Colleagues Shine Light on STAR Qualities

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
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A cardiovascular sonographer at Salinas Valley Health says his desire to help others led him to a career in healthcare and now Landen Mucha’s passion for patient care has resulted in becoming the latest STAR Award recipient at Salinas Valley Health.

The STAR Award represents the organizations core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. Nominations can come from patients themselves or a patient’s family member and sometimes, like in Landen’s case, the nomination is submitted by colleagues who recognize the qualities that inspire everyone in a health care setting.

Landen Mucha, RCS joined Salinas Valley Health in December 2016. One co-worker wrote, “He always goes above and beyond his duties and responsibilities and 90 percent of the time no one is here to witness his hard work and impact.”

It’s precisely those dedicated patient care standards of performing to the best of his ability regardless of who may be watching, that co-workers so admire Landen. His recent care of a patient with dementia caught the eye and hearts of many who noticed how he handled a challenging encounter with ease, skill and compassion.

“Our patient was in a wheelchair, experiencing back pain and was displaying growing agitation,” says Marissa Gonzales, Salinas Valley Health Manager in Cardiology Clinical. “Landen skillfully calmed her down and patiently explained the upcoming test in a way that resonated with her disoriented state. Recognizing her need to use the restroom, Landen assured her that he would find a female assistant. Remarkably, he went on to perform the echocardiogram, showcasing not only technical proficiency but also genuine concern for the patient's comfort.”

During a ceremony on his unit, Landen thanked his co-workers for the STAR Award. “It’s really special to receive this recognition,” said Landen Mucha, RCS, cardiovascular sonographer at Salinas Valley Health. “The honor though is truly mine, being able to help care for our patients on a daily basis. Having a positive impact helping people is why I got into healthcare and it’s extremely rewarding to be able to work in such a supportive environment with others who care so much about the patient experience.”

Other STAR Award nominees being recognized are Luz Rosas, Environmental Services Aide, Environmental Services; Martha Ramirez, Environmental Services Aide, Environmental Services; Virgil Sibaja III, Environmental Services Tech, Environmental Services; Ana Torres-Garcia, Environmental Services Aide, Environmental Services; Leticia Suarez, Nurse Aide, ONC; Mike No, Radiology Tech II, DI; Jennevy Gomez, Inventory Control Coordinator, Purchasing; Amber Zavala, Department Coordinator, Transitional Care; Jocelyn Torres Mendoza, Clinical Social Worker with License, Case Management; Pilar Reyes, Physical Therapist, Rehab Services and Kyreen Delossantos, Diagnostic Imaging Nurse, Radiology

Every month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes two extraordinary employees, one with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and another with a STAR Award (for all staff). Nominations can be submitted by patients, visitors and staff. Nomination forms and drop boxes are located throughout the hospital and online. To learn more about the awards visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.