Meet the first winners of STHS’s new Sunflower Award

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Thursday, June 8, 2023

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Meet the first winners of STHS’s new Sunflower Award

STHS Communication Department, CommDept@stph.org

It started in 2022, with the introduction at STHS of the Daisy Award to celebrate examples of extraordinary nursing.

From the start, that program proved so successful that an idea took root: What if the health system also had an award to recognize the contributions of non-nursing colleagues to its healing mission?

Now, the home-grown Sunflower Award is in full bloom, with STHS recently honoring its inaugural recipients: Outpatient Physical Therapist Kim Shockley and Social Worker Irina Sleptsova.

In addition to a bit of fitting hoopla, each also received a piece of angel artwork commissioned by the STHS leadership from Covington artist Jennifer Brett, as well as sunflower cookies from Tournesol Café and Bakery in Covington.

(Fun fact: “Tournesol” is French for sunflower.)

Congratulations and thanks go to Kim and Irina for jobs well done. Scroll down for pictures from each of their Sunflower celebrations, as well as to read their nominations.

You can also read more about the Sunflower program, including how to nominate someone for the honor, at StTammany.health/Sunflower.


STHS Physical Therapist Kim Shockley, left, with Chief Operating Officer Sharon Toups and Education Director Terri Johnston. Terri nominated Kim for the award. (Photo by Tory Mansfield / STHS)

Sunflower recipient: Kim Shockley,
Nominated by: Terri Johnston (colleague)

“I was honored to receive physical therapy from Kim Shockley. I spent two days a week for 6 months with Kim. I have a complex physical therapy history and Kim had to listen and assess my current and chronic issues. She was focused on creating my rehabilitation plan and ensuring I agreed and could complete the plan she created.

“As my body adjusted and sometimes rejected her plan, she would focus on new options or suggestions for me to decrease my pain, increase my strength, increase my flexibility and not lose hope. She loves her profession, and I could tell by her actions and expressions. And I do mean her expressions – her eyebrows would let you know that she was upping the plan. She got the ‘eye of the tiger’ look on her face and you knew she was determined to move you forward.

“Kim was dedicated to my progress and shared my frustration with my setbacks. As a complex patient, I contribute my progress from my setbacks to Kim's skill level and her fearless efforts to try new exercises, dry needling, taping and manual techniques. She researched and looked for new exercise via textbooks, recent continuing education and current videos.

“Many patients might not notice these details but as a clinical educator, this is what sets the top-performing employees apart from the rest of the pack. At the YMCA, Kim is the only physical therapist so you could see the progress of other patients as well. I was able to witness Kim's impact on numerous patients as they navigated their own physical injuries. This was one of the many reasons I feel Kim is a true SUNFLOWER. Her commitment was to every patient. She used her skill and knowledge to improve the outcomes of every patient she served. Kim coordinated well with her tech to ensure every patient was safe, doing their exercises correctly and ensuring we all felt that she cared about each one of us.”


St. Tammany Health System Social Worker Irina Sleptsova, left, shows off the angel artwork she was given as part of her Sunflower Award. Colleague Brittany Lam, right, nominated Irina for the honor. (Photo by Jan Budenz / STHS)

Sunflower recipient: Irina Sleptsova, social worker
Nominated by
: Brittany Lam (colleague)

“Irina is such an asset to the AICU, and I cannot say enough good things about her. Irina is caring and compassionate. She is respected on the unit by all colleagues. She definitely is a great model of what a STPH Sunflower should be. She is supportive in every situation and skilled in knowing what is best for a patient's outcome. She is so understanding and gives grace to those who need it most in difficult situations. Irina is picture perfect of what a ‘nurturer’ is to so many. Positivity is the only thing that you see come from Irina. She is an effective communicator and is able to connect with those who may be difficult at times to reach out to.

“Irina is loyal to her profession, to STPH, to her collogues and most importantly to her patients. She is always present and willing to help with any and every issue thrown at her. If she isn't familiar with a situation, she always reaches out and gets the staff and patient whatever it is they may need.

“As I think back into situations with patients and Irina having to come to rescue to help staff and to escalate best patient care, I think back to a patient who was very ill and whose family felt very strongly about having the patient flown to their home state and transfered to another hospital. This patient's case was very difficult. Irina worked so many hours on this difficult situation to help the patient's daughter, who was grieving her mother being so ill and being here alone, and she also helped facilitate getting transportation for the patient. She educated staff on process of someone transferring in this manner.

“This situation wasn't one we have dealt with a lot. Irina handled it with such grace and compassion and was such a resource for our staff and the accepting facility. Irina is always willing to help even when it seems to be out of her wheelhouse, and you will not ever hear her say ‘no’ when someone needs her. When Irina's name is mentioned most people say ‘she is amazing.’ Irina serves such a big role in the AICU. For all these reasons and so many more I truly believe she is picture perfect of a Sunflower should be.”

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