HEROES IN THE NIGHT
(Photo: L to R: Sherry Allen, Danielle Pittman, Alan Kelnhofer, Regina Hall, Dilicia Smith and Lora Robinson.)
Under the cover of darkness, a small group of dedicated individuals labor to keep Saint John’s residents safe and sound.
The care neighborhoods of Windsor, Stratford and Canterbury are staffed in the overnight hours with Nurses and Resident Assistants. Longtime employee Wendy Zbieranek, RN, takes charge of the crew in assisted living. Her eye for detail goes beyond resident care as the relative quiet of night shift allows time to report observations of work needed to maintain safety and aesthetics. Wendy’s counterpart is Dana Jackson, LPN. Dana focuses her considerable talent customizing her approach to the unique needs of each person she serves. Many nights on Windsor find Jessy Peter, RN, extending her PM shift to cover an open position. Jessy’s skill and tremendous endurance have been instrumental in maintaining quality and continuity of care while we seek to hire a night supervisor. Casey Duzeski, LPN, is beloved by residents and families for her kindness and ever-present good humor. She frequently volunteers to stay until the first shift is fully prepared to manage a new day.
For over 34 years, Linda Merriweather has toiled with quiet confidence. She presently devotes her time to York residents though often helps out in the care neighborhoods. Sherry Allen is Linda’s counterpart. A humble woman with a beautiful smile, Sherry also works on Canterbury when needed. Cynthia Carter, Danielle Pittman, Diane Farmer, Dilicia Smith, Elise Tchoumen, Lora Robinson and Sherry Gillespie comprise the Stratford and Canterbury core team. Rounding silently and comforting the sleepless, these remarkable women serve with competence, pivoting to meet the ever-changing needs of those in their care. Bessie Perry, Imecia Curtis, Jennifer Wilder and Tracy Kidd are the glue that holds Windsor together while the rest of us sleep. Their teamwork and proficiency are admirable.
A robust collective of non-benefitted nursing team members allow our full-time and part-time employees to enjoy paid time off. These flexible individuals float between shifts and are qualified to work in all the neighborhoods.
The Maintenance Department is also staffed 24/7. Alan Kelnhofer and James Jones perform security rounds, complete work orders in common areas and respond to all manner of building and personal emergencies.
It is in this small army that we place our trust and confidence and because of whom we are able to rest easily knowing our loved ones are in good hands.