LAPLACE – River Parishes Hospital recently held its third bi-monthly Service Excellence Celebration. The event focused on Assignment No. 3: Practicing Professionalism and Projecting A Positive Attitude.

Employees were told to become aware of their tone of voice, voice volume and body language when speaking to a customer, and to be confident in their work and to always be aware of patient confidentiality. Employees were encouraged to use the SMILE plan: Simply Making It Look Enjoyable.

As an incentive to employees to use the SMILE plan, hospital CEO, Bob Prehn, implemented a cash reward program to thank employees for projecting a positive attitude. Periodically an employee will be selected to give an envelope containing a cash reward and an appreciation to the first co-worker he or she sees who is smiling.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the announcement of a “4-Star” employee, Kaye Keller of the Pre-Admit department.

Keller was presented with a trophy and certificate by Prehn.

Keller received four recognition letters from patients for being helpful, putting the patient at ease, and answering the patient’s questions and addressing the patient’s concerns. Each “4-Star” recipient receives free meals in the cafeteria for two months, a check for $200, and his or her photo displayed on a Wall of Excellence.

All winning employees are eligible to be selected as the hospital’s “5-Star” employee or employee of the year award celebration.