SALISBURY – TidalHealth Peninsula Regional announced that Charles Jackson, patient care technician in Same Day Surgery, has been selected as the Sunshine Award recipient for August 2025.
Jackson was nominated for his compassion, professionalism, and the exceptional care he showed during a recent patient’s surgical visit.
“I was a surgery patient the morning of June 9. I had exceptional care from everyone that morning, but one person in particular left quite an impression on me. When Charles entered my room to place the IV, he had a friendly smile, comforting voice, and kind personality that put me at ease (I was very nervous as this was my first surgery). By the time he was finished, the anesthesiologist was talking with me, so he took a seat at the end of my bed and waited for her to finish. When she was finished, Charles gave me a big smile, patted my legs, and let me know that everything was going to go well with my surgery and I was going to be just fine, which prompted me to break down in tears.
Unbeknownst to him, my family had had an emotional and traumatic weekend. Our teenage daughter had let us know on Friday afternoon that she was struggling with depression and had attempted to hurt herself. It was a shock, and we had no idea. We spent 36 hours in our local hospital in their ER waiting for her to be transferred to an inpatient facility for treatment. She was transferred on Sunday, and leaving her there was one of the hardest things we have ever done. My husband and I decided that proceeding with my scheduled surgery for the next day was what was best, and I consulted with my physician that evening to let her know what was going on.
When my tears started, Charles immediately came to the bedside and hugged and consoled me while my nurse went to get my husband. I told Charles that my nervousness and his kindness were what caused me to be emotional. Explaining what we had been through over the weekend was just too raw to share in the moment. The worry about our daughter, the exhaustion, and the unknown with what was to come with her treatment and my surgery all bubbled to the surface, and his compassion and kindness touched me in a way that left such an impression on me. He visited my room later to check on me and gave me another pep talk.
I truly believe people are put into our lives when we need them, and even though I didn’t know it coming into the hospital that morning, I needed Charles. He calmed and comforted me and let me know that God was in control and I was in good hands.
We listened to him visiting other rooms that morning, and the way he has with the patients is something that isn’t taught. It is a gift the way he communicates and cares for everyone he encounters. I am so thankful that our paths crossed, even just for a short time. I will never forget the care and compassion he showed me that day.”
Jackson was honored in a ceremony before his coworkers and presented with fresh flowers, a pin, and a certificate recognizing his exceptional devotion to team and patient care.
To nominate a TidalHealth certified nursing assistant (CNA), clinical support technician (CST), patient care technician (PCT), or patient care assistant for this award, visit tidalhealth.org/recognition.
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