Delaware Hospice staff members, volunteers receive awards
The last few weeks have been busy for staff and volunteers of Delaware Hospice as they have been accepting awards across the state.
The Delaware End of Life Coalition hosted its annual Excellence Awards May 6 at Wild Quail Country Club in Dover. Seven Delaware Hospice staff members were honored for their dedication to stimulating public and professional awareness, sharing knowledge and creating change so every Delawarean is aware of issues and choices related to end of life. Sen. Chris Coons was the keynote speaker.
Nurse practitioner Loretta Higgins, CRNP, was given the Advanced Practice Clinician Award. Transitions Coordinator Kristy Handley broke a record for being nominated by three different nominators. Other staff members who were nominated for awards included Lauren Collins, RN CHPN, Nursing; Kristy Handley, administrator; Jennifer Saienni, Unsung Hero; Barb Lee, RN, Nursing; and Melissa Cole, Nursing Aide.
Each nominee received nominations from colleagues and was informed of their nomination once received by the End of Life Coalition. Winners were selected from each category through a blind review.
The Spirit of Women Awards hosted by Christiana Care Health System focuses on celebrating individuals making an impact on women's health.
Delaware Hospice Volunteer Adrianna Nelson won the Young Person Role Model Award. After being a camper at Camp New Hope, Nelson has volunteered her time for the past two summers to help other children deal with the loss of a loved one. Other Delaware Hospice Volunteer nominees included Wanda Tucker, Community Hero; Janet Welch, Community Hero; Deborah K. Yacyshyn, Community Hero; Al Bacon, Community Hero; and Ginny Bacon, Community Hero.
Nurse Practitioner Clare Matis, APRN, CNP, has been named a 2016 Top Nurse for Home Health-Hospice in the May edition of Delaware Today.
Also, Transitions Coordinator Kristy Handley has been trained as a trainer in the habilitation approach to dementia care using the Caring for People with Alzheimer's Disease program offered by the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter. With this certification, Handley will be able to educate other Delaware Hospice staff members in their quest to utilize the best practices and techniques for dementia patients and their families. For more information, go to www.delawarehospice.org.
