Mireille Rogers, LPN, of Dighton, Massachusetts, says that she was inspired to go into the healthcare field after witnessing firsthand the impact nurses had on her family when her grandfather was at the end of his life. Little did she know that by choosing this path she would ultimately change another family’s life forever.
When Jocelyn Van Wart was brought home from the hospital in 2016, her parents were overwhelmed by the task of caring for their medically fragile infant with an uncertain future. The child’s genetic anomalies left her completely dependent on others to perform activities of daily living and put her at risk for sudden complications, such as seizures. Her parents were relieved to learn they were matched with Rogers, a nurse who could assist in caring for their newborn daughter.
After their initial visit, both Rogers and the Van Warts formed an instant connection and two years later, they had achieved a happy routine with Jocelyn’s care. Everything came crashing down when their daughter suddenly went into cardiac-pulmonary arrest. In the face of overwhelming fear, Rogers sprang into motion, providing CPR and calling 911, effectively saving the young girl’s life.
Because of her steadfast commitment to high-acuity patients for the past five years, Rogers was named National Caregiver of the Year in 2019 by Maxim Healthcare Services. She was recognized during an awards ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland, on Sept. 18, 2019. A panel of judges selected Rogers and three other regional winners from hundreds of nominations across the country.
Upon receiving her award for National Caregiver of the Year, Rogers thought of her patient back home and said, “I’m so thankful for my patients loving me as much as I love them.”
Learn more about home healthcare options for medically complex children.
*Patient information and likeness featured with the consent of the patient/family*
