Bringing integrity every day

Carmen Trinidad has been compassionately taking care of residents at Island Health and Rehabilitation Center in Merritt Island, Florida for the past six years.  For her entire adult life, she has been taking care of others, especially the elderly population. Before coming to Island Health, she worked as a CNA in California, Alabama, and then another care center in Florida.

“I love what I’m doing,” Carmen told us. She said that her passion for taking care of others was intensified when she gave birth to her son. That experience of vulnerability and reliance on others made her want to reach out and help others who needed assistance. According to Sarah Slater, the assistant director of nursing at Island Health, “Carmen demonstrates exemplary resident care and compassion. She is never without a kind word or smile and is always willing to go above and beyond each and every day.”

Carmen attributes her success to her many years of experience at Island Health and her love for the care center. “I feel like I’m at home. People know me. I know what to do before people ask me to do it.” Carmen demonstrates integrity by jumping in and offering to do some of the most challenging tasks with enthusiasm.

In the future, Carmen is considering going to nursing school. She said that she is sometimes afraid to take that next step, but she knows that she would love it. Her patients, all who know her well, have told her that she would make an excellent nurse.

Slater summed it up well when she said that “Carmen is dedicated to her residents, is an excellent team player, and a wonderful asset to this organization.” Thank you Carmen for bringing your integrity, passion, and compassion to work with you each day!