2nd Quarter 2000 National and Division Heroes

National Heroes

RN Category: Cynthia Miller - Dogwood Division, Winston Skilled (WS) Office, Winston-Salem, NC
LPN Category: Dena Martin - Dogwood Division, Charlotte (CHA) Office, Charlotte, NC
HHA Category: Geraldine "Penny" Wortham - Tulip Division, Newark (NEW) Office, Newark, DE

Division Heroes

* denotes National Hero of the Quarter

Cynthia Miller, RN, has made quite an impression on supervisors and clients alike since her start in 1996. She received a commendation from a client's wife in 1998, resulting in the honor of being named her office's "Nurse of the Year." The wife explained that her husband had been in and out of the hospital and Cindy came "to hold our hand, pray with us, and give us assurance." She also said, "When Medicaid was used up, she paid for medication and supplies out of her pocket, knowing her time and money would never be replaced." Having provided nearly two years of service, the wife said, "Cindy has been wonderful. We have come to love her like a daughter." A more recent episode explains that Cynthia's dedication to her clients has been unwavering over the years. While providing care to a 24-hour vent-dependent client, Cindy learned that her newly remodeled house was burning down. Knowing the wife could not care for the client alone, Cindy did not leave. Staff Supervisor Allison Swisher explained that Cynthia left the client's home one hour early only because a replacement was found and returned to work a double shift the next day-despite having lost everything in the fire. Service Director Robin McCarson explained that, in Cynthia's mind, her client always comes first.

Dena Martin, LPN, started in 1996 as a HHA in WIN. After nursing school, she worked her way into the home and heart of a little boy with many special needs. Now four years old, Dena's client goes into cycles of retching and gagging that last 3 to 5 days about every two weeks, according to Staff Supervisor Julie Jordan. The cycles are sporadic and often hard to cover, but Julie explains: "Dena is always willing to come in early, stay late, or work on her days off when her client is in his cycle." During one opportunity to witness Dena at work, Office Director Melinda Phillips said, "Although he was in extreme pain, it was obvious that Dena was giving him the strength of mind to withstand this pain. She rocked him, and he began to calm down and stroke the sides of his head with the back of his hands." Melinda proclaimed, "Dena not only exhibits the exceptional courage and fortitude it takes to be a hero, she instills it in her clients." Dena has even learned sign language to help her client understand his surroundings. Doctors said this little boy would never sit up or crawl, but he has miraculously done both. The client's mother quickly attributes these achievements to the selfless care Dena provides.

Geraldine "Penny" Wortham's skilled, caring, and reliable performance has been consistently provided for the past 12 years. Supervisors have noted that she takes great pride in her work, and her patients agree. One client satisfaction survey indicated, "Penny was extremely thoughtful, caring and understanding, yet very professional." Another client comment explains her value to the company-"The service was excellent. I would recommend Bayada to others in my family as well as my friends." Staff Supervisor Kristyn Kelsch indicates that Penny acts as an active role model as well. Kristyn says, "Penny offers assistance as a mentor to new HHAs starting with Bayada Nurses." According to Kristyn, Penny's loyalty to her patients and her excellent patient care are what distinguish her from her peers.