Nurse Administrator of the Year

Kristy Tolley, RN, Director of Nursing;
Village on the Isle - Luke Haven Skilled Nursing Facility (co-recipient)

Kristy Tolley is the Director of Nursing for a small facility and also serves as the staffing scheduler, interviews and hires all nursing staff, oversees staff education, and is on-call.  Promoted from nursing supervisor to Director of Nursing in 2007, this nominee’s Administrator recognizes many quantifiable improvements realized under her leadership from a reduction to those residents taking 9 or more medications to a sharp decline in moderate to severe pain.  Kristy institutes consistent assignments, has a rapport with staff, and holds them accountable – while valuing their contributions.  Staffing turnover rates have declined from 47% to 38% in 3 years.  A Registered Nurse with a BSN since 2004, with a background in Information Technology, Kristy has been the driving force and primary facilitator behind her facility becoming a 100% Electronic Medical Records facility.  By involving the facility’s CNAs in the system selection process, she gradually moved all the staff members to a smooth adoption of fully computerized systems. 

Nurse Administrator of the Year

Reuben Bowie, RN, MS, CDONA, Director of Nursing; Health Central Park, Winter Garden (co-recipient)

Reuben Bowie is a strong leader and is well respected by those she serves and works with, indicated by the 100 staff and residents who signed her nomination form.  With a philosophy of interdisciplinary care, she engages all departments for input and ideas when there is a resident or operational issue that needs to be addressed.  Under her direction, this facility has also experienced a hard-won decline in falls through predetermined comfort rounds and improved pain management.  Reuben's specialized restorative nursing program has specially trained aides working directly with Rehabilitation staff to design individualized programs for residents to maintain their current skills.  As told by one colleague: “You can be in trouble with her and she can chew you up, but you walk out the door thanking her and feeling good about yourself.”  With a Bachelors of Science, a Master’s in Nursing, and as a graduate from the Student Post Masters ARNP program at the University of Florida, Reuben epitomizes the best qualities of a nurse leader. 

Registered Nurse of the Year

Angela Barnes, RN, Staff Development Coordinator; Life Care Center of Hilliard

Angela is said by her Administrator to have transformed the quality of their facility’s staff from those just beginning their employment to current associates enriching their knowledge.  She is always willing to help when there is a call out that can’t be covered or when a difficult situation needs a cool head.  Serving as Weekend Nurse Manager for 7 years, she helped create a smooth transition from weekday to weekend without mishaps, and because of her hard work and knowledge, the nurse managers and DON never had to worry about handling a weekend situation.  Angela won her company’s Team Spirit Award last year for being an outstanding employee who does whatever it takes to ensure the residents receive the best possible care.  Since taking over the Staff Development position last year, Angela has blossomed, and helps staff meet regulatory compliance and maintain the facility’s policy and procedures. 

Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year

Angel Turner, LPN, Unit Manager; Life Care Center of Sarasota

Angel is recognized by her facility as a key element to their success in reducing pressure ulcer and fall rates while getting personally involved with residents who required the use of restraints.  Working with her colleagues in therapy to implement new interventions and educate family members about the risk of restraint use, she actively contributed to several residents being restraint-free within 12 months.  Her Administrator says she “has all the qualities to be the best manager,” combining administrative skills with attentive caregiving.  Angel is the unit manager of a long term care unit, serves short term rehab patients and attends to residents at the end of life, while being loved by her residents and families and respected by her associates.  Angel's service on Life Care Center of Sarasota's Quality Improvement Committee is credited with contributing to her facility receiving the American Health Care Association’s Silver Quality Award.  Angel became a CNA in 1999, an LPN in 2007, and is currently enrolled in an RN program.   

Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year

Cleo Allen, CNA Level III; Life Care Center of Orange Park

From her personal achievements to the warmth she demonstrates to residents and family, Cleo Allen has an exemplary personal record and serves as mentor to new staff and as a leader to the seasoned associates.  Acknowledged to be a huge part of their marketing team, the marketing director told us that repeat patients call ahead and ask to be back on her hall, requesting Cleo by name.  The Director of Nursing said she “does so many little things for her residents that no one knows about because she is not boastful.”  Cleo has participated in community support efforts since the facility opened in 1996; in fact, she is a charter employee.  As a Level III CNA, she has undergone extensive training and is the lead CNA on a very busy rehab unit, calmly assisting the nurses in providing attention to the new residents.