Annual Meeting Awards
March 8, 2010
20 YEAR AWARDS:
ADMINISTRATION:
Karen Starr, Risk Manager
Karen came to the VNA with over 20 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and served as the VNAIC’s Rehab Manager until 2004. In that capacity, she worked with branch directors to recruit, train and oversee rehab staff. She was also responsible for all workplace safety issues and the agency safety program. As the Agency grew and restructured, Karen moved to her current role as Risk Manager, focusing on workers’ compensation and workplace safety. She puts her skills as a Physical Therapist to work every day in evaluating work stations, suggesting ways to make them more ergonomically sound, and reminding employees of proper body mechanics. Thanks to her efforts, the VNAIC has very few injuries compared to other companies of similar size. For those employees who do sustain an injury, Karen is a resource and advocate. She guides them through the treatment process and works with Directors to find modified duty if appropriate. It’s a pleasure to honor Karen today and to thank her for her 20 years of dedicated effort!
Nancy Wristen, Clinical Systems Department Manager
In her first 7 years with the VNAIC, Nancy worked as a home health aide and a medical transcriber. She briefly left to complete her education in computer science and came back 20 years ago when the agency implemented the very first computers. Nancy’s role was to assist with the transition of the transcribers from type writers to computers. Nancy went on to hold several positions in both IT and her current department, Clinical Systems. She has grown with the agency in use of technology and is the single person who has been at the VNAIC from the start. Nancy now manages a department with 8 employees and is responsible for all clinical computer systems and use. She does research, programming, planning, training, and implementation. She is also responsible for all paper medical records, medical supplies, and branch office clerical procedures.
PALM DESERT HOME HEALTH:
Patricia Leon-Vargas, CHHA
It would be accurate to say that Patti is a wonderful example of how the VNA is represented. Patti’s professional appearance and mannerism place her in a category of her own. She provides excellent care to her patients and often receives thanks via surveys and personal notes. Her compassion and beautiful smile brighten everyone’s day. The Palm Desert branch considers Patricia to be a very valuable member of their team.
VICTORVILLE HOME HEALTH:
Rhonda Knight-Burke, Social Worker
Rhonda assists patients with her knowledge and skills. She has helped train new Social Workers, educating them to the uniqueness of home health care. She is known for her annual “Choices” speech, in which she reminds the staff that patients’ choices sometimes are not the best, but it is their right to choose, and she shows the staff how to best respond and feel about it. She has an ability to clear through all of the extraneous things that might cloud an issue. She is very efficient, but does not overlook detail. The patients compliment her regularly, acknowledging her concern for them, her follow through, and the wonderful care she provides. She is compassionate, caring, and is truly a shining star for the team.
Patricia Oxenham, Home Health Manager
Patti has truly “done it all”. She has worked for both Home Health and Hospice. She has worked as an RN Case Manager, Educator, and now holds the position of Home Health Manager. Her vast experience and knowledge make her a key resource to the staff. She is also the resource person for all intravenous questions and standards, and belongs to the Intravenous Nurse Society. Patti also holds the special role as Camp Nurse at Camp Erin. She goes prepared with every type of item possibly needed by a child or adult, and supports the children and staff during this tough but rewarding weekend. She wipes away the tears, treats tummy aches with TLC, dispenses medications, and fixes their boo-boo’s. She educates herself on any medical conditions a child may have to be prepared in an instant for any challenge.
YUCCA VALLEY HOSPICE:
Janis Mueller, RN, Hospice Case Manager
Janis is often called the Hospice Angel of the YV Hospice Team. Before coming to the VNAIC, Janis worked for the VNA in Orange County for 5 years. She moved to Yucca Valley in 1986 and came to work for the VNAIC in Home Health as a case manager. She later transferred to Hospice and realized that that is where her calling is. Janis has a calm and competent demeanor and is a real team player. She is always willing to share her expertise in symptom management or do whatever she can to assist the hospice patients.
