Compassion in Action: The Heart of Our Compassionate Caregiver Awards

There’s a quote I find myself coming back to often because it’s simple, it’s true, and it applies to everything we do in healthcare:

“The way you do one thing is the way you do everything.”

For me, that’s the heart of GBMC HealthCare’s annual Compassionate Caregiver Awards.

Because compassion isn’t something we turn on only when the day is going well. It’s revealed in the everyday moments—how we speak, how we listen, how we explain what’s next, and how we respond when someone is anxious, hurting, or vulnerable. It shows up in our tone, our patience, and our follow-through, especially when time is short.

I was disappointed I couldn’t be there in person for our awards ceremony on February 18, but I’m grateful we could still pause as a health system to recognize people who remind us what compassionate care looks like in real life.

This year’s honorees show that compassion isn’t one “type” of moment. Sometimes it’s advocacy that removes barriers. Sometimes it’s being a steady presence for families navigating uncertainty. Sometimes it’s offering comfort and connection when time is precious. And sometimes it’s doing the thoughtful work that helps every patient feel respected, safe, and understood.

That’s why I’m proud to recognize our top five finalists (pictured above, left to right):

• Raenell Vann — Team Lead, Security Department (2026 Winner)
• Lacy Kidwell, MA, LPMT, MT-BC — Music Therapist, Gilchrist Music Therapy
• Debbie Johnston, LCSW-C — Social Work
• Laura Clary, MSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, SANE-P — Director, SAFE/DV Program
• Maggie Alaoui, BSN, RN — Labor & Delivery

While we can’t share every detail of the nominations out of respect for patient privacy, the message was unmistakable: these team members change the experience of care. They reduce fear, build trust, and bring dignity to moments that could easily feel rushed or transactional simply by how they show up.

I’m especially proud to recognize this year’s winner, Security Team Lead Raenell Vann, whose nomination reflected compassion under pressure—the ability to protect safety while leading with patience, respect, and humanity. It’s a reminder that compassionate care isn’t limited to one department or one role. It belongs to all of us.

And I’ll say it again, because it’s worth repeating:

“The way you do one thing is the way you do everything.”

If we do the seemingly “small” things with care—introductions, explanations, listening, preparation, respectful language, steady presence—we don’t just deliver better service. We build trust. We build healing environments. We build the kind of culture patients can feel and team members can be proud of.

National Caregivers Day: Supporting Caregivers Across Our Community

In that same spirit, we also recently recognized National Caregivers Day, a chance to honor caregivers everywhere, including those caring for loved ones at home and the professionals who support patients across the continuum of care.

Caregiving can be deeply meaningful, and it can also be deeply demanding. That’s why we’re continuing to share practical supports and connection. For staff who are interested, caregiving resources are available on the Infoweb, including a personal story by our own Gilchrist Chaplain Rev. Debbie Cole.

To every caregiver across GBMC HealthCare and our community: thank you. And to our Compassionate Caregiver Award nominees, finalists, and winner — thank you for reminding us what this looks like in real life.

Because ultimately, compassion isn’t an add-on to the work.

It is the work. 

Employee Spotlight

Kathleen Resnick, MS, RN

Clinical Manager, Nursing Staffing Office

GBMC Hospital

How long have you been at GBMC HealthCare?

21 years

What is one key way you support a zero harm/safety culture?

From a manager standpoint, I support a zero harm/safety culture by making safety part of everyday conversations and leading by example. I encourage my team to speak up about concerns or near-misses without fear of blame. I make sure we follow through on issues quickly so everyone knows safety isn’t just a priority; it’s how we work every day.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is working alongside such a dedicated and talented team. Being surrounded by motivated, skilled individuals makes coming to work enjoyable and seeing how our collaboration positively impacts patients’ lives is truly gratifying.

What's one unique thing we'd be surprised to learn about you?

In the 1990s, I appeared in the MTV music video for Velocity Girl’s ‘I Can’t Stop Smiling,’ directed by Spike Jonze.