Often when patients are admitted to a hospital or getting medical treatment they are treated by a medical care professional who goes above and beyond their expectations. Novant Health has developed a Guardian Angel program that allows patients and loved ones to honor the special people who have been a part of their care, diagnoses and treatment.
Jolanda “Jo” Mills, certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center for more than four years, recently received a Guardian Angel pin and scholarship for the remarkable care she provides to patients, and one in particular.
The husband of one of Jo’s recent patients, Jordan Washburn, heard about the Guardian Angel program and wrote a letter stating that Jo provided such wonderful care for his wife during a difficult time. Through conversations with Jo, Washburn discovered that she was working two jobs in hopes of continuing her education to become a registered nurse. To show his appreciation to Jo, he made a donation to the Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center Foundation’s Guardian Angel program in honor of Jo, to assist with her education.
A pinning ceremony was held at the hospital with Washburn and several staff in attendance.
“I thought, somebody ought to help her and give her encouragement during these times,” said Washburn. “I have a favored expression and I say it every morning with my prayers. ‘You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can’t pay you back,’” he said.
Mills said she is grateful that her patient’s husband had thought of her. “I’m taken aback by someone so gentle and so kind,” she said. “I don’t go to work expecting any recognition whatsoever; I know what my job is and why I’m there. To be recognized by a family member was one of the proudest moments of my career.”
“I had no idea the young lady working and trying to finish nursing school was me until they said my name,” said Mills. “I’m still floating on the clouds.”
Mills said she wanted to become a CNA after taking care of her grandparents at the age of thirteen. “I also participated in a volunteer program at my church assisting elderly,” said Mills. “We would come to their house and clean up, or fix breakfast, or do anything we could to help them. It always stuck with me to want to help someone who couldn’t help themselves.”
Mills said her daily motivation is to wake up every day and attempt to put a smile on someone’s face.
“By making a donation in honor of your Guardian Angel, he or she is recognized for their excellent services,” said Rick Parker, executive director of Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center Foundation. “Your Guardian Angel is notified and recognized with a pin for providing remarkable care and the gift you made in his or her honor.”
By contributing to the Patient Assistance Fund, you can help a patient in need focus on what is most important: getting healthy and staying healthy.
Contact us to learn more about our Guardian Angel program.
