[BOB] Our first award is The Hands and Hearts Award named after Glenda McGuire. This award recognizes a Homemaker/Home Health Aide, or Program Assistant who demonstrates a strong commitment to the values of the Agency through a caring and respectful attitude for the individuals and families entrusted to their care.  Mary Jo Eger, Home Nursing Agency’s Hospice Quality Specialist in Bedford County, will be introducing our recipient. Mary Jo….

[MARY JO] This award winner has a 12-year history with the Agency and making sure her Hospice patients feel well cared for. In addition to her regular home health aide visits, she has been called on to help in other ways – probably because she never says “no”! Her willingness to serve wherever and however needed has taken her outside of Bedford County on many occasions. She has been asked to assist with everything from office work to vigil care for patients actively dying. And she does it all with an upbeat attitude!

Her peers recognize that “her care to the patients is exceptional!” As the case with many of our award winners – both past and present – she probably doesn’t realize the impact of her compassionate spirit and helpful attitude. Her nominees say that she has inspired them to be better at their jobs just by working with her and seeing how caring she is each day. Betty Shankle is always willing to lend a hand, and she has the biggest heart! Please join me in congratulating Betty as our 2014 Hands & Hearts Award Winner!

PHOTO: Bob, Betty, Mary Jo

[BOB] The Extra Effort Awardis given to an individual who consistently and willingly goes beyond the call of duty to make a difference for coworkers – and for customers who are entrusted within the Agency’s care. The winner also consistently has an energetic and enthusiastic approach to his or her responsibilities, much like Dot Tartaglio, in whose memory this award is presented. Teri Gergely, Home Nursing Agency’s
Hospice Patient Care Supervisor in Cambria County, will be introducing our winner. Teri…

[TERI] “Extra Effort” defines the work ethic of our next award winner. As one nomination noted, actions speak louder than words, and this nurse’s patients and families have seen her compassion in action every day. Family members are compelled to let us know of her tireless commitment.  This RN Case Manager’s name is one of the most often mentioned in notes for the Cambria County Hospice team.

She places her patients’ needs first without hesitation – frequently making visits beyond her normal “working hours”. You may see her on the road or in a patient’s home during the nights and weekends or taking on extra patients as she is asked.

An example of her dedication was in her recent attendance at patient’s funeral – an after-hours funeral for a patient who was not under her care. Our special winner knew that the patient’s case manager was off and felt the Agency should be represented. She also wanted to be there to provide emotional support to the family.

One of her nominees shared, “She is truly the RN you would want to help YOU!” A team player, Donna Hershel is “a gift to her patients and families”. Please help me welcome Donna as our Extra Effort Award Winner!

PHOTO: Bob, Donna, Teri

[BOB] The Spirit Award, established nine years ago, recognizes employees who consistently demonstrate qualities of the late Larry Hite. Our recipients are known for being dedicated, dependable, and devoted. Next, Teresa Salome, Home Nursing Agency’s Nurse-Family Partnership Blair County Supervisor, will introduce this year’s deserving winner of the Spirit Award. Teresa…

[TERESA] With multiple nominations, this year’s award winner is highly lauded by her fellow employees for her loyalty and dedication to her clients. This Nurse-Family Partnership Nurse Home Visitor has dedicated her life to teaching and empowering young mothers in difficult circumstances. Her peers share that she “pours 100% of her energy and enthusiasm into all she does”.

She is one of the first people to volunteer for events, mentor students and co-workers, and work on internal projects to help the department run more smoothly. Her clients know she is their advocate, which is especially meaningful for those who have no other support network and face adverse circumstances.

She has been described as the “consummate Nurse Home Visitor” with caring, compassion, and professionalism rolled into one. She is nearing 20 years of service with Home Nursing Agency and has spent each one going the extra mile to help.

She always meets her clients “where they are at” and focuses on their strengths. With her guidance and encouragement, I have witnessed her clients achieve significant successes and goals. Her clients know that she believes in them and their potential to achieve their “heart’s desire”!

She has shown great strength, faith, and perseverance throughout the uncertainty of her own health issue. And in spite of all of this, she has remained focused on the needs of her clients.

One of her nominees reinforced this as she shared, “When we read back client satisfaction surveys, it is always Arlene Wojno that shines the brightest!” Please join me in welcoming Arlene as the 2014 Spirit Award Winner!

PHOTO: Bob, Teresa, Arlene

[BOB] In memory of Helen Rosch, the Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding volunteer for dedication to the mission of the Agency and to the spirit of volunteerism. Like Helen, the recipient should exhibit a willingness to serve his or her program with enthusiasm and energy, and be a community ambassador promoting all services and programs of Home Nursing Agency. Catherine Zimmerman, Home Nursing Agency’s Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, will now introduce the winner of this award…Catherine…

[CATHERINE] The outreach and level of care that Home Nursing Agency extends to each of our communities would not be possible without the efforts of our selfless volunteers. One of the most difficult things to do is to choose just one volunteer to nominate for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

This year’s award winner lives out the Agency’s mission as an active volunteer in several roles including hospice, bereavement, tuck-in services, We Honor Veterans, clerical duties, Lights of Love, and vigil services. He is always open to helping families when he is needed or called on. He takes his role seriously and often goes “above and beyond” what is asked of him.

His hard work, extra effort, and passion are evident to our Bedford County Hospice team and to the patients and families he’s helped. He has been recognized several times through the “Grateful Angel” program and other notes of appreciation for the compassion and support he’s provided.

This retired United States Navy nurse helps all of us to keep our priorities straight and reminds our team why we do what we do. He said, “It should be all about the patient. The few hours, days, and months that he or she has with us must count.” He lives out that message in his volunteer role and approaches each assignment with willingness, openness, and enthusiasm.

Ted Hildebrand is known for his faithfulness and commitment to go “above and beyond” for each patient and family he serves. Please join me in celebrating Ted as our Volunteer of the Year Award recipient!

PHOTO: Bob, Ted, Catherine

[BOB] The late Mary B. Kraft was the first employee of the Agency and a member of the incorporating and charter Board of Directors. The Commitment to Community Award is presented annually to the employee most exemplifying the ideals and values of Home Nursing Agency and for distinguished service throughout the Agency and in his or her community. Donna Hartford, Home Nursing Agency’s Vice President of Community Health and Wellness, will be introducing our final award winner. 

[DONNA] Approaching two decades of service with Home Nursing Agency, this dedicated employee has a reputation for getting things done. She is always willing to help and does so with a smile – even when she is doing 20 different things at once. Committed first to those we serve, she always makes time for people with urgent needs and follows through to ensure they get the services they need.

She has earned the respect of her peers, team, and clients. A true leader, her actions and attitude set the bar for the level of professionalism and dedication that she expects from her team members. This award winner embraces new challenges. Her efforts made “Walk-In” services at the Adult Community Health Center a reality.