Below is a drawing done by coloring contest winner, Nicole Vandervort, 2nd grade. |
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Penny Watkins
Penny Watkins
Maria-Joseph Living Care Center - Lourdes 5
Penny is chief clinical officer of a 400-bed nursing facility, with 30-years' experience, from nursing assistant, nurse to CCO. Penny is your typical nurse manager, making sure physical and emotional needs of those under her responsibility are taken care of while ensuring the multitude of nursing home laws and regulations are followed, a never ending job with 200+ employees in her department. But under that stern, demanding exterior is a heart of pure gold, for patients, staff and co-workers. A few special examples: she pays for hair appointments for patients and buys needed items for those who have limited funds--anonymously. Her love and compassion for the elderly is unsurpassed--a ferocious lioness protecting the frail. Penny has had personal hardships herself and this seems to have given her a feeling for others in need of TLC and a feel for when one of her patients, employees or co-workers is hurting or in need. She has paid bills, made anonymous monetary donations when they are ill or lost a home in a fire, helped victims of domestic violence, etc. Penny is the one we call when we need help whether on the job or in our personal lives. She is there for us. This is Penny, the nurse, but most of all it is Penny, the person--a loving, caring woman with a big heart. But you can't let her know how wonderful she is; she will not allow that. She doesn't think she is special, but she definitely is!
Nominated by Kay Bryant
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