Top Long Term Care Nurses Honored at FHCA’s 2026 Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards

Bonita Springs, Fla. – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today honored the top long term care nurses in the state of Florida during the Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Award Ceremony at its annual Nurse Leadership Program in Bonita Springs, Florida. The award ceremony recognizes nurses and nursing assistants in Florida who embody FHCA’s mission to provide the highest quality of care to long term care residents across the state.

“Today’s award recipients represent the very best of long term care nursing. Their years of dedicated service, unwavering commitment to the nursing profession, and compassion for those in their care have made a lasting impact on the lives of residents and families across Florida,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of Florida Health Care Association. “Through their leadership and focus on quality outcomes, these nurses continue to elevate the standard of care and demonstrate the profound difference long term care professionals make every day.”

Nurse Administrator of the Year: Estelle Douglas, Director of Nursing at Springtree Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Sunrise
Estelle Douglas' nursing career has spanned nearly five decades. For the last 28 years, she has served as the Director of Nursing at Springtree Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, where she leads with integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to excellence. She believes strongly in staff development and prioritizes mentorship and professional growth for her team, helping them feel valued, empowered and motivated to deliver exceptional care. When asked about her nearly 50-year career as a long term care nurse, she is candid about the dedication it requires and shares that, “the more she invests, the more fulfilled she feels.” 

Registered Nurse of the Year: Irlene Pierre, RN and Wound Care Nurse, at Broward Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Irlene Pierre, RN and Wound Care Nurse, began her nursing career almost 30 years ago at Broward Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Ft. Lauderdale, where she started as a floor nurse before strengthening her clinical expertise and leadership in specialized wound care. She works closely with wound care physicians to coordinate and implement advanced treatment plans, and her strong clinical insight helps to bridge physician recommendations with bedside execution, resulting in more effective and timely interventions that help improve healing outcomes for residents. She has earned tremendous respect not only from her team members, but also hospital partners, residents and families who describe her as having “healing hands.”

Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year: Lauren O'Donnell, LPN, at Osprey Point Nursing Center
Lauren O'Donnell, LPN,has been a nurse for 29 years, with the last 19 years spent caring for residents at Osprey Point Nursing Center in Bushnell. She is known for setting a high standard for others, with an attentive and compassionate bedside manner that makes her a favorite among residents. She has a deep commitment to person-centered care and is a strong advocate for her residents. 

Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year: Linda Johnson, CNA, at Hialeah Shores Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Linda Johnson, CNA, began her nursing career in 1984 at Hialeah Shores Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and remains a cornerstone of the center's care team, with a career that is rooted in resilience and a desire to build a better life. She has a deep passion for caregiving and is a role model and mentor to her peers. When asked to reflect on her more than 40-year career, Linda shared that “her heart is always with the residents first. She loves her job and the people she encounters every day, and it all begins with taking care of those who once took care of us.” 

Rising Star in Long Term Care Nursing: Kayla Elverd, Director of Nursing at Chatham Glen Healthcare and Rehabilitation in The Villages
Kayla Elverd, RN, exemplifies dedication, inspiring leadership and a commitment to a culture of excellence for residents, families and staff. As the Director of Nursing at Chatham Glen Healthcare and Rehabilitation, she approaches every interaction with empathy and respect. Her leadership is not only seen in the center’s positive clinical outcomes, including a Five Star Rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, but also felt in the culture she fosters every day.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2026

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org