Each year the Florida Association Directors of Nursing Administration (FADONA) recognizes licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) whose commitment and devotion to their profession and their residents are exemplary. At Consulate Health Care, our caregivers are always looking for ways to go above and beyond the call of duty to provide a positive and nurturing environment in our care centers. Because our caregivers are doing extraordinary things every day, we want to ensure their hard work and dedication receives the recognition it deserves. Recently, one of our very own LPNs had her years of outstanding service put in the spotlight.
Ever since Marjorita Evans was a little girl, working in the health profession has been her dream. She was born on Camiguin Island in the Philippines as the youngest of 13 children. Growing up in such a large family, Marjorita learned how to handle a variety of personalities and developed amazing patience at a young age. More importantly, she was taught to always respect her elders. With this kind of upbringing, it is no surprise that Marjorita feels right at home providing care to the residents at San Jose Health and Rehabilitation Center.
After graduating high school in the Philippines, Marjorita moved to Florida, where she received her degree to become an LPN and later came to San Jose Health and Rehabilitation Center in June 2007. Throughout her tenure there, she has never called in sick or missed a day of work, and her positive attitude and professional manner have served as a model for her fellow caregivers. Her co-workers describe Marjorita as a true leader who is always willing to go above and beyond for others. She has earned the respect of her peers by being easily approachable and a tactical problem-solver who supports what’s best for her team, not just herself. “She always has a smile. There is no negativity in her and it shows,” says Gwen Gamel, Executive Director of San Jose Health and Rehabilitation Center, “Professionalism is her way of life.”
While her work ethic is impressive, the impact Marjorita has on the residents at San Jose is an even greater testament to her character. When Marjorita walks into the room, smiles come to her residents’ faces and they light up in response to her positivity. Just to make them laugh, she will frequently tell newcomers her name is Marjorita but if they can’t remember to just call her “Margarita”. One resident is so touched by Marjorita’s gentle and compassionate demeanor that she refers to her as her “angel” whenever Marjorita is assigned to care for her. Marjorita considers this kind of appreciation from her residents to be one of the most rewarding parts of her life.
Marjorita embodies our mission statement of “Providing Service with Our Hearts and Hands”, allowing her unwavering passion for her work and the people that her work touches continue to shine day in and day out. San Jose Health and Rehabilitation Center and all of Consulate Health Care are lucky to have the 2015 LPN Award for Excellence winner as a part of our family. Her dedication to providing care for her residents and leadership for her Consulate teammates are what make her so deserving of this recognition. We thank Marjorita for daily exhibiting our five Core Values: Compassion, Honesty, Integrity, Respect and Passion.
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