Vero Beach Nursing Assistant Named FHCA 2023 CNA of the Year

VERO BEACH, Fla. – Audrey Foster, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Sea Breeze Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Vero Beach (right center), was recognized as the CNA of the year at the Florida Health Care Association’s (FHCA) 2023 Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards on Friday afternoon.

Foster, who has been a Certified Nursing Assistant for 35 years, is known for her patience, kindness, and compassion. She is critical to ensuring that every member of her center’s team makes personal connections with the residents and helps them achieve their goals.

“Audrey’s strong sense of team spirit makes her key to assisting with staff retention as well as delivering consistent, high-quality care,” said Cierra Jones, Regional Vice President of Aston Health. “Her background in both restorative nursing and rehabilitation means she understands how best to care for residents who are at risk of falls or have been diagnosed with dementia – and she delivers that care with a smile and a love for bringing joy to others.”

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

“People like Audry Foster are the heart and soul of long-term care, and FHCA is proud  to recognize her as Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “She is richly deserving of this recognition, and her hardworking nature makes her a perfect winner.”

Recipients of this year’s other awards are:

• Registered Nurse of the Year: Teresa Thompson, Assistant Director of Nursing at Valencia Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lakeland
• Nurse Administrator of the Year: Farah Claude, Director of Nursing at Aventura Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Miami Beach
• Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year: Laura Meech, Director of Education/Infection Prevention at Palm Garden of Sun City Center
• 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