Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) presented its most recent Sunshine Award to Brandy Jenkins, C.N.A.
The Sunshine Award was established to reward and celebrate the extraordinary skills and compassionate care given by technical support staff. Sunshine Award recipients consistently demonstrate compassion, patient- and family-focused care, passion about life, patient advocacy, and their support of all healthcare team members.
Jenkins, who is also a nursing student, was nominated for the Sunshine Award by a patient’s family member for her compassionate care of the patient who died unexpectedly.
The nomination story covered a small moment where the patient wanted to use the bathroom and was determined to get up to make the trip. Knowing the patient’s condition, Jenkins danced with the patient to assist in the trip across the room. The story mentioned how she remained herself and provided compassionate care to a very sick patient.
“It is that one little comment or thing that they do that stands out to those that are hurting and sick. They are unaware they are going above and beyond, and just being themselves,” said the nomination.
The story continued, “She came in while I was saying goodbye to say her goodbyes, just being herself, not knowing I was watching. She cried, said goodbye, and told him what a sweet man he was. Again, being natural, no acting, just being compassionate and herself.”
Jenkins’ impact on the patient and family exemplifies the compassionate, patient-centered care Central Maine Medical Center strives to provide to every patient every day.