Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center named Kris Clark of Salida its second-quarter TRAC STAR at a hospital ceremony on July 29.
TRAC STAR is an acronym for the core values that guide HRRMC employee performance: teamwork, recognition, attitude, customer service, safety, talent, accountability and respect. The TRAC STAR award recognizes outstanding employees and is presented quarterly.
Clark currently serves as a diagnostic procedures nurse and according to her department manager, Duane Johnson, “Kris is not only a competent nurse, but she is a great team player, willing to help our department in any way possible and extends that help to the Emergency, Infusion and Cardiopulmonary departments. She is fantastic with patients, treating them with compassion and kindness.”
According to the employee who nominated Clark for TRAC STAR, “She strives to improve our department all the time when it comes to special procedures. She has addressed the process so there is better patient care before and after a procedure.”
Clark was awarded a $200 gift check, a jacket with the hospital's TRAC logo, and a certificate to be professionally photographed. A plaque with her photo will be displayed in the hospital café.
Hospital CEO Bob Morasko acknowledged the other two award finalists, Respiratory Therapist Alaina Kelly of Salida and Exercise Physiologist Sam Van De Velde of Salida.
Kelly’s nominator said, “She looks for ways to improve processes, is always receptive to new ideas and volunteered to be a mentor preceptor.”
Van De Velde was acknowledged for his dedication to implementing community programs. “His efforts have resulted in the creation of a SilverSneakers program, endurance testing for community members, and receipt of a grant to make our Wellness Retreat successful,” said his nominator.
HRRMC employees can nominate any of their colleagues for the TRAC STAR award. Members of the hospital's Communications Team review all nominations, and then cast individual ballots to determine the finalists and winner. All finalists are eligible to be named TRAC STAR of the Year.