Lakeland RN Honored as FHCA’s Registered Nurse of the Year

LAKELAND, Fla. – Teresa Thompson, Director of Nursing at Valencia Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center, has been recognized as 2023 Registered Nurse of the Year by the Florida Health Care Association. Thompson was honored at FHCA’s 2023 Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards ceremony.

Thompson has been a registered nurse for more than two decades, including almost 15 years working at Valencia Hills. By pursuing advanced degrees in nursing even as she progressed through her career, Thompson has served as an inspiration to her peers, encouraging them to do the same.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson dedicated herself to infection prevention policies and Valencia Hills’ goal to decrease the use of antipsychotic medications. Through her dedication to improving the lives of residents, Thompson shows what it means to be a leader and mentor to fellow nurses.

“Teresa’s attention to detail and her ability to collaborate with hospital partners, nurses, and residents is what makes her such a valuable team member at the center,” said Somer Hancock, Administrator at Valencia hills. “She has a true passion for nursing, especially nursing in long term care.”

Nominated by FHCA-member skilled nursing and assisted living centers, FHCA’s Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Award honors health care professionals who reflect the unique characteristics, professionalism, and expanded skill sets needed in the long term care nursing profession. Honorees are recognized for their important roles in demonstrating a person-centered care approach to residents and patients and in helping centers achieve continuous quality improvements.

“We’re tremendously proud to present Teresa Thompson with the 2023 Registered Nurse of the Year award,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “Teresa’s passion for nursing and her commitment to providing quality care help Florida’s nursing centers and their residents thrive.”

Recipients of this year’s other awards are:

• Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year: Laura Meech, Director of Education/Infection Prevention at Palm Garden of Sun City Center
• Nurse Administrator of the Year: Farah Claude, Director of Nursing at Aventura Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Miami Beach
• Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year: Audrey Foster, Certified Nursing Assistant at Sea Breeze Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Vero Beach
• Rising Star in Long Term Care Nursing: Sonia Wilson, Licensed Practical Nurse at Century Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Century

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2023

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