Congratulations to Cincinnati Patient Care Technician Parshawna Johnson for being named Dialysis Clinic, Inc.’s 2025 Employee of the Year.
“I put my whole heart into caring for my patients at DCI, this is my full circle moment,” Parshawna said. “I really thought I was just invited (to attend DCI’s annual meeting) because of my connection; I never expected Employee of the Year. After hearing about all of these amazing people working at DCI, to think I was the one being honored, I could not hold back my tears and beam with pride and joy!”
A former dialysis patient and transplant recipient, Parshawna fosters deep relationships with patients and staff members while sharing her kidney health journey. Her experience opens conversations so patients gain insight and encouragement through education, understanding and hope.
“I work everyday with a simple goal and that is to make my patients feel as comfortable as possible,” Parshawna said. “It’s more than a job to me; I am extremely grateful I can show up spread joy and be a beacon of light and motivation to people in the very same situation I was once in myself. Being a transplant patient of 11 years makes my daily experience very gratifying.”
“Patients feel comfortable opening up to her, which strengthens trust, improves communication and helps them feel supported through their treatment,” said DCI Cincinnati Nurse Manager Nicki Camp. “Her story and compassion inspire both patients and staff, making her a true asset to our clinic.”
“Sharing my kidney health journey helps my patients feel at ease; it also helps me remain grounded,” Parshawna said. “They often remind me that my presence alone brings a sense of comfort and ease to their day of treatment. My patients often tell me that because I know the experience and feelings of actually having the needles in my arm and the exact feeling of treatment my presence is simply comforting.”
Parshawna is an integral part of Cincinnati running smoothly because of her strong work ethic and willingness to be hands-on. As a preceptor, Parshawna onboards new employees with training, support and encouragement to help them gain confidence and succeed, while also setting a high standard of clinical care.
She brings a steady presence to the clinic’s treatment floor helping to diffuse tense moments and ensuring a calm and professional environment. Her positivity also boosts staff morale.
“I knew coming into this career how important it would be to focus on my own mental and personal health,” Parshawna said. “I take mental breaks as necessary and keep myself in a spiritually positive space at all times. I have my moments of frustration and I don’t allow those feelings to stay long. I always find peace in mediation in many different situations. I tell my co-workers ‘I am Positive Parshawna’ and I will see things no other way.”
Parshawna’s selfless dedication to patients and her team inspires others. When the clinic experienced dangerous weather, she showed up at the clinic on her day off to ensure patients received their life-saving treatments.
Her “willingness to put others first no matter the circumstances is what makes her not just a remarkable employee, but an inspiration to us all,” Nicki said.
Parshawna is a grandmother to “three energetic grandsons” and enjoys entertaining them on the weekends, as well as spending time with family and friends shopping or sharing a meal. She also prioritizes relaxing her mind and body.
Congratulations, Parshawna, on being named DCI Employee of the Year and thank you for all that you do to embody DCI’s patient-first mission so well!