Mary Jane Williams, who works at BAYADA Home Health Care’s Gastonia Adult Nursing Office, helps adults live independent and dignified lives.
The Shelby resident was recently voted the national Registered Nurse Hero of the Year from among thousands of hopefuls by BAYADA Home Health Care, a leading nonprofit provider of home health care.
Williams, who works for BAYADA’s Gastonia Adult Nursing Office, is known among her peers for her dependability and compassion.
Williams has been with BAYADA for 12 years.
According to Williams’ Hero of the Year nomination, she is a passionate advocate for her clients. She’s never satisfied with making things easy – she does them right. To her clients, Williams is much more than an experienced, patient night nurse. She has taken a personal interest in each client, has become their friend and confidante, learns about their interests, understands their dreams, and brings a sense of normality and joy.
“She is simply the best and her passion for the work knows no bounds. Mary Jane has a calm, healing nature. She goes into every situation and gives 100% every shift,” said Kim Helton, LPN, who nominated Williams. “Families say, ‘We love Mary Jane. We wish we could have her every day.’ Her loving care and personal touch have transformed the lives of her patients and their families.”
Over the past 12 years, Williams has touched the lives of numerous patients, including her client and friend Dimpal Patel, who suffers from muscular dystrophy. Dimpal was diagnosed at the age of five and now needs more help in her daily life. As a caregiver and mother figure, Williams not only provides medical care, but also helps Dimpal cultivate her scrapbooking hobby. Williams helped Dimpal transition into a hospital bed and played a pivotal role in her journey back home.
“Mary Jane always encourages me to do my best,” Dimpal said. “When Mary Jane comes to our visits, it doesn’t feel like a nurse is coming to visit. It’s like part of the family comes to work with me.”
Williams accepted the prestigious award for demonstrating the highest standards of care at the company’s annual awards ceremony on Saturday, May 21 in Washington, DC. The award was presented by Megan O’Shields, Senior Manager Strategic Talent Partners, who previously served as Director of the Gastonia office.
“Mary Jane is a purple unicorn. In addition to being a night shift nurse, she is also trained in tracheostomy and ventilator care. Over the past 12 years, Mary Jane has exemplified everything you could want in a BAYADA nurse,” said O’Shields. “As a customer service professional, you charted the course for Mary Jane, she makes it happen. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
The Hero of the Year award is part of BAYADA’s Heroes program, which allows the company to recognize and reward those who exceed the highest standards of quality care and work ethics at the office, departmental and national levels. Heroes can be nominated by their peers and clients. All BAYADA employees and customers may designate any Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Home Nursing or other professional caregiver.
“I am so humbled and honored to have been selected as BAYADA’s RN Hero of the Year. I’ve been a registered nurse for over 40 years and I’ve never been recognized before,” Williams said. “I love BAYADA, my clients and the office team and am so grateful for their unwavering support.”
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