Stories of Excellence | Mount Sinai Today

Rehabilitation Therapist Rises to the Occasion and Delivers a Baby Outside The Mount Sinai Hospital

Updated on Mar 7, 2024 | Featured, Stories of Excellence

Aura Weltman, a senior clinical specialist in the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance at The Mount Sinai Hospital

On Thursday, December 28, shortly before 8:30 am, Aura Weltman, OTR/L, SCLV, was walking on Fifth Avenue toward The Mount Sinai Hospital and heard a woman scream. Aura, a senior clinical specialist in the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance at the hospital, looked around and noticed that the street seemed unusually deserted. The only people she could see were a couple walking about half a block ahead of her.

She was unsure who was in distress, but a second scream was clearly coming from the woman, who seemed to be losing her balance as she walked up the ramp to the hospital. Aura ran to her as she started to fall, caught her, and helped her to the ground.

The woman said “baby,” and Aura instinctively dropped to the ground to assist.

“I noticed someone standing close to the hospital entrance, and I called for him get help. I could tell that there was no time to wait,” she says, adding that the delivery took only a few minutes. “It was miraculous to have a perfect, beautiful baby boy crying in my arms. The mom was so brave and strong—her only concern was that the baby be wrapped and warm.”

Although Aura had never delivered a baby before, she had trained as an emergency medical technician through a summer program at UCLA after graduating from high school. She explains, “When I was 16, I was a passenger in a near-death car accident. As a result of this, I wanted to know what to do to help others in case of an emergency.”

Aura remained with the baby and his mom, reassuring her and caring for the baby until a team from the hospital arrived. “One of the security guards came out and took off his coat to wrap the baby. He also removed and unlocked my phone so I could advise my manager that I had a ‘minor emergency’ and would be a little late!”

She continues: “Once the teams arrived, they cut the umbilical cord. One team took the baby, and I began to help the mom to a stretcher. After entering the hospital and checking that both were okay (and checking on dad, who clearly did not expect this), I wished them well. By the time I turned around, the baby and mother were being wheeled away, and the team of medical professionals dissipated.”

Debra Zeitlin, who is Aura’s manager in the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, was not surprised to learn about her efforts to help someone in need. “Aura’s actions and calm demeanor are no surprise to me or her colleagues,” she says. “Aura is an excellent, dedicated clinician who goes above and beyond for her patients on a daily basis.”

Aura was also recognized for her courage and compassion in the Mount Sinai Health System’s daily leadership huddle.

When asked about her courageous actions, Aura speaks about the influence of others. “I am so grateful to my parents and my community—they have always placed an emphasis on seeking knowledge and helping others. I am grateful for learning so much about compassionate care and excellence from many of my Mount Sinai colleagues,” she says. “The members of the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff are hard-working, devoted, and creative; they honestly would have done the same. Our department is constantly involved in rebirth—working to aid those recovering from brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and a host of other challenges—it may be a bit less dramatic but it is every bit as miraculous.”

Aura believes she was not alone during this experience. “I genuinely felt that I was being guided from above—all the training that I had received years ago flooded back. I feel lucky to have been placed there at the right time and fortunate to have been a part of such a miracle.”

Nurse Says He Is One of a Team, Performing “Small, Meaningful Gestures Every Day”

Updated on Mar 7, 2024 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence

Joseph Long, licensed practical nurse

Joseph Long, a licensed practical nurse, joined the Mount Sinai Doctors Internal Medicine Associates practice seven months ago as a new graduate. According to Sandra Casey, MSN, Associate Nursing Director of the practice, he is a dedicated and compassionate team member. Joseph was recognized recently for going above and beyond in his care of a patient who was returning home after an office visit with Sara Towne, MD.

Dr. Towne recounts, “A few weeks ago, Joseph, my resident, and I were the last people in the evening session, and we had a patient who was determined to go home, despite having an unsteady gait. The patient did not have a rolling walker or any assistive device. Joseph walked the patient out of the practice and to the bus stop on Madison Avenue before going home. This was almost 9 pm.”

Joseph does not consider his action extraordinary. “Walking this patient to the bus wasn’t an effort to be a better nurse or offer a better patient experience—I was just treating another person with the courtesy they deserved,” he says. “And while I’m grateful for being recognized, I am not a unique example. I see members of my team perform these sorts of small, meaningful gestures every day. They step out of the role of caregiver and see their patients as human beings, treating them with compassion and respect. “

Patient Thanks a Nurse Committed to “Making a Genuine Connection”

Updated on Jan 24, 2024 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence

Alipio Esguerra, BSN, RN

Alipio Esguerra, BSN, RN, is a nurse at the Mount Sinai Therapeutic Infusion Center at The Mount Sinai Hospital. His supervisor, Nurse Manager Monica Reiter-Wong, BSN BC, received a letter from a patient, expressing appreciation for the outstanding care provided by Alipio.

“Alipio was so distinctively conscientious, informative, and polite, that I wanted to let you know how impressed I was. He explained the purpose of all the pre-medications; explained every procedure as he was doing; inserted the IV needle perfectly the first time, with not a hint of pain; took special care to help me in and out of the room when I had to visit the bathroom; and followed up himself every time the titration rate had to change, instead of leaving it to another nurse. There seemed to be extra dedication to detail in Alipio’s approach, a very earnest courtesy and helpfulness, that I thought deserved special commendation.”

Alipio is humble when asked to reflect on being recognized for his commitment to patient care. He shared his approach to his chosen profession in a thoughtful message:

“I am honored to receive recognition for my contributions to direct patient care and empathy. This recognition means more to me than words can express.

In our noble profession, the heart of our commitment lies in putting patients first. Every day, we encounter individuals and families facing challenges, and it is our duty to provide not just medical care but also a compassionate touch that can make a significant difference in their healing journey.

I firmly believe that empathy is the cornerstone of effective health care. It’s about listening, understanding, and making a genuine connection with our patients. It’s about acknowledging their fears, celebrating their victories, and standing by them in their moments of vulnerability.

I am proud to be part of a team that values these principles and strives to create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and cared for in every aspect.

My manager, colleagues, mentors, family, and the entire health care community inspire me every day.”

Physician Assistant Provides Warm and Empathetic Care to Breast Cancer Patients

Updated on Jan 17, 2024 | Stories of Excellence

Yelena Bernstein, PA

Physician assistant Yelena Bernstein, PA, has worked at Mount Sinai West with the Chief of Breast Surgery, Stephanie Bernik, MD, FACS, since 2018.Yelena consistently goes the extra mile for patients and is truly an integral part of the Breast Surgery team, says Toby Bressler, PhD, RN, Senior Director of Nursing for Oncology and Clinical Quality.

“Yelena is warm, helpful, and empathetic with her colleagues and patients,“ she says. “She volunteers to provide coverage for colleagues, always offers assistance to the team, and helps orient new physician assistants joining breast surgery departments throughout the system. We are grateful to have Yelena on our team.”

A patient letter praised Yelena for her compassionate care, reflecting Yelena’s commitment to the patient experience: “I am so grateful to Yelena for escorting me to the OR. Her hand-holding me to sleep was so comforting, and so above and beyond any efforts I would have ever expected, considering your incredibly busy schedule. Honestly, your kind attention moves me, even as I write this. I want to thank you again for getting me through this year with care and dignity.”

Yelena‘s approach to her work is simply stated: “As a breast oncology physician assistant, I strive to make every patient feel comfortable, understood, and supported during their challenging journey.”

New Parents Are “Forever Grateful” for a Nurse’s Kindness and Expertise

Updated on Jan 10, 2024 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence

Vivianna Martinez, RN

Vivianna Martinez, RN, is a nurse on 11B, Labor and Delivery, at Mount Sinai West. Recently, Kate Frederick, MSN, RN, Nurse Manager, received a letter of appreciation for Vivianna from the father of a child born on the unit:

“My wife and I just had our first baby at Mount Sinai West late last year. I was diagnosed with chronic anxiety as a child and have a history of challenging flare-ups during major life changes; therefore, I was terrified of how I would respond to becoming a parent for the first time. I was certain it would be a rough experience. Now, four days removed from that huge life moment, my experience could not have been more different from my expectations. Without exaggeration, I owe every bit of this to Vivianna Martinez, RN. The attention, care and unwavering support that she showed us throughout the day and a half that we were fortunate enough to have her as our nurse completely changed our trajectory as parents. I have never in my life experienced the level of service that she provided over that time period, consistently anticipating any questions, requests or needs that my wife or I had. In a large hospital setting, where it is so easy to feel like one of a thousand bed numbers on a daily report, Vivianna’s dedication to our care gave us the impression that we were her only patients. And my wife and I faced discharge with nothing but confidence and excitement, which was due entirely to the education, inspiration. and motivation that we received from Vivianna. We are forever grateful to her for making this experience a wonderful, love-filled journey that we will never forget.”

Kate echoes the praise from this new dad: “Vivianna is an incredible asset to the 11B team and fosters a professional, empathetic, and equitable working environment. This letter completely encapsulates who Vivianna is, not only as a person, but as a nurse. The kindness and expertise she provided to this family—and all others she cares for—also extend to her colleagues. She is a trusted, calm, and competent colleague, and even though she is newer to the team, others look to her for support and guidance. She has a constant smile on her face, is so pleasant to be around, and is always willing to help. I am incredibly honored to get to work alongside her. She is truly a role model in the nursing profession.”

Vivianna understands the potentially long-lasting impact of a nurse’s actions on a patient.

“I believe taking the time to connect with my patients and understand their fears, hesitations, or concerns can truly transcend the care that they receive and also the care that I can provide,” she says. “Every day that I step onto our unit and serve my role as a nurse, I am part of an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Becoming a parent and bringing life into this world is exciting, but it can also be a scary and anxious time and come with a lot of questions. Everyone learns differently and has different needs. I try my hardest to personalize my care. Importantly, it is always my goal to remain kind and compassionate and serve as a supporter and advocate.”

Take10 and Its Dedicated Volunteers Bring Calm Moments to Mount Sinai Staff

Updated on Dec 22, 2023 | Stories of Excellence

Zephyr Sun (right) with a nurse

The Take10 Program has long been an oasis of calm at Mount Sinai. The program—one of many support services provided by the Center for Spirituality and Health—was launched in 2015 at The Mount Sinai Hospital and now operates in six Mount Sinai hospitals. Volunteers take mobile carts to work areas around the hospitals, offering herbal and decaffeinated teas, healthy packaged snacks, and aromatherapy with lavender, rose, eucalyptus, and other scents. If the space permits, soft background music and dimmed lighting are also provided.

In 2023 alone, Take10 has served more than 24,000 staff members across the system. According to Maggie Keogh, Director of Take10, “The staff are so often excited and grateful when we come on the unit and they get a few minutes or more of stress relief.” Take10 is staffed by Mount Sinai chaplains and many volunteers, including two who serve the night shifts at The Mount Sinai Hospital—Zephyr Sun and Shaw X. Qin.

Shaw X. Qin (right)

Zephyr Sun is a Nephrology Bioinformatician at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai who has been volunteering since July 2022. He was eager to gain a better understanding and broaden his experience of the clinical hospital. Maggie says he has been a steadfast, reliable volunteer, serving 44 units and more than 1,700 staff this year alone.

Zephyr realizes what he does in the evenings makes a difference. “I wanted to contribute more to my work community,” he says. “I especially respect the hard work of all the providers who work the night shift. The nurses I have met have shown such appreciation for me and my service; I truly feel the value of what I am doing.”

Shaw Qin is a more recent volunteer and is a pre-med student at Columbia University. He says he receives as much satisfaction in his work as he gives.

“It’s the people I work with and work for that keep me coming back to Mount Sinai twice a week from the Columbia campus,” he explains. “Maggie and her team have made me feel right at home. Every shift I have taken has been so rewarding; the warmth of the responses from doctors and nurses just keeps me wanting to do more.” He adds, “My experience at Mount Sinai and the Take10 program is adding a whole layer of meaning to my understanding of medical care, and I hope to keep learning and building a compassionate medical career in the future.”