On January 14, 2021, Psychiatric Technician Louis “Lou” Ivey (pictured at left, second from right) became the first ever Hummingbird Award winner at Pine Rest. The Hummingbird Award is a new honor created by the PEW and Psych Tech Council to recognize outstanding Psych/Nurse Techs throughout Hospital and Residential Services.
“He brings a smile every time he is around,” says one of the nominating patients of Hickory Unit, where Lou dedicates himself to listening to his patients and showing genuine empathy while also making them laugh. Says yet another patient: “Lou has gone way above and beyond his call of duty … He cares about us.”
Lou, who joined Pine Rest October 2020, is pictured here flanked by his coworkers:
Photo 1 (L to R): Kymber Kohlhaas, Lead Psych Tech for Child & Adolescent Unit; Natasha Bernal, Lead Psych Tech for Cypress Unit; Amanda Wheless, Lead Psych Tech for Hickory Unit.
Photo 2 (L to R): Lori Anne Huegel, Director of Nursing – Hospital & Residential Services; Donna Penny, Clinical Services Manager; Gretchen Johnson, Chief Nurse Executive; Amanda Wheless.
It is important that we recognize Psych and Nurse Techs for the demonstrated empathetic, compassionate and competent care they give to our patients/residents and all whom we serve. They bring professionalism and a positive attitude to their work and demonstrate Pine Rest’s guiding behaviors of integrity, excellence, stewardship, diversity and empowerment in their work.
Congratulations, Lou! Thank you for helping change lives and providing hope to those we serve.
To view other Hummingbird award recipients or to nominate an extraordinary Pine Rest psych tech or nurse tech, please visit the Hummingbird Nomination section of our website.
