Centinela Hospital Medical Center's Director of Nursing, Lakesha Dixon,
was recently honored at the 8th Annual Hospital Hero Awards held by the National Health Foundation. The
award honors those health care professionals that go above and beyond
the normal call of duty in assisting patients, family members and fellow
employees.
Lakesha's commitment to the patients of Centinela hospital is unparalleled.
Lakesha takes a hands-on approach in the care of our patients; she conveys
to her staff firsthand the type of experience that patients and their
family members should expect when they are admitted to the hospital. This
insight also allows her to understand and anticipate the needs of the
nursing staff and to supply them with the tools and training needed to
provide superior patient care.
Lakesha has been instrumental in assisting Centinela to achieve numerous
quality distinctions. Under her nursing leadership, numerous patient satisfaction
programs have been instituted throughout the facility. Lakesha reminds
us consistently that patient care is about patients first; not only the
treatment of medical conditions, but the patient's whole being, life,
lifestyle and life circumstances. This is key to the concept of patient
and family centered care that should not be sacrificed, regardless of
the pace and demands placed upon today's healthcare system. Due to
her efforts in promoting effective communication with our patients, physicians,
staff and community, Centinela is able to provide high quality healthcare
that is accessible and affordable to our community members.
Lakesha is a unique role model to novice and seasoned nurses. She serves
as an example of dedication and commitment to true patient advocacy. She
delivers personalized care to all patients in all circumstances; this
enables others to do the same. She has been tireless in her efforts to
raise patient satisfaction scores, provide quality nursing education and
shepherd the staff through numerous surveys. Her leadership and guidance
reaches into all aspects of the hospital. However, it is Lakesha's
dedication to the patients, staff and mission of Centinela Hospital, which
inspires our nurses to go "above and beyond" the call of duty.
For Lakesha, nursing is more than just a calling. It embodies her philosophy
in every way in how she presents not only herself, her profession, but
the nurses who look up to her as a leader and inspiration.