Virginia Gay Hospital – Above & Beyond Recognition: Pilot Group
Hospital Week 2026
At Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH), our mission is not only to provide exceptional care but also to foster a culture where employees feel empowered to make a difference every day. The Above & Beyond Program celebrates employees who demonstrate initiative, creativity, leadership, and dedication, those who take action to improve patient experiences, strengthen staff development, and support the communities we serve. These individuals embody the very best of VGH.
This year, we are thrilled to recognize our pilot group of Above & Beyond participants, whose innovative projects and meaningful contributions are setting the standard for future recognition. Each member of this group has brought unique ideas and solutions to life, demonstrating how small acts of initiative can have a big, lasting impact.
We extend our sincere thanks to the VGH Foundation for providing the funding and support that made this pilot initiative possible. Their generosity allows us to recognize these outstanding employees and share their contributions across the hospital, inspiring others to embrace the spirit of Above & Beyond.
Celebrating:
Dante Schmitz
Melissa Jessen
Regina Malaska
Hannah Stover
Paige Lohf
See their projects below:
Dante Schmitz
Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to recognize Dante for achieving Above & Beyond status through his dedication to enhancing patient experience, fostering teamwork, and promoting a culture of kindness. Dante’s project is one of many meaningful contributions he has made through the Above & Beyond Program.
Dante identified an opportunity to extend positive, personal connections to patients and residents beyond traditional clinical interactions. He led the rollout of a department-wide initiative to place short, uplifting messages on meal trays for both Acute Care patients and Long-Term Care residents. These messages provide encouragement, positivity, and a personal touch, helping to brighten a patient’s day and reinforce the caring culture of VGH.
In addition to coordinating his team in implementation, Dante suggested laminating the cards so they could be safely wiped down and reused, combining sustainability with infection control best practices. Each card includes a short, friendly message and a note from the VGH Dietary Team, ensuring patients and residents know the support comes directly from the team that serves them daily.
Impact: Dante’s leadership transformed a simple idea into a sustainable practice that enhances patient experience, encourages staff engagement, and reinforces the culture of compassion at VGH. By turning everyday interactions into meaningful moments, Dante exemplifies the essence of the A&B Program.
A&B Committee Response:
“Dante’s initiative perfectly embodies the spirit of Above & Beyond. He took a small, simple idea and expanded it into a lasting, meaningful experience for patients and staff alike, inspiring his team to prioritize connection, kindness, and innovation every day.”
Melissa Jessen
Melissa Jessen is recognized for her commitment to community engagement and service excellence, which exemplifies the purpose of the Above & Beyond Program. Melissa’s project is one of many ways she has contributed to advancing VGH’s mission beyond hospital walls.
Melissa volunteered at the Healthy Kids Iowa initiative, a program designed to support local families and children through resources, education, and direct assistance. During the event, Melissa assisted with setup, greeted and guided families, provided information about services, and helped ensure a smooth, welcoming experience for all attendees. She also collaborated with colleagues across departments to strengthen teamwork and ensure the program’s success.
Impact: Melissa’s contributions directly affected hundreds of families and over a thousand children during the summer months. Her efforts enhanced VGH’s presence in the community, reinforced trust in the hospital’s services, and demonstrated how even a few hours of dedicated volunteerism can create meaningful, lasting impact.
A&B Committee Response:
“Melissa’s dedication to community outreach goes above and beyond. She not only supported families in need but also strengthened VGH’s connection with the community. Her compassion, initiative, and professionalism make her a true embodiment of the Above & Beyond spirit.”
Regina Malaska
Regina is recognized for her leadership, dedication to patient safety, and commitment to staff education. Her project is one of several impactful contributions she has made through the Above & Beyond Program.
Regina identified an opportunity to enhance emergency preparedness by focusing on Automated External Defibrillator (AED) readiness across VGH. In May 2025, she volunteered to take ownership of AED quality checks, revising and updating the checklist to ensure it was thorough, practical, and effective. She now performs monthly inspections and additional checks as needed, guaranteeing AEDs remain fully operational, accessible, and compliant with safety standards.
In July 2025, Regina extended her initiative by providing education to Home Health staff, covering AED locations, general usage, and kit contents. Her efforts increased staff confidence and readiness while promoting a culture of safety and preparedness throughout the organization.
Impact: Regina’s proactive leadership ensures that staff are knowledgeable and prepared for emergency situations, enhancing patient safety and fostering a culture of accountability and readiness.
A&B Committee Response:
“Regina’s initiative in AED readiness and staff education highlights the critical role each team member plays in patient safety. She ensures staff are prepared to act in emergencies, exemplifying the Above & Beyond spirit through diligence, foresight, and leadership.”
Hannah Stover
Hannah is recognized for her commitment to improving staff efficiency, patient care, and workflow. Her project is one of many contributions she has made through the Above & Beyond Program.
Hannah created a blood tube reference sheet for healthcare workers, standardizing the selection and order of tubes for blood draws. This tool provides clear, concise guidance that reduces errors, improves efficiency, and supports consistent, safe patient care across departments. She reviewed existing materials, developed a user-friendly layout, and ensured the sheet could be easily used in fast-paced clinical settings.
Impact: Hannah’s work strengthens laboratory workflow, supports staff confidence, and enhances patient care quality. Her initiative reflects a proactive approach to problem-solving, teamwork, and operational excellence, perfectly aligned with the goals of the A&B Program.
A&B Committee Response:
“Hannah’s development of the blood tube reference sheet demonstrates thoughtful innovation and dedication to staff support. Her work improves accuracy, efficiency, and patient safety, making a meaningful difference in day-to-day operations and exemplifying the Above & Beyond spirit.”
Paige Lohf
Paige is recognized for her exceptional mentorship and dedication to educating future nurses, a core value celebrated by the Above & Beyond Program. Her work is one of several impactful contributions she has made to VGH.
Paige serves as an active preceptor for nursing students, providing guidance, education, and hands-on support as they transition from the classroom to clinical practice. She fosters a learning environment that emphasizes clinical skills, critical thinking, patient safety, and compassionate care. In photo, Paige is pictured with Olivia, a former student who is now a valued VGH team member, demonstrating the long-term impact of her mentorship.
Impact: Paige strengthens the confidence and competence of nursing students, promotes consistency and quality in patient care, and cultivates a culture of professional growth. Her efforts leave a lasting legacy, preparing future nurses to succeed and thrive at VGH and in their careers.
A&B Committee Response:
“Paige’s mentorship of nursing students has a profound and lasting impact. Through guidance, encouragement, and example, she empowers students to succeed, fosters excellence in clinical care, and exemplifies the spirit of the Above & Beyond Program.”
Closing Acknowledgment
We are grateful to the VGH Foundation for supporting this pilot Above & Beyond initiative. Their investment has allowed us to celebrate these remarkable employees, showcase the value of the program, and inspire a culture of innovation, compassion, and excellence across Virginia Gay Hospital.
These pilot participants demonstrate that going Above & Beyond is more than a project, it’s a mindset. Their creativity, leadership, and dedication have strengthened patient care, staff development, and community engagement, setting a high standard for all employees to follow.
Looking Ahead – Be Part of the Next Chapter
The success of our pilot Above & Beyond group shows how thoughtful actions and creative ideas can make a real difference for patients, colleagues, and our community. Now it’s time to open the door for the next group of participants!
The Above & Beyond Program is your opportunity to:
This program is about making a difference together, celebrating creativity, teamwork, and compassion. If you have an idea or initiative that could enhance the care we provide, we encourage you to apply and help continue this exciting tradition of Above & Beyond.
Stay tuned for application details, your project could be the next story we celebrate!
– A&B Committee
