Congratulations to Laura Goetz, employee health nurse, on being selected the 2021 Employee of the Year for Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute (BGMC/GVI).
In her initial nomination for Employee of the Month for November 2021, Laura's manager said that she is "completely invested in the care and safety of the employees, residents, volunteers and medical staff partners that work for and within Kaleida Health." She is a leader in her department with 35 years of service to Kaleida Health, yet no task is too small for her to take on. She has earned the trust of her co-workers and hospital leadership through her attention to detail and by treating everyone she meets with kindness and respect.
Furthermore, she is honest and forthcoming in her interactions with others. She has helped outside clinics in getting their vaccination programs running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She took the site lead in ensuring documentation related to COVID-19 vaccination is complete in house and within the State of New York's immunization database. In so doing, she developed a process based on checks and balances so that those who receive vaccination from Kaleida Health are able to access their Excelsior Pass and properly document their vaccination status.
"Laura cares for and supports peers within the department, employees and leaders throughout the organization, and members of the community," said her manager. "She is a true example of someone leading with CARE."
According to a coworker, “Since joining the employee health team during the pandemic, I have followed Laura’s lead as the department accomplished enormous, time-sensitive, impactful tasks. She is helpful and has a wealth of knowledge she is willing to share. As a nurse, she is trusted and loved by the employees she serves. During one of the hardest times health care has ever seen, she has been a key supporter of the frontline healthcare workers -- while at the same time being a reliable, dedicated coworker.”
In addition to her day-to-day work requirements, Laura also participates in emergency response activities. She is well-educated and ready to respond should there be a disaster or a contamination threat in the community. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her elderly mother.
Thank you, Laura, for all you do in caring for others. We are proud to name you the 2021 Employee of the Year for BGMC/GVI!