Emergency Department Unit Secretary NaTonia Honored as Employee of the Month

Emergency Department Unit Secretary NaTonia has received North Oaks Health System's Employee of the Month Award for April 2023.

NaTonia followed in the footsteps of her mother Jessie, who worked for the health system for 35 years, to establish her own North Oaks career in 1998. She joined the team as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) on the General Surgery Unit. Since then, NaTonia has gained experience as a Patient Services Float Secretary and as a CNA on the Intermediate Care and Medicine Units. In 2018, she accepted her current position of Emergency Department Unit Secretary.

“Providing high-quality, compassionate care to our patients while prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being is my goal,” NaTonia explains. “It takes flexibility and collaboration, and I love every minute of it! You are the reason I'm here!"

She graduated from the Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide programs of Northshore Technical Community College in Hammond. “I entered this field because I am passionate about healthcare and taking care of others,” NaTonia explains.

NaTonia lives in Hammond and has three children – Andrea, Darrion and Dawon – and two grandchildren – 8-year-old AJ and 10-year-old Otis III.

She proudly supports the North Oaks Foundation and enjoys playing tennis and shopping in her spare time.

“NaTonia can brighten anyone’s day with her quick wit and personable charm," asserts Emergency Services Director Eric Neal. "Patients appreciate her calming, reassuring presence, and we are grateful for the exceptional patient care and teamwork she provides in our demanding environment and beyond.”