Nursing support associates on patient care units are, in a sense, the backbone that helps keeps clinical activities flowing. They make sure the unit has an adequate inventory of patient care supplies — specific to the needs of their respective units — and that they are easily accessible to members of the health care teams. They ensure that equipment on the unit is working and, if not, facilitate its repair.
At this year’s Support Associate Recognition Day, Paul Harrington, MSN, MBA, associate chief nursing officer, spoke of how different it was when he was a nurse on a unit, “the amount of time that was wasted running back and forth looking for supplies instead of caring for patients,” he said. “You don’t realize how much you mean … your contribution to the organization. Don’t ever think we take that for granted.”
Congrats to the 2018 Nominees for Support Associate of the Year:
- Shekeena Johnson...Founders 10
- Desonia Mapp...Founders 8
- Sheila Parker...Founders 11
- Michelle Scott...Rhoads 3
- Bernadine Sisco...Silverstein 7
- Roxanne Williams...Rhoads 7
- Marlise Wilmore...Silverstein 8
The celebratory event also announced the winner of his year’s Nursing Support Associate Award: Zuriah (Zee) Hailu, of Ravdin 6. “Zee takes exceptional care of our unit,” her nomination read. “She keeps our highly active unit’s patient rooms and hallways neat, clean and presentable while all the time being mindful of isolation precautions, and monitors carts for restocking as necessary.” On this busy unit, she “never fails to lend a hand for stripping rooms and cleaning shared equipment during a busy shift.” She will also help the unit secretary and undergraduate volunteers prepare welcome folders for patients and families, “always ensuring they are part of her room ’set-ups‘ for new patient admissions.”
Zee’s easygoing personality helps keep patients calm and relaxed. She brings a cheery smile to them each morning, “treating all patients and families with respect and courtesy and is often recognized for her positive contributions to patient care.” She is enthusiastic about new projects and will lead by example.
During extremely busy times on the unit, Zee even makes quick runs to pick up meals or snacks for the staff. “Her impact on the unit is well recognized, evidenced by when Zee is off for a few days: her daily contributions are sorely missed!”