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 Cheryl
Schoeneberg learned a valuable lesson one Friday afternoon in mid-May.
Beware of staff meetings with the hospital CEO in the middle of the day--especially
when everyone shows. It was during a so-called staff meeting a group of
employees barged in with flowers, balloons, treats and trinkets for the
St. Mary's Hospital Employee of the Year.
"I was very surprised," says Schoeneberg,
a 10-year employee and physical therapist. "But it's hard to be singled
out when everyone else here works very hard."
The entire department got together to nominate Schoeneberg
for the award. "She comes in after hours, on days off or vacation
days," they say. "She's very dependable." Not just to St.
Mary's Hospital, but to her family and community as well.
Schoeneberg is one to take care of the caregivers--remembering
birthdays with fresh flowers from her garden (only spring and summer birthdays,
she laughs) or a fresh-baked treat. That's just the way she is. As a physical
therapist at the hospital, Schoeneberg works primarily with stroke and
orthopedic patients. It's up to her to see that the patient and the family
are prepared to continue recovery at home.
"She's very compassionate but gets them to do
what they need to do get better," says Terry Self, recreational therapist.
"The patients feel very safe with her."
Schoeneberg will even go to a patient's home to evaluate
what can help in the recovery. Because some patients may be on the unit
for weeks at a time, a bond often develops. "She always goes the
extra mile and it's obvious she really cares about the patients,"
say co-workers. "It's more than just a job to her."
While Schoeneberg is honored, she's somewhat embarrassed
by all the attention. But there are some "duties" that come
with the honor. Schoeneberg will participate in hospital functions as
Employee of the Year and will ride in the Blue Springs Fall Fun Fest parade
this fall.
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