September Ambassador committed to patients
That her response to every new responsibility, according to her nominators, is “I can do that,” and that her action is always suited to the word, has contributed to her distinction as the September Ambassador of the Month.
Connie Barker, Heart Services clerk, is the first face – and an invariably friendly one – that cardiac cath patients and their families see when they report for a procedure at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services.
“Connie is so warm and caring to patients and families,” said one nomination. “She is one of the hardest working people I know; she works full time, has classes at IU East and takes care of her family.”
Barker, who joined the Reid team in 1996, has never been observed in a foul mood, say several of her colleagues.
“Connie is always cheerful and willing to go above and beyond the call of duty,” wrote an admirer of the Greens Fork resident. “She is a pleasure to work with.”
Barker has also been characterized as a caring example of the C.A.R.E. principles, graciously taking on additional tasks and always placing the patient’s needs first.
Originally of Brooklyn, N.Y., Barker graduated from high school in Hagerstown in 1980. Now back in school, she is majoring in social work at IU East. At Reid, her career path has included Linen and Food & Nutrition services.
“I’m truly lucky to work in such a compassionate place,” Barker says. “Working with the other departments, you come to know and feel that we all strive to comfort, heal and accommodate our patients and their families.”
Barker and her husband, Roger, an auto mechanic, are members of ABATE. They enjoy travel, motorcycling, reading and family time. Of their two sons, one is employed at Menards, and one is a freshman at Vincennes University.
