PUTTING PASSION INTO PRACTICE Community Healthcare System nurses lead the way with expert care and compassion BY MARY FETSCH In the nursing units of each Community Healthcare System hospital, there are "kudos boards." They showcase notes such as these: "To all the nursing staff: Thank you for assisting me and helping me understand what was going on. Your kindness and excellent care was very much appreciated." "Thank you for your caring and compassion and being there when I needed you. You have made my recovery so much easier!" 6 SUMM ER 2 0 1 7 "God bless you. It takes very special people caring for those nearing their end of life. Thank you for your compassion and kindness and for your guidance and patience with all of our questions and concerns. We will always remember." Nurses who work at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System- Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart-are at the forefront of every patient experience. "In addition to being some of the most talented professionals in the area, our nurses often demonstrate a level of compassion for our patients that goes above and beyond the requirements of their jobs," says Paula Swenson, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at St. Catherine Hospital. "It's not uncommon to hear about one of our nurses going out of their way to provide a patient with extra assistance to ensure they have a successful recovery." And while nurses at the bedside have always played a vital role in helping create a positive patient experience,