POMPANO BEACH – 9/23/2014 – John Knox Village is thrilled to announce that Elizabeth Tracy, a RN Unit Manager in our Health Center, is the recipient of LeadingAge’s 2014 Joan Anne McHugh Nurse Leadership Award. Liz will receive this honor during LeadingAge’s Annual Meeting and Expo, which is 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.”
“When I initially attended college, I studied Recreation Therapy because I had a passion for people and wanted to assist in making their lives more meaningful and enjoyable. However, when I moved to South Florida, I began thinking about a career in nursing,” she said.
Liz graduated from Broward College with her Associate of Science in Nursing degree. It was three years ago when Liz landed a job at John Knox Village. “Liz epitomizes the term teamwork and humbly serves our residents and families while motivating the team on a daily basis. Her passion and hard work are being recognized on a national level, and it is another testament to the wonderful things that happen at JKV,” said Mark Rayner, Director of Health Facilities.
“When I joined John Knox Village, I immediately realized the atmosphere and level of care far surpassed the previous facility in which I worked,” she said. “What a joy it is to not only care for our residents’ physical needs, but also their psychological, social and overall wellness.”
She credits the team in our Health Center, as well as The Village’s overall philosophy. “This would not be possible without the other dedicated caregivers at JKV who enrich the lives of our residents,” Liz said. “The Village practices resident centered care and makes meeting residents’ needs a priority over schedules and tasks.”
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. As for the future, Liz is looking forward to the opening of The Woodlands at John Knox Village, our new skilled nursing center that will adopt The Green House model of care. It is anticipated to be open by early 2016.
Liz currently is working with team members to develop their relationship-building skills with residents and embracing The Green House model of providing meaningful life through empowered staff for seniors in a real home.
For more information about The Woodlands at JKV and The Green House model, visit the Website (www.woodlandsjkv.com). According to its Website (www.leadingage.org), 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 current 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. For more information, contact our Marketing Department at (954) 783-4040.