Michael Guzman, CNA Earns 2023 Dr. Catherine Bontke Spirit of Rehab Award

Congratulations to Michael Guzman, CNA at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, who is the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Catherine Bontke Spirit of Rehab Award. This award is given annually to a colleague within the Rehabilitation Service Line who is an exceptional reflection of professionalism and dedication. The recipient must demonstrate service provision above and beyond the scope of their job description and/or responsibilities.

Michael was nominated because he serves as a dedicated advocate for his patients during their rehab stay. He approaches each patient as an individual, taking a person-first approach with every patient he works with. Michael speaks to patients as they are best known – a former coach, history teacher, guitarist, father, pastor, grandmother, or sister, rather than a patient who experienced brain injury or a patient with dementia. He will frequently change his approach with an individual in order to cater to their specific needs. Michael builds rapport and trust with his patients, helping to ease anxiety and more easily facilitate each patient reaching their individual goals.

Michael is instrumental in ensuring patient safety and clearly communicates with proper clinical staff when there may be a concern. Even in difficult situations, he treats each patient with empathy and compassion. Beyond patient care, Michael consistently arrives to work with a positive attitude and a cheerful greeting for his colleagues and patients alike. He frequently participates in new colleague onboarding, taking the time to thoroughly train and educate new team members on techniques and safety. Michael is always available to provide recommendations and advice to new colleagues who may be facing challenges in their workflow.

In his nomination, it was noted that Michael “can often be seen at the start of each shift having a huddle or pep talk with his co-workers at the nursing station that would make one think they are about to enter a playoff football game, rather than a day at a rehab hospital.” His positive attitude and energy are infectious, and he fills the halls of his assigned unit with positivity, fostering teamwork, and stopping in his tracks to help any patient or staff member in need.