WALTON -The Sally Dean Award is UHS Delaware Valley Hospital’s most prestigious award. It was created in memory of registered nurse, Sally Dean, who, during her tenure at Delaware Valley treated her patients, their visitors and her co-workers with true dedication, commitment and compassion.
Each year, hospital employees are encouraged to nominate someone for the award. This year Registered Nurse Kathleen Ulmschneider received overwhelming support for the award.
Ulmschneider came to DVH from UHS Wilson Medical Center in 2001, as a charge nurse in the special care unit, as well as serving as a nursing supervisor. In 2015, she continued as nursing supervisor but also began serving as an emergency department nurse.
Nursing supervisors oversee hospital operations. Because Ulmschneider is the overnight supervisor she handles any and all issues that may arise, with an on-call administrator. It is a rare event when Kathleen needs to reach out to the administrator, due to her experience and good judgement.
In nominating Kathleen, staff spoke of her willingness to come in on short notice to cover a staff call-out, or arrive early and/or stay longer when necessary. She has stayed at the hospital, rather than go home when the weather is expected to make travel difficult, ensuring her position is covered. But what is more telling is the respect she has garnered from her fellow nurses, as described in her nomination “... even seasoned nurses turn to Kathleen with our hard questions. She advises, teaches, shows and helps us all. She is there any time I need someone, whether physically or just to ensure my decision is right.” The narrative went on to describe how she will pitch in when needed, answering call bells, helping patients in bathrooms, and answering phones. In summing up, they wrote, “she is a great nurse, mentor, teacher and patient advocate.”
In presenting the award, DVH President/CEO, Rolland “Boomer” Bojo said that when he was thinking about coming back to UHS Delaware Valley, he thought about the great people he had previously worked with and respected and Ulmschneider had been one of those he remembered. Her dedication to her patients, co-workers and the hospital itself was memorable, and he and the rest of the administrative team were so pleased to see this award go to her.
Ulmschneider said it is always great to be recognized, but coming from co-workers makes it very touching and special. She believes a large part of her responsibility is to help mentor younger nurses, so they gain more confidence in caring for their patients. The fact this was mentioned assured her that her efforts have been appreciated and successful.
Because of all she brings to her position at Delaware Valley, Ulmschneider is the embodiment of the UHS system values of compassion, respect, trust, teamwork and innovation, all in one. She is more than deserving of this year’s Sally Dean award and a tremendous asset to the DVH family.
