This month we had the pleasure of announcing both our September Employees of the month and our Quarterly Employee Recognition Awards. As always, nominations were encouraged for the following:

• Employees who are taking extraordinary steps in improving the lives of residents.
• Employees who are alleviating concerns of residents’ loved ones and family members.
• Employees who are providing guidance and mentorship to new members of the clinical staff.

Please take a moment to read about these exemplary team members and the words their coworkers shared about them when making their nominations. These award winners have done so much to improve the lives of our residents, their families, and our staff.  Join us in thanking them for all that they do!

Comments made by fellow staff members for September Employee of the Month Awards:

Deb Ciotti, Medical Secretary

“Debbie is always professional and polite in spite of having a busy workload. She is always willing to assist with whatever is requested of her and does so with a smile. She is the ‘go-to’ for all who enter the nursing office. We are fortunate to have her at Cedar Haven for so many years.

“She is an excellent example of a ‘model’ employee. Deb is a wheel that keeps everything turning clockwise in the nursing office. I have worked with her as a charge nurse and as a department head. Always professional in her approach to all residents, staff, and dealing with the public. Nothing she is asked to do is too much trouble for her.”

“Deb consistently works over and above her regular job duties. She never complains. She modifies her working schedule and personal schedule including her vacation to complete job duties or coming in at midnight on a benefit day to complete census. Deb is cheerful and helpful to everyone. Deb is the glue that keeps things together in all areas of the nursing office.”

“Deb is very knowledgeable of many aspects of Cedar Haven. She always has answers that nobody else does and if she doesn’t know, she will find out. Always efficient and helpful. She is constantly busy, yet remains friendly, professional, focused, and seems to do it all effortlessly. She never speaks negatively or complains about her job or coworkers. Deb is a longtime and dedicated employee who is well worthy of being recognized for all she does.”

Marlene Ortega, CNA

“Marlene is a leader and hard worker. She does many hours of overtime and makes sure the residents get the best care possible. She deserves to be recognized.”

“Dependable, kind to the residents, great work ethic, never complains, and volunteers to be mentor/preceptor for new CNAs which is a lot of extra work.”

“Marlene is a hard worker. She is dependable plus works overtime to help night shift staffing. She is a unit mentor/preceptor for new CNAs with the influx of new aides, she is frequently orienting. Lately she has one right after the next. We realize this is extra work and we thank her for her willingness to go above and beyond.”

“Great person who is highly motivated. Always lends a hand when someone is in need. Hard worker, always staying overtime. Helps to train the nursing assistant trainees.”

Emilissa Rolon, LPN

“She is a great, dependable nurse to work with. Always willing to help where needed, even to help the aides with lifts and passing trays. She knows her job and is compassionate towards the residents and their family members. Emilissa is a great asset to this facility.”

“I believe this employee should be nominated due to her outstanding qualities as a nurse. She is willing to work wherever needed, any shift, and she knows what is required to do her position. She is an overall good employee that deserves to be recognized.”

Comments made by fellow staff members for Quarterly Employee Recognition Awards:

Cindy Chappel, Staff Education

“Cindy is the first person you have contact with on the first day at work. She puts you at ease. She is very friendly, knowledgeable, and is enjoyable to be around. Even after orientation, when I see her in the hall, she always has a smile and a kind word. She is a great asset to this organization.”

“Cindy consistently goes above and beyond to help facilitate the goals of Cedar Haven Healthcare. She is a great nurse and a source of encouragement to all of us.”

Dale Bashore, Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator

“Well knowledgeable in her area of expertise. Always helpful. Advocate for her residents. Goes above and beyond for her job and the residents. The perfect asset to the RNAC office.”

“Good leadership qualities. Advocates for residents and families.”

Christine Herr, Ward Secretary

“She is always willing to help (even works as an aide if needed). She keeps 1F running smoothly with all the admissions, consults for outside appointments, labs, etc. She’s a great team player!”

Donna Strauss, Housekeeping

“Very professional and polite.”

Paula Turner, Restorative Aide

“Paula turner does an exceptional job working as a Restorative Aide. She is always kind to residents and staff, and is always a hard worker.”

Donna Arnold, Therapeutic Recreation

“Donna Arnold goes above and beyond to decorate the facility in her amazing creative style that only she can do. She truly has a gift for working with color and décor. She is a delight to work with and always goes out of her way for residents and staff.”