Home Instead 2023 Care Pro of the Year Award - Nicole Grissom
Nicole has worked with Home Instead for 13 years, starting with us back in 2010, but has over 23 years of experience in the field. She became a certified nursing assistant in 2001 along with a certified. medication technician and has held an active CNA license ever since. Since obtaining her C.N.A. license in 2001, Nicole has never stopped working as a Caregiver. Not only has she been employed with Home Instead, but also has worked with Trusting Hands, American Caregivers and has been a caregiver to her family members whenever called upon. After coming to Home Instead, Nicole's focus and goals all revolved being able to make an impact and difference in her client's lives. She thrives on assisting her clients and, enjoys preparing meals, running errands and outings with clients. We have had the immense pleasure of having her with us for so long, to our office Nicole embodies "To Us it's Personal"!
Nicole enhances the life of the clients and families, by providing through and genuine feedback with the client's that she is working with. When providing feedback, she is honest when it comes to what the clients need in a time of change or if the care plan needs adjustments. Nicole will provide recommendations to assure the needs of clients are being fulfilled. She has also maintained longevity with the clients in who she provides care to, Nicole will stay with a client up until her services are no longer needed. This allows Nicole to establish a strong relationship with clients to assure consistent care is being provided.
Building Trust:
In the 13 years that Nicole has been with Home Instead, she has called out on less than 30 occasions. Those call outs and time offs typically included doctor's appointments for herself and loved ones, or for an emergency type of situation. Even on Nicole's off days, she is putting her client first. She makes all appointments and vacations around her client's schedule to assure reliability. In my time working here with Nicole she is rarely late and if she is, she always offers to stay later to make sure clients are getting the care they deserve.
Taking the Lead:
Nicole has been taking the lead ever since she started with Home Instead in 2010. Every care team that she is on shows great communication, not just with each other but with the office. When talking with other Care Pros that she has worked with, they often say she develops rapport with everyone. She is always there to help weather it's showing a new Care Pro the ropes or picking up a last-minute shift. Nicole is always the first person to contact the office when assistance is needed and provides through feedback as well as suggestions to help. She is proactive and a constant advocate for clients and their families.
Share your Heart:
To give you some background on how Nicole shares her heart, back in 2012 our office implemented a program by the name of, caught with a big heart. Caregivers would receive a heart for a variety different reason, in the program duration from 2012-2022. This program was established to recognize a job well done. Although she shares her heart with every client on every shift, she has received 138 caught with a big heart nomination, putting her in the top 10 most recognized Caregivers. She received these nominations from not only the office staff but clients and their families. Nicole is genuinely herself when working with clients. She is always putting the client caregiver relationship in the forefront of the care she provides. Nicole once said, "when you provide care, and it makes them feel more like family. It's such a reward to nurture and watch our bond grow. Knowing I make a difference in their lives brings me immense joy."
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (410) 349-2320 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
