Heart of Health Care honorees in Omaha

Aaron Alvarado’s path to working on the orthopedics floor of Nebraska Medicine started with lemonade and cookies.

That’s what he was handing out as a volunteer on that same floor in college, and it’s where he eventually became a CNA. Today, Alvarado’s job as a charge nurse consists of overseeing the patient load, supervising a team of nurses and CNAs, and planning the overnight shift’s schedule.

Three major life events. Devastating circumstances. Most people would be knocked down, but Abigail Steiner came out stronger.

“Life has proven to me that in a fight or flight situation I fight. I do my best work in stressful, chaotic situations.”

Ann Gray has been caring for others with her own special blend of humor and empathy for 34 years.

“Some of these people don’t have anyone else but us.”

Cara Sevier’s patients can’t get much past her when it comes to how they’re feeling.

“I always remember the looks on their faces,” she said. “I know when they’re sick. I know if they just got bad news. And I always recognize that sparkle in their eyes when they’re feeling better.”

Crystal Sainato doesn’t always go home when her shift is over, especially if she has a chance to spread a little cheer.

“People aren’t there because they’re happy and feeling good,” she said. “I try to bring some sort of happiness to their darkest moments.”

The way Joey Burt sees it, he is taking care of 150 grandparents. He wants to make their “last stop in life” as fulfilling as possible.

As a clinical nurse manager, he oversees the total care of 45 adults who have conditions ranging from Parkinson’s disease to dementia and age-related debilities. His main concern is that the residents receive the highest level of care, which to Burt means that almost anything falls within his job description. Wheelchair adjustments, emotional support and navigating family dynamics are just a few examples.

Melissa Gates always has the same advice when she trains new nurses:

Protect your license: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and it’s OK to say no.

As an ICU nurse, Sheila Lynch Sully takes care of the “sickest of the sick.” In fact, two patients had just died the week of this interview.

Many people only have medical TV shows as a reference to imagine the emergencies that come through the door each day.