Our most recent Sunshine Award winner is Kaleigh Natoli!

A program to recognize the extraordinary care and contributions of our non-licensed nursing support staff continues at UHS with Kaleigh Natoli, NA, Medical Surgical Unit, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, who was named the January winner of the Sunshine Program Award! Kaleigh was recognized and presented with the Sunshine Award and sunflowers for her achievement and enjoyed cookies as part of the celebration.

The Med Surg nursing assistant was nominated by her colleague. The colleague spoke about a scene she witnessed when the family of a patient who Kaleigh had cared for passed away. The family came to find Kaleigh and thanked her for the compassion and care that she gave to their father, who had passed. The family gathered around Kaleigh, hugging her and thanking her, including for the compassion she had for the family during this tough time. Upon speaking with Kaleigh after the family left, her colleague was touched when Kaleigh shared the sentiment that "End of life is very important to me, and when I can help someone, it makes me love my job even more." 

"It was truly a moving sight, and I know that the compassion that Kaleigh had displayed to that family was so human and beautiful. It came from her heart," said the nominating colleague. "Kaleigh treated the patient with dignity and respect. She connected with the family, anticipating their needs and validating their feelings. Thank you, Kaleigh, for doing what you do in such a positive way."

Thank you to Kaleigh for treating our patients with Compassion and Respect, a stellar example of our team living "The UHS Way!"

Patients, families, and colleagues are able to nominate any of our non-licensed support staff based on our UHS Values of Respect, Teamwork, Innovation, Trust, and especially Compassion. Nominations will be collected via paper - look for nomination kiosks and boxes at all UHS locations, via email at sunshine.awards@nyuhs.org, and electronically.

All nominees will be recognized, but each month, one nominee will be selected for a special recognition.