Lesa Johnson and Sarah Gillette, NP of Little Falls Hospital Receive Bassett Healthcare Network's Caregiver and Practitioner of the Year Awards

Practitioner of the Year: Sarah Gillette, NP

Sarah Gillette, NP, Nurse Practitioner at Bassett’s Little Falls Hospital, received her Practitioner of the Year award in July. “I was extremely grateful and surprised,” says Gillette. “I stepped into what I thought was going to be a Little Falls hospitalists meeting and instead found myself receiving an award.”

Gillette’s nomination praises her skills as both a healthcare provider and as a team leader. “Sarah is very team-oriented, always including the nursing staff in her decision making,” says her nomination. “She is so approachable that I never hesitate to come to her with any concerns. I know that she is more than capable of handling any situation that comes our way.”

“Sarah is never afraid to apply her skills to make changes in care that will benefit a patient. She is an excellent provider—the kind I would want one of my parents to have.”

“Overall, I feel incredible gratitude,” says Gillette. “It warms your heart to learn that your efforts are noticed and to know that your teammates consider you worthy. Mutual respect goes a long way in healthcare.”

Caregiver of the Year: Lesa Johnson

Lesa Johnson received the Caregiver of the Year award in late September. “I feel very humbled receiving this award,” says Johnson. “I work with so many wonderful people who do their best and work hard. I think they probably deserve this more than me.”

Johnson’s shining attributes include her attentive care and drive to improve things for her patients. “Lesa is constantly seeking better practices for our patients,” says her nomination. “She helps us find new ways to keep patients safe. She identifies at-risk patients, and even created specific assistive slings for patients with exceptional needs. She also takes extra time to listen to patients and staff with therapeutic communication.”

Reflecting on her career in healthcare and her 19 years at Little Falls Hospital in particular, Johnson encourages those just entering the profession to be themselves. “I started taking care of people at age 12 when some people needed help in my church. Later, I began helping my mom with her diabetes. Many of us in healthcare have personal stories like this. We should embrace those stories.

“Also, I have to say I think that Little Falls Hospital is a great place to start off. Small hospitals become a family. They give you chances to learn more and do more. Everyone is willing to pitch in and teach you. I’m so thankful to be here.”

The Caregiver of the Year and Practitioner of the Year awards are part Bassett’s Values in Practice (ViP) award program. This program recognizes Bassett employees who embody Bassett's core values of courage, unity, and excellence. The program also presents quarterly awards throughout the year.

About Bassett Healthcare Network

Bassett Healthcare Network is an integrated health system that provides care and services to people living in a 5,600 square mile region in central New York. The organization includes five corporately affiliated hospitals, over two dozen community-based health centers, more than 20 school-based health centers, two skilled nursing facilities, and other health partners in related fields. To learn more about services available throughout the Bassett Healthcare Network, visit www.bassett.org. Follow Bassett on Facebook, X (formery Twitter), and LinkedIn. Bassett Healthcare Network is an equal opportunity provider and employer.