Vicki Keye, Operations Assistant, Endoscopy, has been a part of Methodist
Hospital since she was 15 years old and worked in what was then called
Dietary. “It was a summer program,” she recalls, “and
I had to get a work permit.” Dorothy Walton, Dietary Director, then
hired her to work part-time when she was 16. She became full-time after
high school graduation. Her official hire date was March 20, 1980, but
she says the Hospital has been her life-long employer. “I was born
here, too!” she added.
After working for about 10 years in Dietary, she transferred to the Medical
Unit where she worked for several years as a Nurse Assistant. The next
few years (exact dates are a bit fuzzy to her) she worked in the Operating
Room as an assistant before settling into her current position in Endoscopy.
Keye also has the distinction of being one of very few employees to have
been honored as an Employee of Excellence (now called Spirit Employee)
for the third time. The other times were a long time ago, she recalls,
and like her moves to various areas within the Hospital, she isn’t
sure of the dates. “The plaques are packed in a box in my garage,”
she said with a laugh.
The favorite parts of her job involve interacting with patients and their
families, and working with her fellow team members. Her position includes
keeping up with ordering supplies, answering the phone and getting whatever
the doctors and nurses may need. “I am a Jill of all trades,”
she added. “This is home away from home for me and I am honored
to have been recognized again. We do a lot of the same things over and
over and think what we do may not be important, but my days are always
good, and I am grateful.”
COMMENTS FROM HER NOMINATOR
“Vicki never lets the chaos of a busy day stop her from making every
patient and family member feel as if they’re the only ones here.
She gives her tasks and responsibilities her 100% effort. It doesn’t
matter if it’s doctors, nurses, patients or family, she takes care
of us all. She goes above and beyond to make sure the entire department
is aware of changes and happenings in our department. She makes sure we
are always going to succeed and does whatever is necessary to help us
do so.”
ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Spirit of Excellence Award recognizes employees within the scope of
our organization who have demonstrated superb customer service, positive
performance, involvement, respect, initiative and team member. If you
received excellent care and/or service from a Methodist Hospital or Methodist
Hospital Union County employee, nominate them for the Spirit of Excellence
Award. Nominations can be submitted online at
www.methodisthospital.net/SOE.