Colonial Springs CNA named August 2021 CMH TULIP Award winner

Kathy Zeolia, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) with Colonial Springs Healthcare Center in Buffalo, was named the August 2021 CMH TULIP Award winner. She received the award Sept. 15.

The TULIP Award was established June 2021 by Citizens Memorial Hospital and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation and is a recognition program for outstanding nursing assistants, medical assistants and patient care technicians who assist in direct patient care.

Zeolia earned her CNA license in 1997 through CMH Education Services nursing assistant program. After graduating she began working at Colonial Springs Healthcare Center and has worked there for 24 years.

When asked what it meant to receive this award Zeolia said, “It’s amazing, heartwarming and it makes me feel good. I love my residents! It just makes me feel good to know that the families think I do a good job taking care of their loved ones.”

Zeolia received two nominations for this award from the daughters of one of her residents for making them feel welcome, being helpful and accommodating. The sisters noted that they can see just how much Zeolia loves and cares for their mother.

 “I live in Connecticut and it warms my heart knowing [my mother] is taken care of so well,” said one of the daughters in the nomination.

Another daughter said, “Kathy was very nice and kind. She helped out so much and seems to love my mom. Thank you for being so helpful and accommodating.”

Zeolia appreciates her coworkers and facility administration. “I really like the new administration we have and I think they are amazing. I love my nurses every one of them are kind and helpful. If you have a problem and go to them they will help you with anything.”

“We are just one big happy family. We are a team and all pull together,” Zeolia added.

About the TULIP Award

Citizens Memorial Hospital/Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation created the TULIP Award to recognize outstanding nursing and medical assistants and patient care technicians who assist in direct patient care.

TULIP stands for Thoughtful, Unforgettable, Lasting Impact on Patient Care. The award committee selects one honoree each month who exemplifies the following characteristics:

• Goes above and beyond in providing exceptional care and unforgettable service to patients/residents.
• Demonstrates exceptional skills in the delivery of compassionate patient/resident care.
• Exemplifies the mission, vision and values of CMH/CMH Foundation.
• Demonstrates a caring, thoughtful attitude.
• Is an outstanding role model for other nursing assistants, medical assistants and patient care technicians.

The TULIP Award is given in conjunction with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing. If you or someone you know would like to submit a CMH TULIP Award, go to https://bit.ly/3rWCsie.

Photo: Kathy Zeolia, CNA, with Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, is the recipient of the August 2021 CMH TULIP Award.