With her bright smile and cheerful outlook, Madalyn “Maddie” McCray lights up the room from the moment she arrives. Her compassionate approach, empathy and caring nature are key to her success as a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida.
McCray was born in Gainesville, Florida, and raised in nearby Chiefland. She is close with her family and is the middle child of two brothers, Nick McCray and Pete Davis. On her days off, she provides home health care for her mother, Lucy McCray, who lives in Chiefland.
After graduating from Chiefland High School, McCray attended Job Corps, where she began shaping her future in skilled nursing care. Twelve years ago, she moved back to Gainesville to begin working in senior living communities.
Before joining Oak Hammock, McCray spent six years working as a CNA at another skilled nursing facility. She has now been part of the Oak Hammock team for six years, bringing valuable experience, compassion and a genuine love for helping others. She learned about the opportunity through the Indeed jobsite and was excited to begin working at Oak Hammock alongside a close friend from her previous workplace.
In her role as a CNA in skilled nursing, McCray provides hands-on care and assists residents with daily activities. She says the most rewarding part of her job is helping those in need and seeing a smile on a resident’s face. Her passion for nursing began in high school, when she took a healthcare class focused on older adults and realized this was the path she wanted to pursue.
McCray especially values the camaraderie within her skilled nursing team and looks forward to coming to work each day. She takes pride in learning each resident’s preferences, from how they like their hair styled to how they prefer their room arranged and says the residents feel like family. Many ask if she will be working the next day, something she considers a true compliment.
She believes Oak Hammock stands out in senior living care because of its strong teamwork, thoughtful staffing placement and high level of compassionate care, which allows CNAs to better support residents and one another.
McCray is well respected by Oak Hammock administration and her peers. Michelle Parker, director of nursing said, “Madalyn approaches her residents with calm and patience, even on the hardest days. Her care is steady and consistent, making residents feel safe, respected and truly cared for.”
Recently, McCray reflected on her role as a CNA:
How do you make a difference for the residents?
I believe I make a difference by delivering high-quality patient care and building meaningful relationships with residents. By learning about their routines and understanding how they like things done, as a caregiver I help them feel comfortable, respected and supported.
One moment that especially touched me was when a resident said, ‘You have the biggest smile, and I’ve loved having you help me since I met you.’ I was also deeply encouraged after overhearing a coworker say, ‘Maddie does such a good job, and her resident rooms are always so neat.’ I take pride in my work and appreciate it when others recognize what I do.
How do you apply the WeCare values to your work?
The WeCare values are welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic, and guide everything we do. We are recognized through WeCare nominations from residents and fellow team members and it’s an honor to receive that acknowledgment.
I especially strive to be welcoming, attentive and empathetic in every situation with residents and other team members. I’m grateful to have received multiple WeCare nominations, which mean a great deal to me and motivate me to continue giving my best each day.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Although I may seem shy at first, I actually talk a lot once you get to know me! I’m also excited to share that I’m engaged to my best friend, Anthony Washington, whom I met in high school. We’re getting married next month and will celebrate with a five-day honeymoon cruise to Mexico.
Anthony is a truck driver, and when he is not traveling for work, we enjoy bowling, traveling for fun and spending time with friends and family. We have taken several cruises to destinations such as Jamaica and the Virgin Islands and share our home with an eight-year-old Yorkie, named Mia.
Looking ahead, my goal is to become a registered nurse, or RN. I enjoy being a healthcare professional and am excited to take the next step in my nursing journey. I plan to apply for scholarships through the Oak Hammock OHICAN! scholarship program.
“Maddie is very good at what she does.” – Richard Sawallis, resident
“I love Maddie! Her laughter and sense of humor reach beyond her, filling the room with joy!” – Wayne Jameson, resident