In Recognition of the West Neighborhood Night Shift Team

It is my pleasure to recognize the Night-Shift Staff on the West Neighborhood for all their hard-work and kind patience:  Mariam Somera, Josiefine Segundo, Ursula Espeleta, MJ Guira, Wilma Batino, and Susan Lord.

Taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s and/or Dementia can be very straining.  It is in everybody’s best interest that the people caring for that person can actually handle it.  That is exactly what the night-shift staff on West can do, THEY CAN HANDLE IT!   To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all they go through.  These West Neighborhood Angels have it.  They possess the very essence of nursing which is “Caring”. 

Lalena D. Thompson, RN, Night Shift Supervisor

Many of us will not give up a good nights rest to work with residents who have Alzheimer’s dementia with behavioral disturbances, knowing that their nights maybe unpredictable.  But the night shift of the West neighborhood has the power and patience to work with such a group.  I am very appreciative of the work and creativity that they possess working with our residents, especially during those sleepless & chaotic nights.  I feel that the night shift West angels work for a strong purpose and that hard work is not an option, but a necessity.  Thank you West Angels and keep up the good work.

Christiana Casio, RN, Neighborhood Manager

In Recognition of the Molokai Neighborhood Night Shift Team

For most of us, our nights are spent relaxing with our families in the comfort of our homes.  We share stories of our day, spend time with our children, or maybe even enjoy a movie with our spouses. For the staff of the Molokai night shift, their nights are spent providing care and compassion to the residents, many of whom might be restless, anxious, or unable to sleep.

Nights can be a difficult time for residents.  It is dark, quiet, and the environment is often unfamiliar.  Residents who used to sleep next to their spouses now wake up in the dark alone.  Midnight bathroom trips that we all take for granted are no longer possible for many residents.  They wake up and may be frightened, cold, and needing help.

This is where the Molokai night shift staff becomes so important; answering that frightened call in the middle of the night, comforting someone who is lonely and unable to sleep by making a cup of hot tea and “talking story”. To the residents of the Molokai unit, they are the angels of the night.

I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Molokai unit night shift staff: Irene Parr, Marilyn Timbreza, Ines Antolin, Loreto Mendoza, Richard Guiwa, Catherine Nakama, and Irene Alejo. While I am home snuggled warm in bed, they are here ensuring that the residents have a safe and peaceful rest. No one should spend their nights lonely and afraid, and as long as the Molokai night shift team is on duty, no one will.

With Love and Aloha,

Janinne Grimes, RN, Neighborhood Supervisor