Laurie Zisiades applies traditional values and professional skills to bring order to a busy surgical suite at Day Kimball Hospital

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East Putnam resident named Day Kimball Healthcare’s Employee of the Month

PUTNAM, CONN. – The busy surgical suite at Day Kimball Hospital coordinates both one-day and inpatient surgical cases that are performed by employed surgeons and clinical staff as well as associated medical staff who have privileges to use the hospital’s facilities. Laurie Zisiades, Perioperative Services Secretary, keeps the team focused, organized and well-informed, according to Shelbye Maynard, Nurse Director Perioperative Services; Zisiades earned December’s Employee of the Month recognition because this sentiment is shared by a group of her peers.

Laurie at her Employee of the Month celebration on December 23, 2014, with DKH Board Chair Jack Burke (left) and President and CEO, Robert Smanik (right).

Laurie's coworkers in the perioperative department gathered to honor her at her Employee of the Month celebration.

Carolyn Hart, RN post-anesthesia care unit, who nominated Zisiades said, “You are fabulous and keep us on track, including the physicians.”

Maynard also added, “We have many different personalities and professional roles here, from surgeons to anesthesiologists to nurses from pre-op to surgery to post-op to recovery. There are many moving parts and Laurie knows how to communicate and problem solve with the more than 100 people who make this department function. And she does it all with a combination of attention to detail, self-motivation and diligence wrapped in a calming energy that feels like the grounded perspective a mother is able to bring to a fast-paced environment. She’s a godsend.”

While Zisiades believes she’s “just doing her job,” after being recognized by the Chairman of the Board Jack Burke and President & CEO Robert Smanik at the December 23 Employee of the Month Celebration, comments from employees at the event painted a different picture.

“I really appreciate how you keep us up-to-date on our performance reviews for our team,” shared Sally Ceppetelli, RN, Clinical Coordinator, Operating Room.

“The added bonus is that she bakes cakes like you wouldn’t believe,” shared Marilyn Pilapitis, RN Operating Room.

Zisiades commented at the event, “I am very surprised by this, but so appreciative. When I came to interview at Day Kimball five years ago, I was struck by how friendly everyone was, including the person on the elevator. I knew this place was a good fit for me. There is a homey feel here.”

She added, “My experience here has been great. I look forward to 2105 and what’s to come at Day Kimball and, in particular, in the perioperative department.”

Zisiades job responsibilities include managing information flow within the Perioperative Department and between hospital departments as well as among community-based surgeons, contracted services and equipment suppliers. She manages the office, facilitates human resource efforts, and performs clerical tasks required to manage the department efficiently and to specified clinical standards.

She was previously employed as an administrative assistant at the VNA and the Salvatore Mancini Resource and Activity Center both located in Rhode Island. She was clinically trained as a certified surgical dental assistant and worked in dentistry for 21 years.

“I have always been attracted to working in some capacity in the health care field. And while my current job is behind the scenes, it is rewarding to work for an organization that makes a difference in the lives of the members of the community,” said Zisiades. She added, “I love my job! The people at Day Kimball are friendly, caring and supportive; it’s a real family atmosphere.”

Zisiades is a resident of East Putnam, CT and lives with her husband of 39 years, George. She has two daughters and two grandchildren. Born in Vermont, she grew up in Rhode Island locating to Connecticut in 2002. She is a graduate of Burrillville High School and Community College of Rhode Island. Her interests include spending time with family and friends, cooking, sewing, decorating and antiquing, including running a small consignment space at The Bee’s Buzz in Foster, RI.