1st Quarter 2000 National and Division Heroes

National Heroes

RN Category: Eugenia "Jeani" Lyness - Lawrenceville (LAW) Office, Lawrenceville, NJ
LPN Category: Elsie Hartigan - Mt. Laurel Pediatric (MLP) Office, Mt. Laurel, NJ
HHA Category: Lillian Alston - PCA West (PW) Office, Philadelphia, PA

Division Heroes

* denotesNational Hero of the Quarter

Eugenia "Jeani" Lyness, RN, has had a multifaceted career at Bayada and is committed to both clients and office staff alike. Office Director Robin Rodriguez explained that for more than four years, "Jeani has graciously moved in and out of the Pediatric Nursing Supervisor role with both style and skill. She has on many, many occasions been the 'reliable' hero to whom we've turned when we were stuck on opening a case, filling a shift, filling a visit, or needing a monthly supervisory visit done." Jeani continually strives to update her skills and her caring spirit is recognized daily in her interactions with clients or other professionals on her clients' behalf. Robin indicated that whenever Jeani's client would take a turn for the worse, "Jeani would advocate for the client to remain in her home, even though this meant a more strenuous effort to be put forth by all of her nurses."

Elsie Hartigan, LPN, has the ability to put the families of her pediatric clients at ease by earning their trust and confidence in her skill and manner of care. Elsie cared for one client for 7 years. The family says: "From the first day that we met Elsie, our family was and continues to be impressed with her dedication to her job, continuing education, and family. By her example, she has impressed upon our children the resilience of the human spirit. We feel secure knowing (the client) is in her capable and loving hands." Another client's family endorsed Elsie's nomination as well. The mother, who is a nurse, proclaimed, "Elsie has initiative and is always looking for ways to better meet (my son's) medical, physical and emotional needs. She cares for the total child and is food for his soul." The client's sister added, "She puts her heart into her nursing career. She makes everyone laugh and makes everything right. She handles and loves (my brother) as if he was her own son." Staff Supervisors Kim Laipple and Meredith Miller sum it all up: "Working whenever needed, Elsie has provided a level of comfort and commitment unsurpassed."

Lillian Alston, HHA, works for Bayada's PCA West Office in Philadelphia, PA. On the day of her interview in 1981, she was rated A or A+ in appearance, speech, personality and comprehension. Lillian brought 14 years of nursing home experience to her Bayada clients. Division Director Marty Soroka says, "More than 18 years and 46,778.5 hours later, I believe Lillian has met and exceeded our expectations as noted on her original application. She seems to possess energy that exceeds that of the Energizer Bunny."