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Colleagues of lead patient care assistant Kim Mauricio, of 7AB, and PCA Johan Gonzales, of the PACU, say that when the two are working, everything on their respective units runs smoothly. Mauricio and Gonzales were honored as the recipients of the Lead PCA/MA and PCA/MA of the Year Award along with all 19 nominees at a June 25 ceremony.
“These nominees are described as people who have compassion, as members of the team who believe in providing the best service to all and as role models others want to learn from,” said Mairead Hickey, PhD, RN, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services, who kicked off the ceremony in a packed Carrie Hall.
Mauricio was nominated by her colleagues, who cited several examples of her commitment to patients, including one who needed extra attention for a head/trauma injury and psychiatric issues. Mauricio went the extra mile to wash the patient’s clothes, ease the patient’s anxiety and spend time with her.
Kim Ternavan, MS, MBA, RN, nurse manager on 7AB, presented the award to Mauricio, who has worked on Tower 7 since 2002. “From the start, it was clear Kim invested herself in our patients. She has an infectious energy, and patients love being around her,” Ternavan said.
Gonzales also was lauded for his commitment to his patients. He started his career at BWH in Environmental Services and became a PCA through Workforce Development’s training program. He is involved with many projects, including the recent mattress replacement throughout the hospital.
“Johan always shows up to work smiling and friendly. He puts patients at ease by welcoming them and assisting in getting them settled,” said Jeanne Lanchester, MEd, RN, nurse manager of the PACU. “He is always reassuring.”
Gonzales accepted the award with his wife, Ana, who also works in the PACU, by his side. “I was born with a smile on my face, and my mother taught me to always be kind, and I will be that way my whole life,” Gonzales said.