PLATTSBURGH — A meal shared together fills the soul as much as the stomach, and that’s exactly what Nikki Catlin enjoyed with one of her patients.
The kindness and care she provided to a 92-year-old man in need is why she was honored this week with the BEE (Beyond Exceptional Everyday) Award.
Catlin was recognized during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH).
She was nominated by Nicole Reil, RN, one of her colleagues who works in the CVPH Heart Center. Reil explains in her nomination that the 92-year-old gentleman comes to the hospital multiple times a month. and he can be difficult to understand, as he speaks with a thick accent.
“Nikki always jumps in to help him,” Reil writes.
“It took a while to figure out what he needed. This time, she found out he had not been eating, because his teeth hurt.”
Catlin immediately acted, going to the hospital cafeteria to buy soup, a soft sandwich and a drink for the patient for lunch. She sat with him in the breakroom and made sure he ate what he could. and Reil says after Catlin and the staff worked to make sure the elderly patient could receive the additional care he needed; she took him out to his car at his request.
“Nikki went above and beyond to make sure this man was cared for,” Reil adds.
Rebecca Duquette, Practice Supervisor for Interventional Cardiology at CVPH, notes that Catlin previously helped this patient get heat restored to his home and find money that he lost.
“No matter what a patient needs, if Nikki can do anything to help, she will go out of her way and find answers,” Duquette says.
“Nikki is truly a very kind person and has a huge heart! She took very good care of this patient, and that is how she is with all of them.”
During the award presentation, Catlin was presented with a certificate commending him for his extraordinary work. She, like all honorees, also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.
All CVPH employees who support patient care by working together with physicians and registered nurses to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones are eligible for the BEE Award. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the CVPH website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.