Nurses & Nurses Assistants Appreciation Week

East Region First Place 2010 Nursing Assistants Of The Year

2011-03-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

Sally Cote, LNA
Fairview Nursing Home
Hudson, NH

Residents at Fairview breathe a sigh of relief when Sally is there. They know they can rely on her to voice their concerns, be considerate, and give them the best care possible. Sally’s strong work ethic is evident to both her peers and administration. She teaches new staff members how to manage their time and care for difficult residents. She also serves as a voice for her colleagues as part of the facility’s safety committee. Sally’s maturity as well as her outstanding interpersonal and clinical skills set a higher standard at Fairview that is valued by all who work and live there.

Midwest Region First Place 2010 Nursing Assistants Of The Year

2011-03-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

Rhonda Staggs, SRNA
Robertson County Health Care Facility
Mt. Olivet, KY

Those who live at the Robertson County Health Care Facility feel cherished because Rhonda is employed there. She has been able to forge strong bonds with residents, their families, and fellow staff, and is the envy of most she works with. Rhonda has joined forces with the activities department to share the life stories of residents, which has given them the opportunity to express their preferences, dreams, and hopes. This has led to higher resident satisfaction and well being. Thanks to Rhonda’s efforts and compassion, the individuals who reside there know that their lives have importance.

South Region First Place 2010 Nursing Assistants Of The Year

2011-03-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

Earnestine Webster, CNA
Oakbrook of LaBelle
LaBelle, FL

Earnestine truly makes a difference in the lives of the residents at Oakbrook. She takes the time to get to know residents in order to better anticipate their needs. As a result, Earnestine is very knowledgeable about residents and cares for them like each is her relative. Earnestine also creates decorations for the facility on special occasions. When Oakbrook was planning to walk in the Relay for Life, Earnestine made purple decorations for the entire building. Staff members and residents alike appreciate these special touches that create a sense of home.

West Region First Place 2010 Nursing Assistants Of The Year

2011-03-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Paetze Bascoe, RNA/CNA
Country Villa La Mesa
La Mesa, CA

Paetze’s willingness to help others contributes to a friendly environment for residents and staff at Country Villa. Known as a loyal and dedicated employee, she listens attentively to residents, relays information to the charge nurse, and follows up to make sure each request is handled. She continually delivers the best care for residents to make their “golden years” enjoyable and memorable. Paetze also exceeds expectations when it comes to her interaction with peers. For instance, she gives a partially blind coworker a ride to and from work each day. She also visited another who was recovering from knee surgery, cooked her meals, and encouraged her to get better soon.

East Region Second Place 2010 Nursing Assistants Of The Year

2011-03-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

Guerdy Surphin, PCA
Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center
Brooklyn, NY

Guerdy embodies the characteristics employers expect and patients deserve in a nursing assistant. She makes suggestions to help the health center better care for its underserved communities, while being professional, respectful, and working well with others. Guerdy is reliable, adheres to the shift schedule, and identifies potential problems as well as solutions to solve them. She creatively executes tasks and is willing to provide extra coverage when needed. Her efforts are appreciated so much that she was recognized by a panel of her peers at the health center’s recent nurses appreciation breakfast.

Midwest Region Second Place 2010 Nursing Assistants Of The Year

2011-03-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

Paula Blunt, CNA
Delmar Gardens North
Florissant, MO

An extraordinary CNA with perfect attendance for the past 10 years, Paula sees her residents and their families as an extension of her own family. She attends to the needs of residents physically, mentally, and spiritually. Paula has helped new CNAs develop their skills, and many of them have gone on to become CMTs or LPNs. But Paula has remained as a CNA doing what she does best. She color coordinates her scrubs depending on the sports team playing that season, makes sure her residents are aware of any games on TV, and even brings them popcorn and soda to enjoy while they watch.

South Region Second Place 2010 Nursing Assistants Of The Year

2011-03-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Amber Hamm, CNA
Good Samaritan Lake Forest Home Care
Denton, TX

Amber is a great example of what a CNA should be. Her kind heart and sense of humor never fail to bring a smile to the face of patients, even if they’re not feeling their best. Unafraid of challenges, Amber always is eager to learn new information, train new CNAs in home health, assist fellow employees, and form bonds with the families of patients. She responds to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in her care, even spending time making crafts and rosaries for them.

West Region Second Place 2010 Nursing Assistants Of The Year

2011-03-21T05:23:00.000-07:00

Sigda Stidman, CNA
Rainbow Healthcare Community
Bristow, OK

After 17 years as a CNA, Sigda took six years off when her only child became ill with cancer. During that time, her certification expired. Following the death of her son, Sigda retook CNA classes and regained her certification in 2007. Sigda is willing to do whatever is necessary to assist at Rainbow Healthcare, whether it’s coming in early, working late, or using her own money to make residents feel special. Sigda trains new employees and reminds others of what their job duties are. She is passionate about doing her job well and expects others to also be committed to excellence.

East Region First Place 2010 Nurses Of The Year

2011-03-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Karen Sarandis, RN
Vestal Nursing Center
Vestal, NY

For more than 15 years, Karen has shared her expertise and talents at Vestal Nursing. As in-service coordinator, she creatively shows staff how to better reach resident needs. At the time of her nomination, Karen also served as day supervisor, assistant DON, and a wound care nurse. She has developed a wound care program that has been copied by other facilities, and she is always researching new products to promote quick healing of wounds or to prevent them. Karen ensures that all documentation is thorough and timely, and even can be found painting murals in the dining rooms of the facility to make each meal extra special for residents.

Midwest Region First Place 2010 Nurses Of The Year

2011-03-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Mary Rose Peek, RN
Carlyle Healthcare Center
Carlyle, IL

Mary’s love of her profession and her compassion for others shines through in everything she does at Carlyle. If another nurse or a nursing assistant calls in or needs help, Mary fills in, no matter the time of day. When new staff members are hired, they attend the “School of Mary Peek.” She provides encouragement to employees, and she completes each task with humor and a beautiful smile. She even finds time to organize fun activities for her coworkers during special events. Mary has received several other awards for exceeding expectations, doing her best to foster a positive work environment, and creating a pleasant home for residents.

South Region First Place 2010 Nurses Of The Year

2011-03-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Jessica Decker, RN
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
Greenville, NC

In only six years, Jessica has become an expert in her field and has earned a position as charge nurse in Pitt County’s Cardiovascular Outpatient Unit. Her patients feel confident when she cares for them; she intently listens to concerns and serves as an excellent advocate for them by quickly relaying information to physicians. Her many accomplishments include revising orientation materials, crossing over into other departments to develop training sessions, and learning to crochet hats for cancer patients. Additionally, Jessica has increased retention rates in part by ensuring that her staff has the resources necessary to provide optimum care.

West Region First Place 2010 Nurses Of The Year

2011-03-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Roberta Sanchez, Correctional RN II
San Bernardino County Probation
Department CVJDAC Medical Services
San Bernardino, CA

Consistently going above and beyond the call of duty, Roberta strives to ensure that each minor at the juvenile detention center is healthy and safe. In fact, her clinical judgment and skilled assessments have reduced injuries and illnesses in minors with high risk medical conditions. Roberta assists in the management of flu vaccination clinics, and guarantees that every new intake is screened and vaccinated. Known for her leadership and teamwork, in October 2008, she successfully completed examination requirements for the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and has excelled in all aspects of her job as a correctional nurse.

East Region Second Place 2010 Nurses Of The Year

2011-03-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Theresa Butler, RN
HCR ManorCare Bethlehem
Bethlehem, PA

Theresa is always the first to offer assistance to residents, peers, and staff members under her supervision. As “Director of Care Delivery,” she is responsible for assuring that each resident receives the best services available. Theresa’s contributions to the facility include serving as pharmacy liaison, teaching quality of life basics to new employees, ensuring that the newest clinical approaches to wound care are used, and developing an innovative way to assist staff in transitioning from paper to electronic medical records. Acting as a wonderful role model, Theresa positively impacts every life she touches.

Midwest Region Second Place 2010 Nurses Of The Year

2011-03-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Tammy Turner, RN, DON
Autumn Healthcare of Coshocton
Coshocton, OH

Tammy enriches the lives of residents and her staff every day. She regularly comes up with fun ideas to make holidays more meaningful for workers and residents, including a Christmas door-decoration contest which lifted the spirits of many at the facility. Tammy also visits residents and gives them hugs on a daily basis. She keeps a close relationship with her employees and is so well liked by staff that the turnover rate at Autumn Healthcare is lower than average. Tammy is known as being fair in all of her decisions, and always listens to both sides of the story before acting.

South Region Second Place 2010 Nurses Of The Year

2011-03-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Edna Prosser, RN
Ozark Health Medical Center
Clinton, AR

Edna uses her extensive knowledge in nursing and other areas to benefit those she works with. When the facility was converting to electronic records, Edna took charge of rewriting the paper records to make them fit the computer. Recently, several of Edna’s coworkers decided to go back to school. To help, Edna tutored them in algebra and trigonometry. No matter what Edna does, she can be counted on to be trustworthy and to keep her department running smoothly. A competent employee, Edna takes charge no matter which area she’s assigned–be it the OR, ER, or medical-surgical floor.

West Region Second Place 2010 Nurses Of The Year

2011-03-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

Patricia Torres, LPN
Manzano del Sol Good Samaritan Village
Albuquerque, NM

Patricia’s self-motivation makes her stand out, and her confidence and
conscientiousness has earned her the trust of residents at Manzano del Sol. If a job needs completing, Patricia doesn’t hesitate to step forward. An especially nurturing supervisor, she always is supportive and patient in assisting others in the maintenance or improvement of care. Her standard of excellence never waivers, and she tackles regulation and compliance-related tasks with a “no nonsense” attitude. All of this adds up to residents who feel loved and secure when Patricia is around.

Nursing Contest 2010 Winner Grand Prize

2011-02-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

Maury Regional Medical Center, Columbia, TN

Maury Regional Medical Center’s goal was to have its best ever National Nurses Week. A kick-off celebration started the festivities. On day two, all employees were invited to join the nurses for a popcorn party. A reception was held on Saturday recognizing nursing staff members who work weekends. An ice cream social sweetened the week. One day focused on the work-life balance: special guests offered sessions on hope, exercise as medicine, massage therapy, zumba dancing, and yoga. The facility displayed nursing memorabilia and held a “Who Are Those Nurses?” contest. A birthday party for Florence Nightingale featured food, fun, and fellowship as well as an awards presentation and someone dressed as Florence. Gifts from Positive Promotions included lapel pin badge holders, lunch bags, key tags, and a raffle pack.

Nursing Contest 2010 Winner Second Prize

2011-02-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

Chatham Hospital, Siler City, NC

Chatham organized a wide range of activities for National Nurses Week. The hospital’s CNO handed out Positive Promotions key ring wallets and balloons to the nurses. The leadership team coordinated an elaborate luau feast as well as a pancake breakfast. A candy guessing game, two hospital-themed word searches, and a nursing cryptogram got everyone thinking. BINGO numbers were mailed out each day until there were five winners. Nurses were asked to write their vision for nursing at Chatham Hospital; those who participated were entered into a drawing for an afghan. The week ended with the leadership team walking around to each area of the facility, delivering thank-you cards and baskets of cookies.

Nursing Contest 2010 Winner Third Prize

2011-02-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Hillsboro Community Hospital, Hillsboro, KS

In 2010, Hillsboro decided to expand its appreciation events and celebrate National Hospital Week so all staff members could be recognized. Each day, four or five departments as well as a nursing shift were focused on. Everyone was asked to wear a certain color in honor of those employees. Festive foods, such as ice cream sundaes, were served daily. On Thursday, people were given rides in the hospital’s Lifeteam helicopter. Saturday, the Director of Nurses brought in special treats for the nursing staff, held drawings for Positive Promotions gifts, and acknowledged three CNAs who earned their RN degrees.

Plan For The Planet

2011-02-17T06:51:00.001-08:00

Use this year’s National Nursing Assistants Week as the kick off for a campaign to help your facility be more Earth-friendly. Encourage staff to walk rather than drive to where they need to go on lunch breaks, to support local business, and to carpool. To bolster participation, hang outside your office a signup sheet for employees who want to carpool. Also hand out environmentally sound gifts such as our eco-friendly “Nursing: A Commitment From The Heart” Stainless Steel Motivational Message Tumbler and reusable “Nursing Assistants: Helping, Sharing, Always Caring” Verve Vertical Lunch Bags.

On The Count Of “Three”

2011-02-17T06:49:00.002-08:00

Test the anatomy knowledge of your nursing staff with a fun activity. See how many three-letter parts of the body they can write down in five minutes. Examples are “eye,” “ear,” and “toe.” Give participants who can come up with the most body parts a three-lettered gift, such as a bag or a pen. Some ideas are our “Nurses: Hands That Heal, Hearts That Care” Multi-Pocket Zippered Tote Bag and “Thumbs Up To Our Nurses!” Goofy Pen With Gift Box.

Thinking Caps Required

2011-02-17T06:49:00.001-08:00

Test your nurses’ knowledge by creating a “History of Nursing” quiz for them to take during National Nurses Week. One question could be, “What does ‘Nutrix,’ the Latin root of the word ‘nurse,’ mean?” (The answer is “nursing mother.”) Pass out the quizzes, and let everyone know that their answers are due at the end of the week. When you collect them, give participants the answer key and “Nurses: Hands That Heal, Hearts That Care” Leatherette Key Tags.

Lesson In Appreciation

2011-02-17T06:48:00.002-08:00

Schedule a mandatory in-service training during both appreciation weeks, and surprise nurses and nursing assistants with a quick party when they show up. Have healthy snack foods and beverages available, as well as a selection of gift items they can choose from, such as “One Person Can Make A Difference” Full-Color Clipboards and “One Person Can Make A Difference” Card And Pen Gift Sets.

Rain Or Shine

2011-02-17T06:48:00.001-08:00

Show your nurses that you’re glad you can count on them in all types of weather, good or bad. This year, provide tools to help them navigate when the sun isn’t shining. Present each nurse with a “Nurses: Hands That Heal, Hearts That Care” Deluxe Metal Flashlight, and a “Nurses: Hands That Heal, Hearts That Care” Automatic Umbrella With Sleeve. On every item, attach a small note featuring a cute phrase such as “No day is gloomy when you’re around!”

Working Together

2011-02-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

Put a new spin on the idea of teamwork this National Nursing Assistants Week. Come up with lists of 5 to 10 work-related questions—one list for each shift that week. Have nursing assistants pair up and answer the questions. Then, at the end of their shifts, have them turn in their quizzes, making sure both names are on the top of each sheet. “Grade” the quizzes. At the end of the week, present prizes, such as “Nursing Assistants: Helping, Caring, Always Sharing” Drawstring Backpacks or “Certified Nursing Assistants: Caring Is Our Passion” Deluxe Sling Backpacks, to the pairs who received the highest scores.

Community Connection

2011-02-17T06:46:00.002-08:00

Your nursing staff members keep people in their area healthy, but so do local farmers and food producers. With that in mind, present your staff with gifts of appreciation that are grown or made nearby. Purchase several small items and put one of each in a “Nurses: Hands That Heal, Hearts That Care” Deluxe Lunch Bag or a “Nursing Assistants: Helping, Sharing, Always Caring” Verve Vertical Lunch Bag for every nurse or nursing assistant. Pass them out during National Nurses Week and National Nursing Assistants Week, and include brochures or business cards explaining where you got the products.

Rainbow Of Recognition

2011-02-17T06:46:00.001-08:00

Help your nurses show their true colors, and their years of experience, throughout National Nurses Week. Ask them to wear a certain color based on how long they’ve been in the field of nursing. On Monday, have those who’ve worked from a few months to five years wear green. On Tuesday, nurses with six to 10 years experience can wear blue. Use yellow for 11 to 15 years on Wednesday, red for 16 through 20 on Thursday, and purple for more than 20 on Friday. Be sure to give the nurses plenty of advance notice so they can plan their outfits. Each day, hand the appropriate nurses “Years Of Service” Lapel Pins along with Wooden Photo Frames Of Appreciation.

“Sew” Special

2011-02-17T06:45:00.004-08:00

Present nursing staff with a unique gift to thank them for being the fabric that holds your facility together. Have a local seamstress create a nursing-themed quilt, and display it in the lobby during the months of May and June. Attach “Nursing Is A Team Effort” and “Nursing: A Commitment From The Heart” Lapel Pins to the edges of the fabric piece. Distribute the pins to nurses and nursing assistants during an unveiling ceremony for the quilt. Then put each nursing staff member’s name in a hat, and randomly pick one during National Nursing Assistants Week. Give the winner the quilt at the end of June.

A Day In The Life

2011-02-17T06:45:00.003-08:00

Let your community know about the hard work your nursing staff does day in and day out. Contact a local newspaper and invite a reporter to come to your workplace to interview nurses during National Nurses Week and nursing assistants for National Nursing Assistants Week. At least a week before the reporter plans to visit, provide nurses with “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” T-Shirts and nursing assistants with “Nursing Assistants: Helping People, Touching Lives” T-Shirts. Request that they wear the shirts on the day of the newspaper interviews.

Warm Their Hearts

2011-02-17T06:45:00.001-08:00

Express to your nurses how “soup”-er you think they are with a soup and sandwich luncheon. Ask all nurses to attend. Put healthy options on the menu, such as low-fat turkey slices on whole-wheat bread and low-sodium split pea soup. The day of the event, place a “Nurses: Hands That Heal, Hearts That Care” Soup Mug With Spoon at each table setting in the dining area along with a “Nurses: Hands That Heal, Hearts That Care” Contour Grip Water Bottle for drinks. Before lunch commences, be sure to thank your nurses for all they do.

Love For Your CNAs

2011-02-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

Involve all patients or residents and non-nursing staff in celebrating your certified nursing assistants. In a common area of your facility, place paper heart cutouts and a decorated box with a slit in the top. Also post a list of your certified nursing assistants. Ask people to write the name of their favorite certified nursing assistant on a heart and place their “vote” in the box. At the end of your recognition week, count up the hearts and present the person who has the most with a “Certified Nursing Assistants: Caring Is Our Passion” Lapel Pin Badge Holder and a “Certified Nursing Assistants: Caring Is Our Passion” Eco-To-Go Travel Cup.

“Lose” To Win

2011-02-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

Challenge your nurses and nursing assistants to shed unwanted pounds between National Nurses Week and National Nursing Assistants Week. To make it more interesting, have them see which group (nurses or nursing assistants) can lose the most. Start the competition the first day of National Nurses Week. As people sign up to participate, weigh them and record the results. Throughout the month, distribute items that can aid with weight loss, such as “Nursing: A Commitment From The Heart” Lunch Bag/Salad Plate Combos. Weigh everyone again on the last day of National Nursing Assistants Week. Figure out which “team” lost the most, and give every member an “I ™ Nursing” Tumbler & T-Shirt Gift Combo.

Prescriptions For Fun

2011-02-17T06:41:00.000-08:00

See if your facility’s nurses can recognize prescription medicine by sight. Choose 12 commonly used meds. Put each pill in its own medicine cup and arrange them on a table. Decorate the area with Heart-Shaped Foil Balloons. Ask the nurses to write down what each pill is, based on just looking at it, without consulting with each other. Announce the correct answers, then use “Nurses: Hands That Heal, Hearts That Care” Cell Phone Pouch/Wallets to thank everyone for

Midwest Region - Linda Schlais, RN, Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine School District, Pembine, WI

2010-02-12T10:19:00.001-08:00

First Place Winner - According to Robert Berndt, Superintendent, who nominated Linda, she is “without reservation, one of the finest school nurses I have ever had the pleasure of working with in my 34 years as an educator.” He reports that he has never met anyone more committed to her profession, staff and students. As a school nurse, Linda always has her students’ best interests in mind. In her nine years at the district, she has introduced a number of new and substantial programs, including one to encourage good character, as well as “Movin’ and Munchin” to promote healthy eating and physical activity, and the USDA Fresh Fruits and Vegetables program. She has expanded the district’s morning breakfast program, so no student starts the school day hungry. Linda also distributes information to parents and guardians about their children’s health concerns, and provides health education and counseling for school staff. For all she does to educate students and create a safe, healthy environment in which young people can learn, Mr. Berndt calls her a “Super Nurse.”

East Region - Patricia Sanchez, RN, BSN, South Jersey Healthcare, Vineland, NJ

2010-02-12T10:17:00.001-08:00

First Place Winner - Since Patricia became the manager of Medical Acute Care in 2006, she has worked tirelessly to implement new procedures that increase patient and staff wellbeing. Bruce Alan Boxer, Director of Quality, applauds Patricia’s leadership style, management abilities, continuous mentoring, and earnest caring. Patricia is able to work within situational restraints while innovating creative solutions to problems. She has created a new “Safety Aid” position focusing exclusively on patient safety, especially fall prevention (leading to a 66% decrease in the fall rate in the MAC unit). Among other programs Patricia has developed is one for peritoneal dialysis patients that shortens their hospital stays while keeping them healthier. Patricia also is active in the greater nursing community as a member of the New Jersey Hospital Association’s Pressure Ulcer Collaborative. Her focus is continually on improving patient care, and, as one coworker says, “She exemplifies the next generation of leaders in the nursing profession.”

South Region - Deborah Hough, LPN, James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL

2010-02-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

First Place Winner - According to Nurse Manager Myrna Alvear-Noguera, Deborah “is a role model for nursing excellence.” She constantly demonstrates cooperation, enthusiasm, and attention to detail while delivering quality care to Haley’s population of geriatric patients (including veterans with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease). Deborah is instrumental in teaching staff, residents, and families on a daily basis. Alvear-Noguera notes Deborah’s ability to quickly manage and respond to emergencies and difficult situations, and the friendly and relaxed atmosphere she helps create for veterans. Her peers praise Deborah’s “endless supply of energy” when caring for residents. It is no wonder that Alvear-Noguera considers Deborah a “key force in quality patient care.”

West Region - Christina Robinson, RN, St Joseph Hospital, Bellingham, WA

2010-02-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

First Place Winner - Christina is committed to excellence and personal growth, aspiring to a high standard for herself and inspiring others. This year she earned several certifications, including her ACLS, TNCC, and ENPC. Nominator Donna Norstadt, Float Manager, says that Christina always “goes the extra mile, and with a smile.” As a resource nurse, she has good intuition, excellent communication skills, and flexibility to adapt to any situation. Her calm manner during stressful situations gives the staff confidence. Truly a team player with a “can do” attitude, Christina fills any role needed, from mentoring new nurses to working as a staff nurse in several different units to transporting patients between departments.

Midwest Region - Susan Christian, LPN, Parkside Health Care Center, Columbiana, OH

2010-02-12T10:06:00.001-08:00

Second Place Winner - Susan began her nursing career as a nursing assistant at Parkside in 1995. She has remained a dedicated member of the center, gaining her nursing certification and progressing to her current position as Nurse Aide Supervisor in 2000. Laurice Haynes, Director of Nursing, praises Susan for always going above and beyond for the staff and residents. Susan has earned the affectionate nickname of “Mood Director” because of how well she brightens everyone’s mood with thoughtful goodies and uplifting words. She’s brought in recipes for a resident who likes to bake, and daily funny pictures for another who loves to laugh. Her number one priority is providing the highest quality care for residents, but she also goes the extra mile for staff, whether she’s certifying nurses and aides in CPR, hiring, scheduling, supervising, doing in-services, or more.

East Region - Sharon Wareing, DON, Genesis Pleasant View Center, Concord, NH

2010-02-12T10:05:00.001-08:00

Second Place Winner - Sharon is a positive leader who demonstrates the true meaning of teamwork and has helped Genesis win many awards for clinical excellence. As Nursing Director for the last nine years, she brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and compassion to the workplace. Sharon’s ability to instill confidence in the nurses she works with has led to Genesis being known for its longevity of personnel and high rate of staff progression. She has helped staff grow from dietary aides to LNA, from LNA to MNA and so on. According to Ann Parizo, NPE/Staff Development, in addition to Sharon’s willingness to put in long days and work in direct care when needed, she is an active member of the Army Reserves as a major and a mother of two daughters, who also are nurses.

South Region - Ken Reid, RN, Alabama Department of Public Health, Montgomery, AL

2010-02-12T10:03:00.001-08:00

Second Place Winner - Described by Nurse Coordinators Chris Caldwell and Becky Gibson as an excellent leader and a caring boss, Ken has worked to get approval for much-needed new staff and new supplies. He is an advocate of the wellness program, and through his resolve and encouragement that people get screenings, has been able to prevent heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes. He regularly sends positive e-mails to his staff, motivating them with uplifting quotes. Ken’s leadership style empowers staff to be ready and confident to face all challenges.

West Region - Cheryl Shanks, RN, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA

2010-02-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Second Place Winner - She may be new to the VA Healthcare System, but Cheryl has used her 35 years of nursing experience to make a huge impact in a short amount of time. Karen McKensey, RN, credits Cheryl with helping veterans get procedures, supplies, and appointments through their private insurance, freeing the VA to better do its job. Considered a true team player as well as the “consummate patient advocate,” Cheryl demonstrates professionalism, confidence, and compassion. She has a gift for working with complex and chronically ill patients, and Cheryl herself is happy to say that she has truly found a job that fits her, utilizes her knowledge base, and for which going to work each day is a joy.

East Region - Judy DiGioia, CRMA, CNA, Maine Veterans Homes Machias, Machias, ME

2010-02-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

First Place Winner - Judy displays an extraordinary level of resident care while constantly upholding and advocating for resident rights. Marcia Jackson, Administrator, writes, “Judy is the kind of CRMA/CNA I would want caring for my loved one or for me!” Judy takes time to determine what activities and interests will bring each resident joy, and makes each person’s needs and wants a top priority. No job is too small, nor too large for her, as she treats all residents with the utmost dignity and respect. She thinks of the whole person, and residents trust her like family or a dear friend.

West Region - Jackie Lucey, CNA, Posada Del Sol, Tucson, AZ

2010-02-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

First Place Winner - Jackie has been instrumental in helping Posada Del Sol through fundraising initiatives. She is in charge of the “County Store,” and has initiated a wave of fundraising and raffles to raise money for residents and supplies. Associate Nursing Home Manager Amy Steele considers Jackie “a phenomenal woman who has contributed her utmost best to Posada Del Sol.” Jackie comes to work each day with a smile and is always ready to lend a hand. She has even enlisted the help of her daughter, Kenia, as a volunteer, and the two together show unending compassion to the center’s residents and staff.

Midwest Region - Laverne Tockman, CNA, Delmar Gardens North, Florissant, MO

2010-02-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

First Place Winner - Laverne has been a CNA for almost 25 years, the majority of that time spent on the challenging 3-11 shift. During these vulnerable hours, she instills her quiet, loving spirit into everything she does, meeting residents’ special wants and needs. She has come in on her days off to accompany residents to the doctor or to family functions. Laverne always makes sure the residents are dressed in their best for these events, and never fails to respect each person’s personal dignity. Her nominator, Catherine Bono, reports that Laverne also mentors the new CNAs at the facility and has been honored by her peers as employee of the month and employee of the year.

South Region - Peggy Areeras, CNA, Good Samaritan Society Lake Forest Village, Denton, TX

2010-02-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

First Place Winner - Nursing Director Cindy Lawler describes Peggy as a “warm, loving, dedicated CNA.” Peggy makes it a point to get to know residents and their families, taking the time to hear their stories and determine what makes each person tick. She is the epitome of the nursing code of ethics, and is the first to help new nurses adjust to the rigors of the center. Peggy has worked as a CNA since coming to the U.S. 23 years ago from Thailand. She overcame obstacles and taught herself English, and has been a devoted and caring CNA at Good Samaritan since 1987.

East Region - Ketlie Camille, LNA, Restorative Aide, Fairview Nursing Home, Hudson, NH

2010-02-12T07:17:00.002-08:00

Second Place Winner - Denise Champagne, Director of Nursing, reports that Ketlie’s peers chose her as Fairview’s employee of the year, and she is seen as an inspiration to everyone she works with. They praise her “quiet, caring nature” that inspires leadership and teamwork by setting a powerful example. She is able to calm down residents by simply being calm herself, and always makes them feel like they are number one. A strong resident advocate, Ketlie is always working to improve the quality of care at Fairview. West Region Kim Vanhooser, CNA, Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs - Claremore Division, Claremore, OK Residents and their families are often surprised to learn that Kim has only been a nursing assistant for two years because she shows the dedication, compassion, and patience of someone with a lifetime of experience. According to Shiela Barret, Laboratory Director, Kim arrives early and stays late, taking the time to learn each resident’s likes and dislikes and assisting in any way possible. Patients and their families praise how she makes them feel at ease and appreciated. She believes that her residents are heroes who served the country bravely and deserve to spend their final days with dignity and respect. This belief is the foundation for everything she does. Observing Kim’s exceptional care, one resident’s wife felt moved to say, “She simply amazes me!”

Midwest Region - Virginia Freeman, CNA, Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet, IL

2010-02-12T07:17:00.001-08:00

Second Place Winner - Patients and family members send letters to Silver Cross, thanking Virginia for being so caring toward them and their loved ones. In her nine years at the hospital, she has worked hard to ensure the well-being of her patients, never failing to check and re-check on them, and bidding them goodnight before her shift ends. According to Zora Garrett, who is on the Environmental Services team, Virginia takes the time to sit with her patients and listen to their concerns, then set each one’s mind at ease with assurance that he or she is receiving the best care possible.

South Region - Princess Hayes, CNA, Brightmoor Nursing Center, Griffin, GA

2010-02-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

Second Place Winner -Princess is praised by her coworkers for her hard work, compassion, respect, and caring toward her residents and their families. She is always willing to pick up extra shifts, and Brightmoor’s Director of Nursing, Brooke Peterson, along with others on staff, is grateful she is on their team. Princess followed in the footsteps of her mother, another exceptional CNA, and clearly understands the importance of treating the elderly with deep respect and dignity. She has shown dedication to her job while also being a caring mother to her own children, including one in the armed forces.

Five Times The Fun

2010-01-26T13:28:00.003-08:00

Perhaps you want the sentiment conveyed through National Nurses Week to last longer. Don’t celebrate five days straight. Instead celebrate every Monday during May. This year, May has five Mondays. Plan fun activities that your nurses can look forward to over the weekend. Use the items from the Nurses Deluxe Gift-A-Day Combos as rewards for participation.

Majority Rules

2010-01-26T13:28:00.001-08:00

Allow your nursing staff members some choice in their appreciation gifts in 2010. Pick six items out of this catalog that would fit in your celebration budget, such as the “Nursing: A Tradition Of Caring” Deluxe Contrast Backpack and the “Nursing: A Tradition Of Caring” Mini Organizer With Pen. Cut out the picture and description of each, not including the price, and glue them onto a sheet of paper. Make color copies and place them in your staff break room/lounge. Ask everyone to vote for his or her favorite item. So there’s an element of surprise left, don’t announce the results. Order the item that received the most votes.

Name That Nurse

2010-01-26T13:27:00.002-08:00

Lighten up your recognition event with a game. Play “Name That Nurse!” Start by gathering information from each nurse in your facility. Try to find out things that aren’t commonly known. Make a list of names and a list of facts. Then challenge your nurses to correctly match them. Award a “Nurses: Our Passion Is Our Profession” Umbrella & Pouch to whoever gets the most right. Give a Scrub Design Cool Hand Sanitizer, imprinted with the name of your facility, to all of the game’s participants.

Head To Toe Appreciation

2010-01-26T13:27:00.001-08:00

Utilize the theme “Hats Off To Certified Nursing Assistants” as the basis for your celebrations. Design a banner out of bulletin board paper that states the theme, and attach plastic hats from a party store. Make construction paper cutouts of hats to write CNAs’ names on, then display in a main hallway. Ask non-nursing staff to wear hats on a designated day as a tribute. Further thank your devoted CNAs by giving them “Certified Nursing Assistants Make Every Day Brighter” Eco To Go Plastic Travel Cups and Fabric Key Ring Wallets.

Spread The Thanks

2010-01-26T13:26:00.004-08:00

Ask your nurses to each invite someone to this year’s appreciation luncheon. Tell them to pick the person in the facility who makes his or her job easier. At the event, have your nurses talk a little about these valued employees. Then show your gratitude to the specially chosen guests by giving them “One Person Can Make A Difference” Stainless Steel Water Bottles. Award “One Person Can Make A Difference” Full-Color Clipboards to your nurses.

Perfect Fit

2010-01-26T13:26:00.003-08:00

Create a friendly atmosphere with an activity that promotes team bonding. Obtain a puzzle that has approximately as many pieces as you have nursing staff members. Bring everyone together. Let each person pick a piece. Then ask them to walk around the room and find people who have pieces that attach to theirs. Encourage participants to learn new things about their co-workers. When the puzzle is complete, reward everyone with a Puzzle Key Tag.

Randomly Chosen

2010-01-26T13:26:00.001-08:00

Call upon local businesses to help you with your gift giving. Decide on an appropriate amount of money and ask the businesses to donate gift cards, all that same amount. Gather as many cards as you have nursing assistants. Specially mark one with a sticker. Place the cards in a “Nursing Assistants: Helping People, Touching Lives” Dynamic Tote Bag. Let people reach in the bag and grab a gift card. Allow trading later in case a vegetarian gets a gift card to a steak restaurant, for example. Award the tote bag to the nursing assistant who grabbed the card that has the sticker on it.

Visual Representation

2010-01-26T13:25:00.004-08:00

Build a touching bulletin board for your appreciation week. Begin by shooting photos of your nurses in action, on the job. Then take photos of patients who are recovering well. Arrange the photos on the board under the title “Nursing: Picture The Difference You Make.” Also put brief bios about your nurses on the board next to their photos. When you unveil your masterpiece, hand out Wooden Trio Frames or Tri-Fold Frames, Clocks & Caddies imprinted with “Picture The Difference You Make.”

Saluting Service

2010-01-26T13:25:00.003-08:00

Promote loyalty by celebrating employment anniversaries. Hold a ceremony for your nursing staff and invite people from other departments to attend. Award Years Of Service Lapel Pins With Jewel Boxes for 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. Also do something unique in honor of each person, such as plant a tree at your facility or make a donation to the local food bank. Announce these unusual “gifts” at the ceremony.

Honoring Each Other

2010-01-26T13:25:00.001-08:00

Your certified nursing assistants may know best who among them deserves special

recognition. Ask each to nominate other CNAs who show outstanding dedication, caring,

positive attitude, etc. If multiple people are nominated for one attribute, take a vote. On Friday, award “Certified Nursing Assistants Make Every Day Brighter” Deluxe Dome Lunch Bags and Trek Briefcase Bags to the chosen CNAs.

Trading Presents

2010-01-26T13:24:00.002-08:00

Add some good-natured fun to gift giving. First, place a “Nurses: Our Passion Is Our Profession” Towel, a Contoured Grip 18 Oz. Water Bottle & Healthy Snack Combo and other items in boxes of various sizes. Wrap the boxes. Have your nurses draw numbers. Let Number 1 select and unwrap a gift first. Give Number 2 the option of taking that gift or selecting a new one. (Anyone whose gift is taken gets to choose another box to open.) Number 3 can take a gift from 1 or 2, or pick a wrapped one, and so forth.

All Together Now

2010-01-26T13:24:00.001-08:00

Emphasize the importance of being team players by declaring May 11th “Team Tuesday.” Decorate your facility with a sports-themed motif. Invite everyone to wear team apparel, and arrange for a sports coach to give your nursing staff a pep talk on teamwork. Hand out “Nursing: Our Passion Is Our Profession” Flashlight Gift Sets. Present one to the guest speaker as well. Serve snacks that normally would be found at a Superbowl party. Before the festivities wind down, give out “Nursing Is A Team Effort” Lapel Pins.

Gifts In Hand

2010-01-26T13:23:00.001-08:00

Be ready with appreciation at the start of National Nursing Assistants’ Week. Stand by the time clock. (If you have more than one, recruit volunteers to help you.) As each nursing assistant clocks in, give out a “Nursing Assistants: Helping People, Touching Lives” Greeting Card. Also award a Metal LED Key Ring Light With Pillow Box. Include a hearty handshake!

In The Spotlight

2010-01-26T13:22:00.001-08:00

Lead your nurses on a sort of field trip. Bring them to areas of your facility where they don’t usually go, such as finance, food services, etc. Along the way, announce to everyone you encounter that it is National Nurses Week. Introduce your staff to employees they may not have met yet. Ahead of time, provide the other departments with gifts to give the nurses. “Nurses: Our Passion Is Our Profession” Candle Jars and Rubber Dot Pens

would work well.

Rockin’ Recognition

2010-01-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

Call attention to your nursing staff members and what a great job they are doing. Start by taking close-up pictures of each person and print them out. Next gather magazines about celebrities; find head-to-toe shots of rock stars. Cut out the heads from your staff’s photos and the bodies of the singers, then give each of your staffers a rock star body. Using these images, create a display with the words “Our Nursing Staff Rocks” at the top. Your nursing employees will probably get a good chuckle at their new “look” when you unveil your artwork. Distribute “Nursing Rocks” T-Shirts and “Nursing Rocks” Rhinestone Tote Bags as a thank you for everyone’s hard work throughout the year.

Creative Expression

2009-01-05T13:44:00.001-08:00

For one activity this National Nurses Week, select an item that nurses use every day. It could be a bedpan or a stethoscope. Give nurses the task of decorating the specific item. At the end of the week, have them present their creations and have everyone vote on their favorite. Present the winner with a “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” Deluxe Backpack. Pass out “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” Fabric Key Ring Wallets to all other participants.

Be Prepared

2009-01-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

While you’re picking out gifts for your nurses, don’t forget that National Nursing Assistants’ Week is not far behind. Be efficient and order gifts for all nursing staff at once. Include items for CNAs, including “CNA: A Work Of Heart” Deluxe Lunch Bags or Deluxe Key Ring Lights.

Community Outreach

2009-01-05T13:42:00.002-08:00

Add “generosity” to your list of goals this National Nurses Week. On top of all the other activities you have planned for the week, hold a canned food drive for a local food bank. Let everyone at your facility donate, but give nursing staff members who donate at least five items “Nursing: Together We Make A Difference” or “Nursing: More Than A Profession, It’s A Calling” T-Shirts. Ask everyone who receives a T-Shirt to wear it the last day of the drive. Gather those with the shirts and have them pose with the pile of food that was donated. You can put the picture in your facility’s newsletter or in the local paper.

Gimme Five!

2009-01-05T13:42:00.001-08:00

Call several “emergency” meetings during National Nurses Week. Choose a time when there’s a lull in work, and announce that all nurses or nursing assistants meet in a conference room or common area of the facility. Be on hand when they get there and have other employees join you as well. Stand in a line and, as each nurse walks in, have each person give him or her a high five. At the end of the line, have a gift, such as a “Great Staff, Great Team” Tumbler or “Great Staff, Great Team” Deluxe Pen And Metal Case Gift Set ready for each special nurse or nursing assistant.

Appreciation They Can See

2009-01-05T13:41:00.002-08:00

Get residents and patients involved in National Nurses Week. Ask those who are willing and able to wear “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” Buttons each day of the week. At the end of the week, hold a reception complete with food and beverages. Invite nurses and residents or patients to attend. Decorate the area with “Nurses: Helping People One Person At A Time” Nurses Week Posters. At the event, give a short speech and allow others to share their thoughts as well.

Learn From Experience

2009-01-05T13:41:00.001-08:00

Nursing is both a rewarding and challenging career. Discover and share some tricks of the trade about getting through a difficult day. Several weeks prior to National Nurses Week, gather your seasoned nurses and ask them to write down ways they cope with workplace stress. Compile the list of tips and, during nurses week, pass them out to rookie nurses along with Nurse’s Survival Kits. Give nurses who submitted tips Ceramic Mug With Spoons.

Mix Them Up

2009-01-05T13:40:00.001-08:00

Increase communication between nurses and nursing assistants at a special dinner during National Nurses Week. Ensure that RNs and NAs intermingle by assigning them seats. Do this by tying “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” Heart-Shaped 18” Foil Celebration Balloons to every other chair. Then attach “Nursing Assistants: Caring, Compassionate, Committed” Heart-Shaped 18” Foil Celebration Balloons to the chairs that are left. Ask employees to sit in seats that match their job title.

Proud To Be An American

2009-01-05T13:37:00.001-08:00

Show your patriotism this National Nurses Week by highlighting foods and beverages from different parts of the United States. Start the week in NYC or Philadelphia and have pizza or Philly cheese steaks for lunch. On Tuesday, head south to Louisiana for some Cajun food and, on Wednesday, travel to the Midwest and Kansas City, MO, a city famous for barbecue. On Thursday, venture to the Northwest for some coffee and then on to the Southwest Friday for Mexican dishes such as burritos and tacos. Each day, when everyone sits down to eat, hold a raffle for a Personalized Folding Chair With Carrying Bag or an Embroidered Roll-Up Blanket With Foam Lining.

On The Move

2009-01-05T13:36:00.001-08:00

Because your nurses may keep a hectic schedule at home and work, give them a gift they can take wherever they go. During National Nurses Week, present your workers with “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” Satin Touch Travel Tumblers or a “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” Travel/Desk Mug.

What’s That Smell?

2009-01-05T13:35:00.002-08:00

Certain smells can bring back memories. Some can also relieve stress. This National Nurses Week, give nurses gifts that appeal to their sense of smell. If your budget allows, give one gift a day. Start the week out with “Nurses Brighten Lives” Greeting Cards and Bookmarks that feature a lavender scent. On another day, hand out “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” Gift-Wrapped Apple Cinnamon Candles.

Family Resemblance

2009-01-05T13:35:00.001-08:00

Parents love to show off their kids, be they two-legged or four. Plan an activity around this where nurses have to match the parent with the child (or pet). Prior to National Nurses Week, ask nurses to submit pictures of their children or animals. Scan the photos and create a worksheet. Give each nurse a copy during the week and assign a deadline for the activity to be returned to you. Upon completion, give each nurse a “Proud To Be a Nurse” Lapel Pin and a “Thanks For Taking Time To Make A Difference” Photo Frame/Clock/Calendar/Thermometer. They can put a picture of their children in it!

Recruit And Recognize

2009-01-05T13:33:00.002-08:00

Celebrate (and recruit) the next generation of nurses and nursing assistants with a special picnic for graduating and potential nursing students. Grill hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers and serve up potato and macaroni salad. Invite nurses, nursing assistants and doctors to attend (if they’re not too busy). They can congratulate and help recruit new nurses. At the end of the picnic, present recent graduates with “Nursing: It’s More Than a Profession, It’s A Calling” Vivid Pocket Tote Bags or Nursing Deluxe Backpacks.

Showing Support

2009-01-05T13:33:00.001-08:00

Nurses and nursing assistants are essential to the operations of healthcare facilities. But they may not feel acknowledged. With that in mind, have doctors and administrators sign cards of thanks for nursing staff. Have them write a message in “Nursing: More Than A Profession, It’s A Calling” Greeting Cards for each nurse and nursing assistant. Pass out the cards during National Nurses Week and National Nursing Assistants’ Week along with Nursing Photo Frames Of Appreciation.

Fond Of Food

2009-01-05T13:31:00.002-08:00

Every person has a favorite meal, be it simple macaroni and cheese or something more complicated, such as chicken cordon bleu. Whatever the food may be, have staff members bring the dish for a potluck. For National Nurses Week, have nursing assistants bring the food, and, for National Nursing Assistants’ Week, nurses can provide the meal. Furnish beverages for the potlucks and give each employee a “Nurses: Helping People On Life At A Time” Contour Grip 28-oz Water Bottle or a “Nursing Assistants: Caring, Compassionate, Committed” Contour Grip 28-oz Water Bottle to put beverages in.

The Five “C”s

2009-01-05T13:31:00.001-08:00

This National Nurses Week, focus on the five “C”s of sweetness—cookies, cake, candy, caramel and chocolate. Assign a day of the week to each “C” and make the treat available for all nursing-related staff. Take the “C” idea a step further by giving nurses gifts that start with a “C” on each of the days. You can use “Nurses: Helping People One Life At A Time” Double Duty Calculators and “Great Staff, Great Team” Tri-Fold Frame Clocks And Caddies to help you execute your plan.