Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are essential to HUP’s patient-care teams. They not only care for patients physically but provide emotional and spiritual support as well. “CNAs have a tremendous impact on our patients,” said Sheri L. Walsh, MSN, nurse manager of Cardiology Progressive Care on Pavilion 8 City and 9 City Museum. “I want our CNAs to realize how invaluable their role is to the patient experience, by establishing a sense of trust and treating our patients as if they were family.”
Each year, the Nursing Professional Development Core Council honors three CNAs who go above and beyond their responsibilities. Out of 24 submissions received this year, here are the winners:
Always a Helping Hand
Colleagues admire Alvin Miller for his compassion, composure, and a collaborative approach to patient care on Founders 12. For these reasons and more, he is this year’s winner of the Partnerships with Nursing and Interdisciplinary Care Team Award.
Miller often starts his work responsibilities – such as answering bells and calls – before his scheduled clock-in time, and even on days or shifts he is not scheduled, he often comes in or stays late to help, said his nomination letter. Miller’s interpersonal skills help him connect with patients. In one case, his nomination noted, he was able to form a bond with a patient who was aggressive towards other staff but felt comfortable with Miller. “Alvin could be seen walking in the hallways with the patient to help him pass the time. He would take him to make coffee, his favorite treat, at any time of the day. … If the patient was ever in distress, we knew Alvin could provide excellent support as a trusted ally.”
Miller’s nomination noted that his detailed documentation and strong observation skills help doctors and nurses provide the best care. “Helping people every day is such a gift,” Miller said. “I just hope at the end of the day I made a difference in a patient or family member’s life.”
Advocate for Patients and Colleagues
On Pavilion 14 Center, Marcia Aycock is known for her steadfast devotion to her practice and strong work ethic. This not only makes her an invaluable asset to her team but also this year’s winner of the Spirit of Professionalism Award.
Aycock holds herself to a high standard in her care of both patients and colleagues. When new patients arrive on the floor, the admission-care tasks are already completed before the nurse even asks, her nomination letter noted, “and she regularly checks in with colleagues to make sure they have eaten and taken breaks.” Aycock brings a wealth of knowledge to her position, frequently teaching newer staff how to efficiently and safely care for their patients.
Once, a patient had undergone two unsuccessful procedures and the family was considering hospice. Although the patient was no longer under Aycock’s care, “she made a point to not only check in with the nurse about the patient but also go to see the patient herself, to let him know she was thinking of him and his family.”
Spreading Cheer Among Patients and Staff
No matter what unit he is dispatched to, Elliotte Jenkins of the Staffing for All Seasons nursing resource pool spreads cheer amongst staff, patients, and families. Jenkins is known for a sense of humor that “allows him to uniquely connect with his patients and families,” his nomination letter noted. That’s one of several qualities that earned him this year’s Patient and Family-Centered Care Award.
One oncology patient recounted that Jenkins had come into her room to take her vitals, but she had received bad news about her diagnosis earlier in the week and did not want to be bothered. Jenkins worked his magic, and “by the time he was finished, I was crying from laughing so hard.”
Another story came from a fellow CNA who has having a hard time with an agitated patient. She notified her supervisor, who sent Jenkins to take over that assignment. “Not only did he graciously help me complete my unfinished vital signs,” the CNA said, “but also was able to de-escalate the patient’s behavior by talking in a calm and empathetic manner.”