Heart and soul

Marisely has spent the last 14 years working as a restorative CNA at Consulate Health Care of Lakeland in Lakeland, FL. During her time there, she has not only grown to appreciate what it means to be a caregiver, but she has also found her passion. Marisely began her career in high school, where she went through her nurse’s aide training. She instantly fell in love with the job and eventually moved from New Jersey to Florida to pursue her calling of caring for those in need. Fast forward to today, and she still shares the same enthusiasm about her work as she did back then.

Marisely absolutely loves to care for the residents and patients at the care center. The ability to bring a smile to someone who is sick is what drives her to come to work each day. Although over the years Marisely has had several meaningful relationships with residents, one in particular stands out to her still. The resident, “Ms. G.” as she calls her, would frequently sit with her at the nurses’ station when she needed extra attention. She made Marisely laugh daily with her sense of humor. Marisely said, “I still have a note that she wrote – I was really attached to her.” Ms. G was at the care center for almost five years, and over the course of that time, Marisely also formed a great relationship with Ms. G’s family. She said, “I did the best that I could to take care of her.”

Marisely’s passion is what makes her so good at her job. It’s also the Core Value that she believes to be the most meaningful. Marisely is passionate about sharing happiness and joy with the residents and also making sure that anyone at the care center, whether a long-term or short-term patient, has a good stay with her. She goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone is not only cared for, but enjoys their time at the care center.

It’s easy for Marisely to feel driven at her work, and also to be able to do as much as she can, because she works with a phenomenal team. She said, “I love the people I work with. We are like a family – we are all nice to each other, and it’s like having a second home.” Marisely lives by the phrase “teamwork makes dream work,” as she believes that together they can be better. Having the support of her team motivates her to do the best that she can each day.

Marisely is naturally a hard worker and has a work ethic unlike many. Marisely will truly help anyone that needs it. From residents to co-workers, Marisely is always there when you need her. Her commute is no easy drive either. Marisely drives over 45 minutes each way to and from the care center. It’s most certainly not easy on her, but she would never transfer because “I feel at home at this care center. I am attached to my co-workers and also my residents –I don’t want to transfer.” Even though Marisely lives far away, she is the first to volunteer whenever needed. Most recently, she drove out to volunteer at a sister property in West Palm Beach when extra CNAs were being requested for help. This was completely voluntary, and Marisely did not hesitate to jump in when asked. She said, “I am always ready to work and to help out.”

Even though Marisely has enjoyed being a CNA, she believes her next step would be to one day become an RN and continue to grow as a caregiver. We hope that Marisely can fulfill this dream and that she finds much success in her future. Thank you Marisely for giving your heart each day to our patients and residents!