Sharon Hester-Johnson, a certified nursing assistant at one of our affordable assisted living communities in Chicago, received the Rising Star Award during the 2015 LeadingAge Illinois conference.
The award honors employees who, in their first year of employment, have demonstrated a strong work ethic, commitment, initiative, leadership and the ability to be team players. These individuals routinely go above and beyond what is expected.
Last year, Gardant Management Solutions recognized Hester-Johnson as a Shining Star for working to improve the quality of life for residents.
Ellie Baum, the administrator at Heritage Woods, said that in only a short period of time, Hester-Johnson has become an inspiration to her and everyone else at the community because of the genuine compassion and love she shows residents each day.
To learn more about why Hester-Johnson is a Rising Star, read the nomination letter below:
Our Shining Star joined the Heritage Woods family as a CNA.
Sharon came to us like a shooting star. She immediately stood out with her warmth, caring and compassion. And like a shooting star, she leaves a trail of light. The impression she leaves on those around her is one of warmth, dependability and professionalism.
She is always smiling, and consistently warm and engaging with everyone she encounters. If Sharon sees a prospective resident is touring and needs a wheelchair, she is quick to locate one. When an employee, resident or guest needs anything – from a flatbed to a helping hand – she shoots into action to help. Her coworkers appreciate her “can do” attitude and sense of teamwork. She quickly became a mentor who helps orientate new CNAs.
Our management team immediately noticed Sharon’s caring and professional demeanor and encouraged her to apply for a receptionist position. She politely declined, saying she prefers to take care of the residents. And care for them, she does.
Residents love how she cares for them. Each month, the full-time CNAs are rotated to another wing, and every month without fail, the residents Sharon served request that she become their permanent CNA. The residents say they never have to think about asking her for anything because she is always right there to assist them and anticipates their needs.
Sharon embodies our values of love, compassion and dignity and lives our mission statement each day. When our team was challenged to choose employees that represented each of our values for an upcoming employee appreciation visit with Gardant President Rod Burkett, our team struggled with which one to assign to her, as she is truly a shining star each day and in all she does.
We chose compassion because of her ability to reach the most difficult of residents in the darkest of their days. Sharon’s care does not end with her shift. She visits residents in the hospital and brings them clothing or other things they request.
One of our more vulnerable, and challenging, residents has been in the hospital, struggling with health issues and navigating the health care system. This is particularly challenging for residents without the support of family or friends. Sharon was committed to making sure the hospital knew he had a support system and began visiting him personally as she is the only CNA, and one of the only employees, that the resident likes.
Thank you for shining your light so brightly, Sharon, and inspiring all of us with your genuine compassion and love for our residents!
