Morris Hospital Fire Starter Called to Help Others
May 21, 2020 – Michaela Gretencord of Morris has clearly been called to help others. She excelled at it in her previous positions with Morris Mobile Meals and Joliet Junior College/Grundy Workforce Services. Now, as an ER Registration Representative at Morris Hospital, she goes above and beyond her duties to help patients, families, and the staff she works with through acts of selflessness and kindness. Gretencord was honored as Morris Hospital’s Fire Starter of the Month during March.
Gretencord was new to healthcare when she joined Morris Hospital less than a year ago, but she instantly settled in to the fast paced environment of the Emergency Department and made an immediate impact on everyone around her.
“Michaela is someone who makes you want to be a better person, to live up to her example,” says Lisa Day, Manager of Patient Access at Morris Hospital. “She sees the best in everyone around her, and her kindness has no boundaries. She is truly committed to doing everything in her ability to have a positive impact on the world around her.”
As an example, Gretencord took it upon herself to order and pay for dinner for a family from out of town whose loved one required emergency medical care while they were traveling. Instead of giving directions when they asked her about local restaurants, she asked them what they like on their pizza and told them she’d take care of it. Another time, someone witnessed her purchase a box of crayons and a coloring book from the hospital gift shop for a little girl who was waiting with a family member. She is known to carry out acts of kindness like this every single day, and it makes such a positive impact on everyone around her.
“Michaela embodies kindness, strength, love and courage, and she treats everyone she meets the same regardless of their story,” says Celia Rademacher, a registered nurse in the Morris Hospital Emergency Department. “These actions remind us that kindness and empathy for others go a long way, especially in healthcare. Michaela is always just happy to help and for the right reasons…for pure reasons. In doing so, those around her feel compelled to be better and do better.”
Gretencord credits the team in the Emergency Department for bringing out her strengths.
“It’s been so rewarding to meet like-minded, compassionate people who strive so hard to make everyone’s experience a positive one,” says Gretencord. “The staff’s thoughtfulness and generosity empower me and encourage me to do my best, always.”
“I’ve been on the other side of that desk, and it can be scary coming in for emergency care as a patient,” she adds. “To be able offer peace to someone who’s scared, or even just to hold their hand for a moment and calm them — that helps me. I love it here. Coming to work is actually a little addicting for me. I’ve never loved a job more. We have an amazing team.”
In early civilizations, fire starters were individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. With over 1,400 employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.
# # #
