Kim Biegasiewicz of Avante Group Named 2020 Rising Star in LTC Nursing

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida Health Care Association recently recognized Kim Biegasiewicz, Vice President of Clinical Services at Avante Group, as 2020 Rising Star in Long Term Care Nursing. This recognition is part of FHCA's Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards, which are traditionally presented during FHCA's Nurse Leadership Program. However, due to COVID-19, the Program, along with the Awards Ceremony, has gone virtual. Nonetheless, Kim, who was nominated by CEO of Avante Group, Tricia Robinson, was still able to receive her official plaque as celebrations carried on at the Orlando corporate office, surrounded by co-workers and friends.

Kim has accumulated seven years of expertise in long term care. She officially began her career as a 3-11 floor nurse at a long term care facility in Lady Lake in 2013. It was evident to Kim's peers that her innate talent and leadership was exceptional and would carry her far. Within her first year, she moved up the ladder to a 3-11 supervisor, then Assistant Director of Nursing, and then as the Director of Nursing (DON) of a 145-bed skilled nursing facility.

As DON, Kim successfully removed the agency, brought the facility out of a circle of non-compliance with no more than four citations on annual surveys, and advanced the center from a 1-star to a 5-star overall facility. Kim consistently put the quality care of her residents first and ensured the success of her staff. She led by example, and her leadership abilities were impeccable. After two successful years as DON, Kim was promoted as the regional nurse of her facility and several others. She acquired even more successful outcomes in this role, with exceptional survey results, innovative programs/initiatives, and even a deficiency-free survey. Kim spent hours assisting her DONs, ensuring regulatory compliance and quality results. Looked up to by her staff, Kim's dedication to enhancing the lives of those she cared for shined as she carried out this role.

Kim achieved her dream of running the clinical team for an organization as she was promoted to Vice President of Clinical Services at Avante Group in 2018. She jumped in headfirst, creating policies and procedures and programs to improve the company's reputation showing a commitment to quality. Kim worked closely alongside her corporate and facility staff to ensure that they deliver the care that she expects; and that each resident is getting exceptional care and services. With the hardships caused by the pandemic, Kim made sure to give residents the extra time, attention, and care they deserve. She leads alongside her staff and ensures that she is not only there to support them clinically but professionally and personally as well. Her compassion for others shines through, as well as her ability to create special relationships with those she serves.

The CEO of Avante Group, Tricia Robinson, shared, "When I prepared to submit Kimberly for this award, I interviewed her direct reports, and they all echo the same sentiments; Kimberly is one in a million! She is a mentor, a friend, and, most importantly, an exceptional leader. She leads her team with poise and a positive attitude and always has a huge smile on her face. Her knowledge, in just a short seven years, is beyond her years and quite impressive. Kim is noted to be one of the most dedicated, loyal, passionate leaders that her staff gets to work alongside."

"Kim is a prime example of a successful professional in long term care," said FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed. "Her dedication and commitment to both her residents and staff does not go unnoticed. Equipped with her strong skill set and extensive expertise, we are proud to highlight her as one of the state's best and brightest nurses."

The Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards were presented during FHCA's Virtual Nurse Leadership Program, with FHCA President Marco Carrasco and award sponsor Robin Bleier of RB Health Partners, Inc. honoring these healthcare heroes for their dedication and commitment to quality long term care. Recognition was given to the 2020 Nurse Administrator, RN, LPN, and CNA of the Year, along with the Rising Star in Long Term Care Nursing Award recipient.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2020

PRESS CONTACT
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-701-3530 or kknapp@fhca.org