Thomas Klapperich receives TULIP Award

Thomas Klapperich, a Nurse Aide at Rapid City Hospital Pediatrics, has received the TULIP Award. This award is presented to nursing support caregivers who exemplify Monument Health’s values of trust, respect, compassion, community and excellence. These individuals make a difference in the lives of their patients and patient families, and are a vital part of our nursing care teams. Thomas was nominated by the parent of a patient.

The parent wrote, “We were going through the end-of-life process with one of our children. During this process we had many young siblings in and out of the unit. Tommy was very compassionate and caring when dealing with the kids during this heartbreaking time. From making beds for us, and explaining what he was doing and why, to taking drink orders for the kids. Tommy never made us feel like a burden. He was very attentive to us, and to our loved one. During our interactions with Tommy, it was very apparent that he is a kind, compassionate person who goes the extra mile. His kindness made our heartbreak a little more bearable.”

TULIP is an acronym for, “Thoughtful upbeat loving individuals caring for patients,” and the TULIP Award recognizes outstanding members of Monument Health’s nursing support teams. Nursing support includes positions such as Nurse Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Emergency Department Technicians, Psychiatric Technicians, Health Unit Clerks, Dialysis Technicians, Clinical Assistants, Cardiac Monitoring Technicians, Activities Assistants, Medical Assistants, Certified Medical Assistants, Medication Aides and Restorative Assistants. Caregivers in Rapid City are selected four times a year for this recognition. Caregivers are also honored in Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish and Sturgis. Visit monument.health/tulip to nominate.

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About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

CONTACT:

Wade Ellett
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
wellett@monument.health