Allie resides in Prince Frederick. The relationships she has built over the years with coworkers is her number one reason why she enjoys working at CalvertHealth. We are like a family to her. “There is nothing like walking into work and feeling so welcomed, accepted, and appreciated. CalvertHealth has that small town feel that many know and love. In every hallway I walk, and in every room I enter, I’m greeted with a smile,” says Allie. She values all the genuine, caring and lasting friendships born at CalvertHealth. “We may not be the biggest hospital around, but I would argue and defend we have the biggest heart!” added Allie.

Allie is proud of how the kindness and love shown by CalvertHealth staff stretches beyond the walls of the hospital. “My friends here have blessed me and my family in the most beautiful, heartfelt way. My husband and I welcomed our daughter into the world October of 2018. Just days later, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma and began chemotherapy treatments after a two-week hospitalization away from our daughter. Our world was flipped upside down. While trying to navigate our way being first time parents, we were also navigating our way through our cancer journey. Christmas was coming and we were unsure if we could afford Christmas gifts. I would be out of work for an undetermined amount of time, we hadn't received our medical bills from our hospital stay, and we were looking at six months of chemotherapy. We decorated a Christmas tree and hung stockings to capture pictures of our daughter on her first Christmas but decided to save the Christmas gift money for these unknown expenses. The most important thing was being together. We traveled to my husband's family for a few days and returned home Christmas Day. To our surprise, Santa's elves, who work at CalvertHealth, were very busy! As we walked into our dark house, we saw the magical glow of our Christmas tree with an abundance of gifts beneath the branches! What might have been a very sad Christmas turned into the most memorable Christmas. We are so grateful to our CalvertHealth family who not only kept the Christmas spirit alive in our home, but also stood with us during such a scary time, providing happiness and hope. This act of kindness went far beyond the purchase of gifts. My work family truly wanted us to have a special first Christmas together and reminded us that we had a huge support system rooting for us, thinking of us, and praying for us. It feels so good to be a part an organization who loves and cares like this. CalvertHealth has enriched my life in so many ways. It's a wonderful place to work, and I feel blessed beyond measure,” said Allie.

Allie is proud that patient-centered care and safety is a priority at Calvert Health. “For example, CalvertHealth has implemented multidisciplinary bedside rounding on all inpatient units. The multidisciplinary team is comprised of a physician, nurse, pharmacist, dietician, and case manager, all working together to deliver comprehensive care to the patient, and caregivers too. This team meets with each patient on a daily basis to strategize and communicate the plan and goals of care. The pandemic of COVID 19 has prevented family members and visitors from entering the hospital, but it has not stopped our efforts to keep our patients engaged in their individualized care plan. Being in the hospital, especially alone, can make any patient feel anxious. More than ever, I feel it is my responsibility to be my patients' advocate, listening to them and voicing their concerns to the greater healthcare team. Everyone needs someone fighting for them,” said Allie.

Sharon, a resident of St. Leonard, describes herself as compassionate, dedicated and trustworthy. What she likes best about working at CalvertHealth is that her department is like family, both at work and in her personal life. “We are there to support each other through thick and thin!” said Sharon. “In my 30+ years of health care, there have been many memorable experiences. However, COVID has risen to the top for many reasons. It has been an emotional roller coaster, but the way the CalvertHealth Team pulled together to support and protect each other through the uncertainties has been inspiring. Every department from clinical departments streamlining care to limit exposure, environmental services using the UV light to sanitize patient rooms, materials management securing ample PPE, and food and nutrition services making sure we have food available to feed our families, we have embodied teamwork!” added Sharon.

While a small thing, in Sharon’s opinion, an example that sets the bar for workplace excellence is the No Pass Zone initiative, which means that everyone here, both staff and customers, acknowledge each other with a friendly hello or a how are you today - as they walk pass each other. CalvertHealth also sets the bar with high standards for quality, cleanliness and safety. “Using computerized Pyxis machines for medications, scanning the medications and patient arm bands at bedside to ensure the right medication goes to the right patient in the right dose, and the various electronic ticketing services that allow us to report issues with equipment or processes so that they can be tracked and resolved by the correct people are examples of CalvertHealth excellence,” said Sharon.

She appreciates that CalvertHealth invested in an expansive remodeling project that made everything bright and clean and that Environmental Services invested in UV machines to clean and sanitize on a deeper level. Something that might surprise people about Sharon is that she was a hard-working Sergeant in the Army! Army-tough, Sharon says, “I am soft and compassionate on the inside.”

Andy, a resident of Prince Frederick, describes himself as responsible, caring and thorough. This is seen in his work. For example, he went above and beyond to design a computer stand for an OB patient who was on bed rest, allowing her to continue to work. “Seeing my ideas put into action, teams pulling together to help someone out, and the miles of smiles means everything to me,” said Andy.

CalvertHealth strives to be a workplace of excellence by keeping up with the wellness needs of the community through ongoing education and training as well as specialized care that enables all of us working here to provide healing close to home.

Andy enjoys growing flowers and vegetables and processes his own wild game. He has even done his own taxidermy.