CNA recognized for exceptional care

Michelle Esparza, CNA was honored at Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) as the hospital’s first Sunflower Award recipient. 

The award recognizes ancillary nursing staff, which includes Nursing Assistants and Nursing Technicians, who show uncommon compassion, integrity, leadership and education to patients and their families. 

“The sunflower represents resiliency, strength and compassion. I am proud to lead a nursing staff that exemplifies those qualities every day,” said Catherine Amitrano, CTMC chief nursing officer. “It is an honor to recognize members of our ancillary staff with the Sunflower Award for their continued dedication to our patients and our mission.” 

Esparza was nominated by a CTMC nurse, who was relieving staff for lunch on the Medical/Surgery Unit. 

On a day the team was short-staffed, Esparza rushed into a patient’s room, without needing to be called, to assist the nominating nurse. She demonstrated expertise in transferring a knee surgery patient from the bed in a way that caused the patient the least amount of pain. When the patient expressed concern about an incident that happened earlier in the day, Esparza quietly listened, showing compassion and understanding. This patient was extremely grateful to Esparza for her kindness and professionalism. 

CTMC will continue to honor its members of its ancillary nursing staff with the Sunflower Award quarterly. Caregivers may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at CTMC and awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the Honoree’s colleagues, patients and visitors.

CTMC originated in 1923 as Hays County Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Memorial Hospital. It opened at its current Wonder World Drive location in 1983. The CTMC staff of more than 700 employees works with more than 300 active and consulting physicians to provide quality services to patients and their families. For more than 20 consecutive years, CTMC has been named The Best Hospital in Hays County in the annual “Best of Hays” ballot released by the San Marcos Daily Record. In addition to interventional cardiac services, CTMC is a Certified Chest Pain Center and an accredited Primary Stroke Center. CTMC leads the region in da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery and offers a variety of specialty care services including medical imaging, rehabilitation, hospice, women’s services and more. For more information, visit CTMC's website. CTMC is a member of the AdventHealth.