An inside look at the first few hours of Alegent Creighton Health

At midnight, everyone was in place at Creighton University Medical Center. The crane operators – six stories up. The transition team – manning command central. In just one minute, the last visible – and perhaps most symbolic – sign of a partnership years in the making was underway.

This day was all set in motion back in April with a handshake, and a vision of a long-term strategic affiliation between Alegent Health and Creighton University.

“We’re just like each other,” says Creighton University Mission Leader Father Jim Clifton. “I like these people; I trust these people; they’re dedicated to the same mission and we can do better together.”

In the wee hours on September 1, 2012, it was up to a small army to make it happen.

“We came up with a plan, we reviewed the plan, we practiced the plan – then we revised the plan and reviewed it again,” explains Cathy Jesus, Creighton University Medical Center’s quality improvement director.

Nothing was left to chance and everyone pulled together. Some even came in on their night off or stayed late to make sure the team had enough support. These dedicated employees were who Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Nokels encountered as he made the rounds at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 a.m.

“They seem happy to be joining us and anxious to be moving forward,” Nokels said.

At each and every stop, employees were working to make sure patients didn’t notice a thing.

“It’s all about patient care,” reflects Lorie Volkmer, LIS Analyst. “We are still treating the same patients. We are still in the same walls. It really doesn’t feel much different. It still feels like home.”

The passion and commitment haven’t changed – just the name on the door. Alegent Creighton Health and Alegent Creighton Clinic – more focused, more compassionate.

Laboratory Medical Director Rich Baltaro, M.D., may have said it best. "This feels like a new beginning … together."