Floyd honors employees during annual Celebration of Service event including 40-year employee Konda Dizon

Media release: Konda Dizon, a nurse in Floyd’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was recognized for 40 years of dedicated patient care during Floyd’s Celebration of Service, held January 28.

“Konda is an incredible nurse,” said Kellie Pearson, Director of Women and Children Services at Floyd. “Not only does she offer compassionate care to our tiniest patients, but she also provides an excellent example to our younger staff of what a NICU nurse should be.”

Mary Kate Smith, a second-year NICU nurse, is one of those who sees Dizon as a role model.

“The moment I met her, I knew this was where I was supposed to be,” Smith said. “She has believed in me so much that it’s helped me believe in myself. She’s an inspiration.”

In addition to honoring employees celebrating milestone anniversaries, the annual event also recognizes teams and departments that achieved outstanding results in the previous year.

The Infectious Disease Readiness Team, led by Kenna Baker and Linda Huddleston, received the President’s Award.

Chosen by President and Chief Executive Officer Kurt Stuenkel, the President’s Award is given to an individual, department or team that has contributed significantly to the organization’s strategic initiatives. Specifically, Stuenkel cited the team’s selflessness in honoring them with this award.

“In 2014, we were faced with the very real possibility that we could receive a patient stricken with the Ebola virus, and we needed to make sure we were prepared, should that happen,” Stuenkel said. “This group of individuals, knowing the seriousness of the situation, raised their hand and said, ‘Yes, I will volunteer,’ exemplifying the highest ideals and values of caregivers.”

Stuenkel said that the team’s rapid response and thorough planning has prepared the organization for similar future situations.

“This time it was Ebola, but next time it could be another infectious disease,” Stuenkel said, “and this team’s hard work has left us with a stronger medical infrastructure that will serve as preparation for future disease outbreaks.”

The Executive Team Award, selected by Floyd’s executive leadership, was awarded to Winnie Cullens, Floyd’s Accreditation/Compliance Coordinator and Privacy Officer.

The Floyd Physician of the Year is awarded to the Floyd physician who has provided leadership, demonstrated outstanding support of the organization and its mission, exhibited outstanding clinical skills and provided compassionate patient care that goes well beyond expectations, resulting in excellent patient satisfaction. This year’s award was presented to James Collins, M.D.

The Department of the Year, selected by Floyd’s department directors, was awarded to Polk Medical Center’s West Wing. Anita Jackson, Director, accepted the award on behalf of the department.

The Physician Practice of the Year honors the Floyd physician practice that achieves success by exhibiting outstanding performance in four areas: quality measures, patient satisfaction, financial measures and organizational support. This year’s award was presented to Floyd Urgent Care in Rome.