Kim Frazier, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Parkside Health and Rehabilitation Center in DeLand, was recognized as a co-winner of Florida Health Care Association’s (FHCA) 2019 CNA of the Year Award. The award was presented during FHCA’s 2019 Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards presentation held in St. Pete Beach.
Frazier has been a CNA for more than 35 years. She works with Parkside’s most delicate residents in the Orchid Program, which cares for those who are at risk for falls or are diagnosed with dementia. Her background as both a restorative and rehabilitation aide supplement her integral position in this program.
Her experience and compassionate caregiving skills have helped the center improve resident health outcomes. Her positive attitude and commitment to a team environment have also helped with staff retention, which is a critical component to delivering consistent, high-quality care.
Administrator Heather Jackson spoke of Kim’s character, “She is one of our biggest cheerleaders and loves to get involved in celebrating our associates and center achievements. Kim always has a contagious smile on her face and loves bringing joy to others. She is an excellent advocate for the residents of our center… Parkside Health and Rehabilitation Center is a better place because Kim decided to join our team. She is an incredible human being who is an extremely hard-working, caring, empathetic, a team player, warm, loving, gentle, kind person.”
“Certified Nursing Assistants are at the frontline of quality long term care,” said Emmett Reed, executive director of FHCA. ”Kim is one of two recipients to be recognized, who, together, represent a combined 75-plus years working as CNAs. She is an excellent role model for other caregivers and a shining example of the compassionate care being delivered in our member centers.”
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.
