HAMILTON, Alabama—North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton recently honored Jeanice Nance, licensed physical therapist assistant, as Star of the Year.

Nance was recognized for showing concern for a nursing home resident who has little family involvement. She noticed that he does not own much clothing and communicated his needs to her church. “Her church donated many items to this resident, which has in return improved his quality of life,” a coworker wrote in her nomination. “Since receiving the items, staff has noticed an improvement in his mood, and his engagement with therapy has improved. I am thankful for the positive impact she made on this resident’s life and the positive impact she makes on our facility.”

Coworkers also noted that they hear Nance in the hallways encouraging her patients, cheering them on and helping them achieve their goals.

“Jeanice leads by example—always kind, caring, compassionate and loving,” a coworker wrote. “Jeanice has been seen assisting visitors and patients whenever they are in need, whether it be extra change needed for a vending machine, clothes for a resident, directions or just an encouraging word and smile.”

Nance joined the Hamilton hospital team in 2011. A graduate of Hamilton High School, she earned an associate degree from Northwest Alabama Community College in Hamilton and Phil Campbell. She also attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Star of the Year is chosen from the facility’s four Stars of the Quarter, which also include Dadra Lucas, April Franks and Angela Bishop.