Making Zero Harm Possible: Kortoe Mikely, St. Therese of New Hope

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Kortoe Mikely, Nursing/Home Health Aide at St. Therese of New Hope, recently received the Make Zero Harm Possible Award from LeadingAge Minnesota.

The award recognizes staff in aging services settings who demonstrate their commitment to safe, quality care and to treating the people they serve with respect and dignity – always. 

“Kortoe Mikely treats all who live and work at St. Therese of New Hope with respect and dignity. She sees their quality of life as a core value of her work and quite literally jumps into action to ensure a safe, trusted environment for all residents and the family members,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota.

 

Kortoe’s commitment to provide care, comfort and support to seniors who live at St. Therese of New Hope also extends to their family members. A family member who was visiting her mother in hospice accidently dropped her mother’s wedding ring from the 7th floor balcony, which then landed among the shrubs on a second-floor patio. The family member was quite distraught and saddened by what happened. When notified of the situation, Kortoe sprang into action – hopping over railings, getting on the ground and carefully searching for the beloved ring. The ring was found and delivered back to the relieved family member who once again was able to hold in her hands a significant connection to her mom.

“Through her dedication to our residents, in both the care and services she provides, as well as helping family members find comfort in moments of despair, Kortoe provides person-centered care with respect and dignity,” said Kendra Hiles, Director of Nursing, St. Therese of New Hope.  

The Make Zero Harm Possible award is one component of LeadingAge Minnesota’s Safe Care for Seniors initiative, a comprehensive safety and quality improvement program. To see all of the Make Zero Harm possible award recipients or to nominate someone, see Make Zero Harm Possible.