A listening ear. A calming prayer. A bright presence during someone’s darkest hour. Those are just a few of the gifts Hummingbird Award winner Virginia Charmaine Johnson brings to those she serves as a psychiatric technician on the Pine Rest Redwood unit.
The Hummingbird Award, created by Pine Rest’s Hospital & Residential Services (HRS) Patient Experience Workgroup and Psych Tech Council, is presented quarterly to recognize psych and nurse techs who demonstrate empathetic, compassionate and competent care in all they do. Recipients are honored for bringing professionalism, positivity and Pine Rest’s guiding behaviors—integrity, excellence, stewardship, diversity and empowerment—to those they serve each day.
For the patients who nominated Virginia, her impact is felt not only through the care she provides but through the way she makes people feel during some of their most vulnerable moments.
“Virginia shines her light on me,” shared one patient. “She made me feel seen and heard, going out of her way to check on me and encourage me to keep going.”
Another patient described Virginia as a steady and uplifting presence on the unit, noting her warmth, dedication and consistency: “Virginia is a very kind, caring, understanding and social lady. She is here on days off from sunup to sundown, with a smile on her face.”
For many, Virginia’s care leaves a lasting impression that extends far beyond their time on the unit.
“Ms. Virginia was a literal Godsend from the moment I stepped into Redwood,” a patient writes. “She prayed for me when I couldn’t speak and poured life into me.”
Others reflected on the atmosphere she created for them simply by being present. As one nomination stated, “The whole unit seemed brighter when she was there. I can’t thank her enough for the lifelong impact she had on me.”
Congratulations, Virginia, and thank you for the care, encouragement and light you bring to your role as a psych tech! Your compassion, faith and dedication continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your colleagues and of those we serve.
To view past Hummingbird award recipients or to nominate an extraordinary Pine Rest psych tech or nurse tech, please visit the Hummingbird Nomination section of our website.
