Dutchess is the employee that every company wishes they could have. Dutchess consistently goes beyond her duties as a cook and always puts the needs of her team and residents above her own. We often find her helping her peers in other departments when they are working short or could use an extra hand. Within our Dietary department, she picks up shifts on her days off, offers to come in early or stay late just to make sure the team is able to operate at its full potential.
In addition to being an exemplary team player, Dutchess goes out of her way to meet the needs of our residents and patients. She comes up with innovative solutions to specific resident requests; she takes time to visit with them and bring a smile to their faces with her bright, positive attitude. She is consistently recognized by name during surveys with past patients as demonstrating exceptional customer service. She inspires all who cross paths with her to be the best version of themselves.
In just three short years, Dutchess has obliterated all the previously established lines associated with the role. She is always willing to try out new recipes and remains open to changing how we provide services to enhance the residents’ dining experience. In addition to her open-minded attitude in regards to recipe’s and processes, she pitches in and fills other roles within the department without complaint. During any given shift, she may assume the role of a Dietary Aide to help serve meals, a CNA to deliver room trays, and a housekeeper to assist in cleaning up after a meal all—in addition to her role as a cook! Her nurturing, maternal nature is a key component in her ability to unite the team.
When Dutchess is working, we observe the dietary team demonstrating more on-task behavior and increased motivation. She often goes out of her way to walk down to the units to solicit feedback from the residents on the food quality as well as their dining experience. Dutchess never hesitates to meet the requests of our residents—even if it requires extra work on her part. For example, we have a resident who loves cucumbers, so Dutchess ensures there is a bowl of cucumbers, cut the way the resident likes, prepared for her. and sent down with each meal. She has also branched out of
our normal food preparation to fry resident’s hash browns and make specific sandwiches to increase their intake. Some of our residents have limited communication abilities so Dutchess makes a point to speak with their families to better understand their loved ones and learn what their food preferences are in an effort to improve their quality of life. She does whatever it takes to make our residents smile, whether it’s singing a song with them or dancing through the hallways.
During her time on our team, the dietary department has seen an increase in engagement and retention of employees. This is a true testament to how much her peers enjoy working with her.
Dutchess has a way of leaving everyone she crosses paths with in a better mood.