Keiko Kuroki Recognized with 2018 Certified Nurse Assistant Award

Keiko Kuroki, CNA II, of Carteret Health Care’s Progressive Care Unit was honored with the Certified Nursing Assistant Excellence Award on June 13th.

Cindy Jones, Vice President of Patient Care Services, presented the Nursing Assistant Excellence Award to Ms. Kuroki in front of her clinical peers, family and administration during a called meeting that evolved into a celebration of Ms. Kuroki.

“This is only the second year a recipient has been recognized as one of our great CNA’s with this award,” said Ms. Jones. “Our patients measure their care by the interaction and personal assistance they receive from CNAs and Ms. Kuroki demonstrates the highest standard of care for them.”

The CNA Excellence Award recognizes this special impact and importance of CNAs on patient care and the community’s health. Successful CNAs are those individuals who are compassionate, caring, flexible, professional and understand that each individual in their care has unique needs and personalities.

Ms. Jones congratulated her and shared, “She was selected because she is an expert clinical nursing assistant who is a role model leading the way. She is the true definition of dedication at Carteret Health Care. Ms. Kuroki inspires all of us and sets the example for all staff throughout our organization for her compassionate, respectful, helpful care and her overwhelmingly cheerful demeanor.”

The CNA of the Year recognition was established to honor local Certified Nurse Assistants for their many contributions to the care and health of Carteret’s patients. Ms. Kuroki received many nominations from her co-workers and physicians who wanted to recognize her for her superior patient service, cheerful demeanor and dedication to the hospital and her team.

"Keiko is the ideal example of a great CNA. She is a compassionate and dedicated person that goes over and beyond for her patients each and every day she works. She is also a dedicated colleague. Our hospital is so very fortunate to have her" commented Tonya Fluellen, Director of Patient Experience, Critical Care & Progressive Care.

One co-worker shared that Keiko always hits the floor running every time she works and always with a smile. Another stated, “Keiko sets night shift up for success and frequently answers calls bells that are not assigned to her.”

A common theme in nominations submitted for Ms. Kuroki is that she “is always upbeat, professional and is a great asset to Carteret Health Care.” Her smiling charism was noted as being “very contagious when you cross paths with Keiko.”

Regardless of her responsibilities, Ms. Kuroki always helps others with a smile and is never too busy to help. With tremendous pride, she ensures her patients are moving up and forward in their personal and medical goals. “Keiko passes ice every shift, sometimes twice and always encourages her patient to drink and stay hydrated.” Another example shared of going above and beyond for patients was when Keiko checked a total care patient every hour even though she was only required to do so every two hours.

A co-worker shared, “Without seeing her, I can tell when Keiko’s been in a room. She makes certain it’s nice and patients have everything they need.”

Another stated, “She is a ray of sunshine! She encourages everyone and offers to help. Her positive attitude boosts morale for all of us. She is the model of a team player.”

As a recipient of the Certified Nursing Excellence Award, Ms. Kuroki receives an expense paid trip to a CNA convention of her choice and $200 cash. She will also be challenged to continue to display excellence in caring and be a role model at Carteret Health.

The CNA Excellence Award was open to all CNAs at Carteret Health Care. Nominations for Excellence Awards may be submitted by letter describing how the individual demonstrates excellence in nursing and are due 30 days prior to the announced presentation date.

Ms. Jones concluded, “As we celebrate our numerous awards and accomplishments here at Carteret, we realize that these would not happen without our dedicated team of CNAs. All of our CNAs, like Ms. Kuroki, should feel a great deal of pride and deep satisfaction in knowing they make a difference each day in the lives of others.”