She “radiates positivity” when she shows up to Kawaika’s door. Kawika was hesitant when Janet first started coming, but she kept showing up day after day, showing she was dedicated to his care and wellbeing. Over time, they developed a sense of trust that turned into friendship. She works hard to order extra medical supplies that Kawika needs so he doesn’t run out. As Fran, Kawaika’s mom says, she is a “breath of fresh air.”
Nomination Letter
Written by Lily Hui, BrightStar Care Hawaii Operations ManagerKawika joined BrightStar Care of Honolulu on March 29, 2021, and his schedule is one hour a day, seven days a week. He is an adult spina bifida patient with paralysis in his lower extremities. When Kawika first met nurse Janet, his first impression was she wasn’t going to work out. He’s had terrible experiences with previous agencies and nurses so he did not think working with BrightStar Care or with Janet would be any different.
Kawika recalled being resistant to all of Janet’s recommendations and did not want to listen to anything she had to say. He was mistrusting and closed off. He was not hopeful that his condition would improve. Janet was extremely patient, understanding, and gave Kawika the space he needed. Everyday Janet showed up to care for Kawika without fail and took the time to really get to know him. If Kawika did not want to talk to her or listen to her that day, she respected his boundaries and did not push him. Janet persevered and did not give up.
Slowly, over the course of months, Kawika tried Janet’s suggestions little by little. Over time, he gradually saw improvements in his condition. Their relationship strengthened and he began to trust her more and more. He was finally convinced she knew what she was doing and wanted the best for him. Kawika looks forward to Janet’s visits every day and they are the highlight of his day. When Janet was leaving one day, she asked if there was anything further he needed, he replied “that is one of the reasons I appreciate you so much. You check with me to make sure I’m okay. I am not just a job to you. You care about me and my needs.”
Kawika repeatedly says he has never had a nurse who valued his opinions, listens to his wants and needs, and actually follows through with promises. He says Janet is a joy to work with, she is fantastic at what she does, and is the best nurse he has ever had. She is down to earth, positive, and dependable. Every opportunity he gets, Kawika raves about BrightStar Care and nurse Janet. We can honestly say he is one of our biggest promotors. Janet goes above and beyond to make sure there is no lapse in Kawika’s care. His insurance is always late or backlogged with supply deliveries to Kawika’s home, so Janet has had to locate the items Kawika needs from stores on our island. It was not an easy feat with the shortage! Now Janet coordinates with our office team to order back up items and monitors Kawika’s supplies to ensure he always has what he needs available.
Just as Janet cares for Kawika, Kawika also cares for Janet. Janet recalled one day she had to orient another nurse to Kawika’s care. This new nurse began speaking to Kawika in Hawaiian and he told her to stop because he was concerned Janet doesn’t speak Hawaiian and did not want her to be left out of any conversation. Janet said Kawika is always protective of her and mindful about her feelings.
In the one year with BrightStar Care, we have truly seen a change with Kawika, especially with his mindset. He has come out of his shell and trusts our team, and this is all due to Janet and her efforts. To Kawika, she does an amazing job being his nurse, but most importantly, she is his best friend and cheerleader. Janet makes sure Kawika believe in himself, maintains positivity about his condition, and she makes sure he never forgets that she will always believe in him.
Kawika’s mom is happy he does not dread having a nurse come to see him anymore. She said Kawika really enjoys Janet’s company and she is good at cheering him up and making him laugh. When Kawika received his birthday card and one year anniversary card from BrightStar Care, Janet said he cried. Kawika was surprised we remember the small details about him and said he has never worked with such an amazing company and is so happy he chose BrightStar Care.
In the recent months, Kawika’s condition plateaued, and he was considering surgery. He was doubtful he would pass the tests to move forward with the procedure, and Janet encouraged him to remain optimistic. The first time he tested, Kawika did not pass the screening, but Janet made sure Kawika kept his spirits high and remained positive. They worked together on a plan to prepare for another test. Just yesterday, our office heard great news from Kawika and Janet that he has been accepted for surgery! After his surgery, Janet and our BrightStar Care team will continue to support Kawika and the goals for his care.
Kawika says Janet deserves to be recognized because she leaves her worries at the door and always radiates positivity when he sees her. It helps to have a happy go lucky nurse with a good sense of humor since the care being provided is not always pleasant. Janet cares for Kawika profusely and always checks on how he is doing. She encourages him and believes in him, even when he does not believe in himself. Working with Janet has really improved Kawika’s mindset and optimism towards his condition.
When Kawika wasn’t accepted for surgery the first time, Janet supported him and they worked on a plan together for him to succeed the next time. She always encourages him to think positive and remain hopeful in reaching the goals for his care. Kawika is so grateful to have Janet as his nurse and be a part of BrightStar Care. He says this is the only company he would recommend. He says Janet and the BrightStar Care office team remembers even the smallest details about him and makes him feel truly cared for. He is confident that he will continue to receive excellent care from Janet and BrightStar Care.