ThriveMore honors exceptional Nursing Assistants
Today ThriveMore announced the winner of ThriveMore’s BLOOM Award to honor exceptional CNAs, capping off National Nursing Assistant’s Week. The nominees and ThriveMore leaders gathered at Ardenwoods today for an awards ceremony and luncheon.
Five CNAs from Brookridge, Taylor Glen and Ardenwoods were nominated by peers, residents and their families with letters explaining how they go above and beyond for residents. The nominees were Tyrise Wright, Alicia Brown, Xavier Saunders, Tonya Davila and Aaliyah Rosales.
This is the first year for the annual BLOOM Award — which stands for Bringing Love, Outstanding care, Opportunity and Meaning — explained Shannon Sears, Executive Vice President of Quality, Safety, Risk and Compliance. She said the award began because of the important role that CNAs play in giving residents quality care and dignity.
“We really appreciate everything that you guys do every single day,” she said.
Each nominee was applauded and given a certificate, and then the final honoree was announced.
Tyrise Wright was selected as the winner. He’s been a CNA with Heather Glen at Ardenwoods for about a year and a half. Heather Glen residents shared in a video how much they love Ty, saying he brings them joy each day.
Ty accepted the award with gratitude while his family cheered him on. When asked what his favorite thing was about his job he replied with a twinkle in his eye, “messing with the residents.” He loves to joke with them, bringing a smile to their faces and “seeing them being happy.”
He followed that with advice he’d give others considering a career as a CNA:
“You got to have patience, and you gotta care,” he said.
Ardenwoods Executive Director Sarah Marr said you’ll often find Ty sitting on the porch at Heather Glen with residents, creating moments of happiness and connection.
“Ty is a shining example of the compassion, dedication and heart that make certified nursing assistants so essential to the lives of our residents,” she said.
The BLOOM presentation was a special time to honor some of the hardest working team members at ThriveMore.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all our nursing assistants throughout the organization,” Chief Operating Officer Jessica McCollum said. “We couldn’t do what we do every day without you guys. Our residents depend on you, they trust you. The families trust you.”
Nominee Tonya Davila from Heather Glen said she appreciated that Ardenwoods celebrated CNA Week and ThriveMore started the BLOOM award. She has worked at other places that don’t celebrate CNA Week at all.
Nominee Alicia Brown from Brookridge agreed that this recognition is appreciated. CNAs have a demanding job, but a gratifying one, she said.