Posted In Awards and Recognition on June 03, 2025
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is pleased to announce that Shaneatha “Neat” Austin, PCT, of the Behavioral Health Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), has been selected as its Sunshine Award recipient for May 2025.
Austin was recognized for her compassion, dedication, positivity and professionalism. Her nomination is provided below:
“Shaneatha ‘Neat’ Austin's compassion, dedication, and unwavering support have touched the lives of countless individuals, and it’s impossible to fully capture the depth of her impact.
Neat doesn’t just show up to work — she shows up for people, in the most profound ways. When individuals are struggling to put food on the table or feel lost and isolated, Neat is there to connect them with the resources they desperately need. Her kindness doesn’t stop at the job description; she takes the time to make sure no one goes without, even when it’s not her responsibility. Multiple times, she has made sure individuals in our PHP have not gone without food over the weekend, connecting them to food banks or local charities.
One patient shared that he would never have completed his treatment in the PHP without Neat. Her support was the reason he stayed when everything felt overwhelming. Her compassion gave him the strength to keep fighting for his mental health, and his journey to healing was made possible because of Neat's tireless dedication.
Neat is the heartbeat of our hospital. She is the person who quietly picks up shifts without complaint, ensuring that every patient gets the care they deserve, no matter the time of day or night. She steps in whenever and wherever she’s needed, always putting others before herself. On the inpatient unit, when a patient couldn’t wash their hair, Neat didn’t hesitate. She was there, washing their hair, offering comfort, dignity, and a reminder that they were not alone.
It’s rare to find someone who has this kind of impact — someone who doesn’t just do the job, but makes everyone around them better, stronger, and more hopeful. Neat’s presence is a gift, and there is no one more deserving of the Sunshine Award than her. Her kindness shines through in everything she does, and it has changed lives, including mine.
Neat is the embodiment of what it means to make a real difference in the world, and I am endlessly grateful for her.”
Austin was honored in a ceremony before her coworkers and presented with fresh flowers, a pin and a certificate recognizing her exceptional devotion to team and patient care.
To nominate a TidalHealth certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician or patient care assistant for this award, visit our Sunshine Award Nomination Form.
