By Jerry Marquette

Periodically, managers of steam plants must schedule a time to open the flues and release built up steam. WHY? Because if not reduced, steam pressure can grow to enormous heights in the giant power facilities. Pressure can become so great, it can explode and destroy the plant, killing both workers and those living around it.

A similar thing can happen with hospitals - or some services or actions - can turn hostile, building and building pressure until it has the potential of exploding into a "disaster." What hospitals must do, just as people must do before this occurs, is to provide methods of releasing steam to avert the explosion.

This year at Pointe Coupee General Hospital we have tried to provide many mechanisms for all the Hospital Family to avert their pressures. We have a monthly Departmental meeting, monthly Medical Staff meeting, monthly Board meeting, bi-monthly Police Jury meeting, Employees meet with the Administrator, Personnel Action Committee, Family picnic, etc.

These outlets help those who have been prepared and who have been willing to cooperate. We are facing many changes in the Health Care field and in the next five years that effect on Pointe Coupee General Hospital will be even greater because of Medicare and Medicaid.

We must continually be on our toes and work as a family. especially with our new physicians and new expansion at Pointe Coupee General Hospital. Keep in mind a good family goes through troubled times together. goes through bad times together. and meets every challenge directly. This is what we must do.

 
 

 
 

Dr. John Morrison is our ninth and newest full-time Physician at Pointe Coupee General Hospital.

He is a General Surgeon and has opened an office here as of July 11th.

Welcome to the Family, Dr. John Morrison!

 
 

 
 

Is This My Life?

By Rose Miller

What will I do with my life? This question is asked of many people, especially those who are in their teen years and early twenties. When I contemplate the many careers and jobs one can choose from, I can't help but marvel how it is a miracle that some people are able to know their special task in this life. It is the lucky person who sets goals early in life and then goes on to achieve them.

Some dream of financial security while others simply dream of success. Every person who brings his best skills to the performance of his job and knows that he is making a contribution to people around him is a success. If he makes the most of his resources to accomplish a worthy goal, he is successful. If he enjoys his job he is fortunate and happy.

 
 

 
 

Birthdays

 
 

August

3 - Cheri Garon
4 - Ellen Joseph
5 - Clarissa Desormes
10 - Pat Springstead
11 - Roy Guidroz
13 - Fran Talbot
15 - Joyce Patin
15 - August Page
20 - Janet Stephens
21 - Beverly Davis
22 - Yvonne Jones
25 - Cindy Hedge
25 - Janet Major
26 - Joan Straatmann

September

1 - Greg Dickinson
3 - James Terrance
4 - Beverly Torres
4 - Doretha Jack
19 - Karen Nelson
20 - Sibert Terrance
21 - Gerald Ducote
27 - Mary Augustine
29 - Dr. Bobby Fulmer

October

6 - Gladys Foster
6 - Dr. Jan Hudson
7 - Dr. Steve Joelessaint
10 - Cindy Guidroz
12 - Barb Scallon
14 - Nettie Bonaventure
15 - Paul Easley
22 - Jean Ducote
26 - JoAnn Guerin

November

3 - Lena Brown
4 - Kay Langlois
5 - Judith Bowkley
7 - Yvonne Roy
8 - Ethel James
9 - Marion Cifero
9 - Anne Gustin
12 - Dr. Ron Padgett
13 - Doris Gauthier
23 - Juanita Travasos
24 - Brenda Dukes
27 - Bertha Ellsworth
28 - Debra Laws
30 - Danny Chustz

December

1 - Helta Bueche
3 - Judy Gremillion
3 - Cheryl LeCompte
4 - Gladys Dickinson
4 - Ronnie Callegari
9 - Dr. Joe Wheeler
9 - Nancy Witty
10 - Liz Crochet
13 - Sandy Pourciau
15 - Selma Shields
16 - Mirris Frederick
17 - Dolores Azard
17 - Leona Leonard
20 - Jerry Marquette
21 - Rose Guerin
27 - Bonnie Steinkamp
29 - Julie Smith
29 - Mae Cire
30 - Karen Brazzel
31 - Orelia Northern

 
 

 
 

Graduation Day!!!

We will soon have a new "crop” of Graduate Nursing Students from the Memorial Area Vocational School. The big day is August 19th. Congratulations are in order to these girls and their instructors who have worked so hard this past year toward a common good! Way to go Girls!!!!

Instructors: Bettye Marque and Myrtis Leonards

Graduates:

  • Juanita Bougeois

  • Mary Burleigh

  • Myra Clifton

  • Karen Fielder

  • Debbie Jarreau

  • Paulette Joffrion

  • Donna Kimble

  • Faye Grady

  • Charlotte Kent

  • Rosemary Hollins

  • Christine Rummler

  • Melissa Scallon

  • Michele Short

 
 

 
 

Retirement

A Great Lady, Mrs. Helta Bueche

Mrs. Helta Bueche

On August 31, 1983, Pointe Coupee General Hospital will be saying goodbye to Mrs. Bueche after a total of 33 years in our Parish Hospitals. Mrs. Buche has worked in a variety of areas in the Hospital, the floors, Surgery and Central Supply since 1950. She has been Central Supply Supervisor at PCGH since 1969.

We all hate to see her leave since it has been such a pleasure working with her. She always has a smile for everyone and ever-ready to cooperate and help in any way she can. We'll all sure miss you Mrs. Bueche!

 
 

 
 

Upcoming!!!!

Don't forget our Talent Show being held on September 3rd, at the Scott Civic Center to benefit Muscular Dystrophy research.

 
 
 

It is easy to find fault with others when they do not conform to our pattern, but here may be reasons beyond their control for their behavior which we neither know nor understand.

 
 

 
 

THE SPIRIT OF LOYALTY

By Hattie Benton

Loyalty stems from the center of character and the will to do right. It embraces a myriad of old-fashion virtues such as truthfulness, respect of authority, obedience and self-discipline. Self-esteem is a product of all of these.

Loyalty begins with the individual worker and his attitude toward his job and the rules and regulations of the institution. Attitude is contagious! The right attitude exudes wholesomeness, warmth and friendship. It promotes progress. The wrong attitude soon spreads like a virus from one employee to another, becoming a disease that is irreversible.

Think on it. Loyalty, when practiced from day to day, is embedded in the unconscious. It is then an integral part of the individual. It never goes unnoticed or unrewarded. It is the secret to success.

 
 

 
 

Changes

On June 4th a new "look" was added to the Business Office. A complete remodeling was done by tearing down walls and installing sound-absorbing partitions.

Along with adding attractiveness and color, the partitions give the office a business-like atmosphere.

An electronic power file was also installed. Color-coded file folders have also been added to the system. All of these changes have tremendously increased productivity.

 
 

 
 

Our new Nursery Technicians seem to enjoy their jobs. They must be doing a fine job as no babies have voiced any complaints!

A father took his son to the hospital to see the family's new arrival. The child stood in front of the nursery window peering in at the 10 tiny cribs, 8 of which were filled. "Look Daddy!" he suddenly exclaimed, "They have two more traps set!"

Congratulations

...to employee Janet Major on the birth of her daughter, Ashley Nicole.

and

...to Yvonne Jones and her new little girl, Chelsea Alyssa.

and

...to Bonnie Lorio and Whitney Landry on their upcoming wedding.

What's going on over in Medical Records anyway???

 
 

 
 

We Want To Welcome Our New Employees

 
 
  • Cindy Hedge

  • C. J. Tumminello

  • Terry Nick

  • Deborah Paul

  • Lize Crochet

  • Billie Oliver

  • Patty Gauthier

  • Joyce Patin

  • Lee Anne Speed

  • Paula Turner

  • Mickey Shoemaker

  • Merileee Bryant

  • Yvette Major

  • Pamela Mitchell

  • Jeanne Strate

  • Anthony Joseph

  • Robert Crouch

  • Roy Guidroz

  • Orelia Northern

  • Mary Martin

  • William Helm

  • Chad Major

 
 

 
 

July, 1983

It was not easy to say goodbye to Maria Harrington, our former Nursing Director. We miss her but wish her the best of everything in her "Mountain Home in Arkansas." There, rest and relaxation await her arrival. Don't forget us Maria.

Director of Nursing, Jean Ducote, answers the telephone in her office.

With tokens of love and esteem, we welcome our new Director of Nursing, Jean Ducote, B.S.N., R.N.

She has been "one of us" for some time, first as a Staff Nurse and recently as Assistant Director of Nursing. We welcome her with gusto as our leader at Pointe Coupee General Hospital!

 
 

 
 

On May 8th, a "Mother's Day Run' was held at PCGH. It was well attended and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Prizes and free refreshments were given, along with the trophies.

The proceeds benefit the Pointe Coupee Cancer Research Study currently being done.

Dr. Helm and others sprint to the finish line.

 
 

 
 

Two truck drivers had made several unusually tiring trips together. Although one driver was twice the age of the other, he seemed to thrive on the long hours. After one such trip, the younger driver mentioned to the other how rested he looked. “It's all in your attitude, son” he said. “Whereas you went to work this morning, I went for a ride in the country.”

 
 

 
 

The Ambulance Helicopter Landing has become a reality right out in front! That's Acadian Ambulance Service - out in front!

 
 
 
 
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