POMPANO BEACH – 11/3/2014 – On October 21, Elizabeth “Liz” Tracy, a RN Unit Manager in John Knox Village’s Health Center, was honored with the 2014 Joan Anne McHugh Nurse Leadership Award. It was presented to Liz at LeadingAge’s Annual Meeting and Expo, which was October 19-22 in Nashville, TN.
The award recognizes “aspiring leaders who provide excellent clinical care to their residents while demonstrating leadership in long-term care nursing and a commitment to the profession.”
“It was an honor to be recognized and to represent John Knox Village at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting. I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended the conference and gain greater knowledge and insight into caring for long-term residents,” she said after returning to JKV.
Liz graduated from Broward College with her Associate of Science in Nursing degree. It was three years ago when she landed a job at John Knox Village.
“Thank you to all who have supported me and assisted in the nomination and selection process. I am blessed and encouraged to work with so many individuals who invest in me and then in turn serve the residents of The Village,” she added.
Liz was one of eight other finalists nominated from across the U.S. for this award. “We are proud of Liz for this incredible accomplishment. Her passion and hard work was recognized on a national level. She is dedicated to our residents and the dynamic team in our Health Center,” said Mark Rayner, Director of Health Facilities.
One example of Liz’s excellent leadership and as a resident advocate was illustrated this past year when she helped spearhead an initiative to eliminate the piercing alarm noises in our Health Center when residents at risk for falling attempted to stand without the assistance of others.
“Liz and the staff understood the system was difficult on our residents, their families and staff, adversely affecting the dignity of the residents. Removing this alarm system totally improved the quality of life for our residents, and the entire tone of the building has improved,” said Wendy Bednarcik, Director of Human Resources.
LeadingAge is an association of more than 6,000 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to “expanding the world of possibilities for aging.” It advances policies, promotes practices and conducts research that supports, engages and empowers people to live fully as they age. The organization was founded in 1961.
The Village’s Health Center is a fully-licensed, Medicare/Medicaid Certified, 177-bed skilled nursing facility including a physical, speech, occupational and balance therapy center. Our Health Center also has received a 5-Star Rating by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
Whether for rehabilitation after a hospital stay, or short, long-term or memory disorder care, the Health Center remains committed to making your experience as pleasant as possible by providing comforting nurturing support. For more information about JKV’s Health Center, please call (954) 783-4001.
John Knox Village is a not-for-profit continuing care community that provides a full range of life-care services for those aged 62 and greater. The Village is located at 651 S.W. Sixth Street in Pompano Beach, just east of I-95 and south of Atlantic Boulevard