Hearts and Hands

Galya has not been at Plantation Bay Rehabilitation Center in St. Cloud, FL very long, but she has already had a tremendous impact. In just months, she has managed to not only make her colleagues into family, but also make her patients truly fond of her. She has passion, energy, and brings her positive and upbeat personality with her each day she comes to work. It’s no wonder that in less than one year, she was named “Employee of the Month.”

We learned of Galya because of her employee of the month nomination that was published in Plantation Bay’s monthly care center newsletter. When we read the kind words about her work ethic and personality, we knew she was someone that must live and breathe our Core Values.

Galya has been a CNA for 14 years. In that time, she has learned a lot about herself and what it takes to be successful at her job. We asked her why she thinks she is a good employee and why she was nominated as employee of the month. She said “I love what I’m doing, helping other people. It’s a lot of physical work and strength, but you also need to have conversation with your patients, they’re human beings. That’s what makes you love doing this job.” To Galya, it’s not just about showing up to work and doing what’s on her list, it’s about getting to know her patients and spending time with them.

The job of a CNA is not an easy one. It requires both physical and mental stamina, and also heart. The CNAs who come to work every day with a smile on their face no matter the challenge are the ones who have truly found their calling. Galya is one of those CNAs. When we asked her what motivates her to come to work each day, she said, “I love my job. It’s very special when you get there and you see someone smile, or just to hear from them ‘I’m so glad you’re here,’ it makes your day.”

In Galya’s time as a CNA, she has taken care of many patients and seen many people come and go. But, she never lets that stop her from treating each one of them as if she has known them for years. In fact, when we asked about any particular patient who has had an impact on her, she said “All of my patients. They’re all great; they’re all my favorites. I can’t separate them, because I treat them all the same.” No matter what, each person that crosses her path is treated with the compassion she would treat her very own family.

Compassion is the Core Value that Galya believes to be the most important. Even though she believes all of our Core Values are an integral part of being a CNA, she thinks “if you don’t have it in your heart, then you’re not for this job.” We couldn’t agree with her more.

We are so thankful for the compassion that Galya carries with her to work and for the passion she has for her job. She is the true definition of what being a CNA means. We hope that she stays at Consulate Health Care for years to come. Thank you for all you do Galya!