Division

Name / Category

Melanie Braxton, RN
Barbara Morris, LPN
Mary Blake, HHA

Michelle Hessler, RN*
Candy Funderburk, LPN
Shirley Barrett, HHA

Cynthia Stephens, RN
Cheretta Robinson, LPN
Edna Brennan, HHA*

Michelle Hessler, RN, has worked for Bayada Nurses since 2002 and serves as team leader on a pediatric case. Although the patient is approved to have 16 hours of care each day, her grandparents (her primary caregivers) often decline coverage to take care of their granddaughter themselves. Why? Because it is hard to find nurses to provide the level of care that they do. However, Michelle Hessler is one of the exceptions. As team leader on the case, Michelle is involved with all aspects of her patient's therapies and schedules all doctor visits. Her top-notch assessment skills helps her identify when the patient needs special care. Her clinical skills recently helped the patient avoid hospitalization because Michelle recognized early warning signs and got the patient to a doctor before the problem grew more complicated. Michelle's commitment to her patient is so strong that she drives two hours round-trip to provide care and always fills in if there are any gaps in coverage-putting her own needs and schedule on the back burner. Staff Supervisor Melissa Oliver notes: "Michelle's heart can be seen in her work. She rocks her pediatric clients, reads and interacts with them, and ultimately loves them unconditionally." Perhaps the best testimonial to Michelle's skills is an excerpt from the nomination submitted by the client's grandmother: "[My granddaughter] just adores her. She lights up like a 100-watt bulb when she sees Michelle. We are very lucky to have a nurse like Michelle. I wish there were more of her so more children could be as blessed as we are."

Maryann Parvesse, LPN, is an adult and pediatric trach/vent nurse who has worked for Bayada Nurses for almost three years. Maryann was nominated as a Hero on the Home Front by her Nursing Supervisors Laura Latour and Tess Kaminski, who praised Maryann for her skill, dedication, reliability and flexibility. One example of Maryann's exceptional nursing skills and tremendous compassion were demonstrated when she worked with a terminally ill patient. Maryann served as the full-time day nurse-working into the evening as needed. The skilled care she provided gave clinical support to the patient, but the gentleness and caring she showed gave much more. Examples include small things like cutting and coloring the patient's hair and big things like learning to read lips to better communicate with the patient. In addition to supporting her patient, she also helped the patient's husband get through a very difficult time. Because he needed to work, Maryann worked her schedule around his business needs-staying late so he could attend meetings and even travel as necessary. She also helped the patient cook dinner for her family-helping to create lasting memories the family will cherish forever. When the patient died, Maryann was by her side-stroking her hair and offering comfort as she slipped away. Maryann has also demonstrated her skills with pediatric patients-working on a difficult case with a patient who is angry, frustrated and very strong. However, Maryann has been able to get the child to respond to her and is often able to get the child to school with no problems or tantrums. Her commitment and dedication to all her clients truly demonstrate what makes Maryann such a gifted and special nurse.