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Report User Two Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center nurses were recently recognized at the 2008 Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) Convention in Peoria. Mary Horvath, LPN, was awarded the MDS Coordinator of the Year Award and Emilio Nicolasin, CNA, was recognized with the CNA of the Year Award. Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Skokie was the only health care facility throughout the state to receive two nursing awards. The rehabilitation center also recently achieved a deficiency-free survey from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the third consecutive year.
"These awards represent the ‘best of the best' in nursing and the long-term care profession," says David Voepel, executive director, IHCA. "We are honored to shine the spotlight on Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and these hard-working, dedicated and outstanding individuals. Mary and Emilio really do make a difference in the lives of Alden North Shore residents and we are happy to honor them."
MDS COORDINATOR AWARD
Mary, who has worked in long-term care for 17 years, was recognized for making a tremendous impact on the quality of life at Alden North Shore and her commitment to serving the needs of the residents and families. She is credited with going ‘above and beyond' to assist residents and ensure their smooth transition back to home following rehabilitation at Alden North Shore; taking a hands-on approach to assessing and coordinating care; and monitoring the therapy team to make sure that rehabilitation patients are progressing and feeling comfortable with their newly regained skills.
Mary's co-workers say that she is a giant among her peers despite her small stature. "Mary brings boundless energy, a sense of humor, compassion and a positive attitude to a job that is critically important to residents and families," says Marek Charmniak, PTA, Alden North Shore Rehabilitation Supervisor. "When it comes to working with other staff, she is cooperative, willing and always ready to go the extra mile. In a team situation, she does not hesitate to assume the lion's share of the responsibilities."
"Mary truly deserves this honor, which recognizes her outstanding commitment and dedication," says Jennifer Illarde, Administrator, Alden North Shore. "She is a wonderful MDS Coordinator who is well respected and genuinely liked by all the residents and staff."
CNA AWARD
Emilio "Emil" Nicolasin recently received the CNA of the Year award at the 2008 IHCA Convention in Peoria. The award recognizes a nursing assistant who consistently works to positively influence patient care and exceed the needs of patients and their families. Emil is best known for his innate ability to touch lives. Residents who resist getting out of bed for activities or meals respond willingly when Emil politely and cheerfully asks them to get up. And those who are recovering from surgery and undergoing rehabilitation get more than prescribed therapies from Emil. They receive comforting words, encouragement and a gentle touch that goes well beyond his job description.
A talented musician, Emil uses his singing voice as a rehabilitation tool. He has helped countless residents improve their levels of physical, mental, social and emotional functioning through stimulation by his music, patient encouragement and his obvious affection for them. A resident's grateful daughter, noting that Emil learned conversational Greek to be able to communicate better with her mother, says of Emil, "we can count on a hug, a song, a happy story from Emil and we always have confidence that my mother is well cared for."
"Emil is an exceptional CNA and valuable member of the staff," says Jennifer Illarde, Administrator, Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. "Over the past seven years, Emil has devoted his life to helping our residents by providing the highest quality care. He truly deserves to be recognized for his efforts."
