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A positive attitude and understanding the importance of teamwork are among the qualities common to the patient care assistants (PCAs) and medical assistants (MAs) who were honored at the annual PCA/MA Recognition Luncheon May 19.
“It takes each one of us to create the teams that take care of all of our patients,” Mairead Hickey, PhD, RN, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services, said to the nominees and award recipients, who were each nominated by members of their teams. “Not only do you do great work for patients, but it’s noticed by your teams.”
Sondra Soares, lead MA for Urogynecology, was named Lead PCA/MA of the Year for being “the glue that holds Urogynecology together,” Neeraj Kohli, MD, director of Urogynecology, said.
Soares, who is studying to take the nursing boards, played an integral role in Urogynecology’s move from the main campus to 500 Brookline Ave., and her attention to detail allowed the practice to begin functioning almost immediately after the move.
Patients appreciate Soares’ kindness and calm manner. “We often observe returning patients’ faces lighting up when they see Sondra and recognize a familiar face,” wrote Lori Stevens, RN, assistant nurse manager of Ambulatory OB/GYN, in her nomination for Soares.
Upon accepting her award, Soares thanked her team and BWH for the opportunity to advance her career. “I will remain committed to making a difference always, whether as a medical assistant or a nurse,” she said.
When an anxious patient who did not speak English was preparing for surgery in the Perioperative Area line room, Maria Simmons spoke the patient’s native Spanish to him. She understood he wanted to speak with his family and brought him a telephone in addition to an extra pillow and blanket to put him at ease. Staff noticed the patient was more relaxed when he left the line room.
Such dedication to and compassion for patients are among many reasons Simmons was named PCA/MA of the Year.
“Maria understands that we are here for our patients, that we must work together to provide safe and compassionate care, and that even in a busy, stressful environment, there is always time for a smile, a word of encouragement and the holding of a hand,” wrote Karen Munkley, BSN, MS, RN, nurse-in-charge in the PACU, in her letter of recommendation.
Simmons promised to continue making a difference. “I will do my best to live up to the praise you have given on my behalf,” she said as she accepted the award.