Norma “Jeannie” Gavin, Restorative Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Tarpon Bayou Center in Tarpon Springs, Florida was named co-winner of Florida Health Care Association’s (FHCA) Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Jeannie has been a CNA for 43 years, with more than 20 years of service Tarpon Bayou. The award was presented at FHCA’s annual Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards presentation in St. Pete Beach.
Jeannie Gavin cares for her residents with sensitivity and consistency. Gavin has made a positive impact on the center’s quality outcomes through meaningful connections with the residents under her care. Her compassionate caregiving skills have helped improve the quality of life for residents, many of whom are living with dementia.
Jeannie is known at the Tarpon Bayou Center as one who goes above and beyond what is expected of her. Ashley Korah, Administrator at Tarpon Bayou said, “Jeannie plays a vital role in being a familiar caregiver, in ensuring residents are well taken care of…She purchases and brings in clothes, food or snacks, and games that bring smiles to her residents… [she] prepares home-cooked meals and brings them to our residents in the hospitals, and visits with them.”
“Certified Nursing Assistants are the backbone of quality in our state’s nursing centers,” said Emmett Reed, executive director of FHCA. ”Jeannie is one of two recipients to be recognized, who, together, represent a combined 75-plus years working as CNAs. She goes beyond the traditional caregiving skills and is an excellent example of the compassionate care these CNAs deliver every day. We’re proud to honor her.”
FHCA’s Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Award honorees reflect the dedication, professionalism, and expanded skill sets of the long term care nursing profession. The annual FHCA awards recognize individuals for their important roles in helping centers achieve continuous quality improvement by improving their national Quality Measures and demonstrating a person-centered care approach to residents and patients.