Her job and her heart work closely together at the Wausau For nearly forty-five years, Sister Francine Kosednar, SDS, has been part of a healing ministry in Wausau, Wisconsin. Throughout the decades, she has had a number of firsts and has been part of the profound changes that our health care system has experienced.

In 1963, Sister was the first director of the Occupational Therapy (OT) Department at St. Mary’s Hospital. Later, St. Mary’s and Memorial Hospitals merged in order to meet the medical, technical and financial challenges and the system became Wausau Hospital. She remembers being drawn to OT because of the connection of art and this profession. There were times she designed her own hand splints and special devices for patients. She was also instrumental in founding the NeuroDevelopmental Clinic for pediatric patients.

Sister Francine holds wonderful memories of the courage of a range of her patients. Some were facing challenges ranging from accidents and workplace injuries to cancer, spinal injuries, arthritis, and disabilities after birth.

“In this ministry, I forged deep ties with the patients. We were part of a team that resolved to improve the person’s quality of life. Many were heroes to me because of their courage and determination to return to their families and to work. I was continuously amazed at the persons in oncology and palliative care because they were so bright and cheerful. They would express deep gratitude and felt blessed because they had another day,” she said.

“After we started a stroke rehabilitation program, we saw firsthand what pool therapy could do for the patients. We saw adults and children able to be weight-bearing in the water. It was fascinating to be part of all these new therapies and we were grateful to be part of these advances,” Sister Francine pointed out.

Her enthusiasm continues today as she participates in patient advocacy. She is part of the medical team and staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau. Sister Francine serves in the Communications and Marketing Department as a customer service analyst.

“I visit the new patients and ask them how they are doing and how we can improve our service to them and their families. They are appreciative that someone asks their opinion. If they have a concern, we follow through before they leave the hospital. In most instances, the patient and family leave with only positive feelings. Then when they return home, we follow up with a telephone survey to be sure we have met their needs and expectations,” she explained.

Sister Francine added that she works on a team that includes outstanding and compassionate nursing and hospital staff. “Our nurses and staff take the concerns seriously and try to respond. Most of the time, the patients tell us they have received excellent care.”

Kitty Switlick, BSN, is an Aspirus Patient Advocate and works with Sister Francine. “Sister Francine works with the patients and helps us resolve any issues while the person is still here. She is the smiling, helpful person who visits and listens and then helps our staff provide whatever is needed. At Aspirus, we have placed patient care and satisfaction as a priority and Sister Francine helps us to accomplish this in a personal and professional way.”