It’s hard to imagine HUP’s inpatient units running smoothly without the help of certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Not only do they support clinical staff in many ways but they also make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families. They are essential to the unit's day-to-day activities.
Every year HUP Nursing recognizes their contributions with three awards for CNAs who have made huge impacts on their respective units.
A Calm Presence on a Unit
“Krissy embodies the core principles of teamwork in every shift she works, and follows through with any and every task,” said the nominating letter for Krisanndra (Krissy) Pierre, of Staffing for All Seasons, for the CNA Spirit of Professionalism Award. “She maintains a calm and pleasant presence at the bedside, and quickly establishes a therapeutic relationship with her patients.”
This state of calmness served Pierre especially well when she was assigned to work in the ED, an area that can become very overwhelming very quickly, especially for staff members who rarely work there. When a patient awaiting a bed told her they felt dirty and unkempt because they couldn’t bathe, Pierre quickly located the necessary supplies in the Emergency Department, and “she set up the patient up for a bedside bath and helped them maintain their dignity while they waited for their inpatient bed. Amidst chaos, Krissy always delivers for any and all patients.”
Pierre holds a degree in kinesiology from Temple University. Using this knowledge she helped a patient who was interested in improving their health at home. “Krissy went through a series of exercises for the patient and put together a pamphlet for them to perform these exercises using items that they had in their home so that they would not have to buy any exercise equipment. The patient did not have the financial means to purchase items and Krissy’s motivation to assist him meant so much to the patient that it brought him to tears.”
A Dedication to Patients and Staff
The staff on Rhoads 4 know how special CNA Matasha Wadlington is. “Matasha is well known for her compassion, energy and infectious laughter; she is always courteous and helpful to others,” said the submission nominating her for the Partnership with Nursing and Interdisciplinary Care Team Award.
Her colleagues value her constant support for patients. “If you walk by a room and see a patient sitting in a chair soaking his or her feet in a basin filled with soap and water like they are getting a spa treatment, you know Matasha is their assigned CNA. She has often volunteered to get patients food from the cafeteria when diet orders change, pick up medications, escort patients down to the front lobby upon discharge, etc., if it meant that a patient’s load would be that much easier.”
Last spring, when her unit became a COVID-19 patient unit, she worked with staff from throughout the hospital, many of whom noted her dedication to safety during such difficult times. “Matasha was always very skilled in the way she delivered communication, both at the bedside of COVID-19 patients and from the outside of the door to the team member inside. She ensured that staff was always safe and had all that they needed to effectively and efficiently care for patients during such a stressful time.”
A nurse from Ravdin 9 who worked on Rhoads 4 when it became a COVID unit, said, “I have been at HUP for about 6 years now and I can honestly say Tasha is one of the most professional and expert CNAs I have ever encountered. I truly hope that I have the opportunity to work with her again in the future.”
Compassion with No Boundaries
As a CNA on Rhoads 5 SICU, Nekia (Keki) Henry “displays an attitude of teamwork and dedication to meeting all patient needs,” noted her nomination for the Patient and Family Centered Care Award. Although busy, no matter how many times patients hit the call button — often from loneliness due to unanticipated extended stays — “I always see Keki respond with compassion, trying to find time in her busy day to be with them and reassure them. Keki builds rapport with many of our patients and their families on the floor, and checks in on them even when she’s assigned to the other side of the unit.”
Henry is often the second set of eyes and ears for nurses when in patients’ rooms; she is astute in her recognition skills. Noted one nurse quoted in the nomination, "she has often encouraged me to go check on my other patient because they don’t seem themselves, and I’m always grateful for the guidance."
Henry’s compassion knows no boundaries. She helped create the Final Heartbeat project, in which bereaved family members receive a memento of their loved one’s heart rhythm strip after they die. Henry not only prepares the mementos but “compassionately reminds staff that the option is available. Keki is always a gentle presence for patients and their family members at end of life.”
In the throes of the pandemic, Henry helped nurses facilitate video chats with family members. ”Many family members have commented on how meaningful those conversations are to them as well.”
“Her commitment to our team, our patients, and the profession is unparalleled.”