4th Quarter 1999 National and Division Heroes

National Heroes

RN Category: Betsy Earnhardt - Winston Skilled (WS) Office, Winston-Salem, NC
LPN Category: Deborah Bee - Pediatric (PED) Office, Morris Plains, NJ
HHA Category: Ina Howell - Pinellas Park (PP) Office, Pinellas Park, FL

Division Heroes

* denotesNational Hero of the Quarter

Betsy Earnhardt, RN, has worked for Bayada for more than 6 years but has been dedicated to the same high-tech, pediatric case for the past 11 years. Service Director Robin McCarson explained that Betsy's client was the first very high-tech, pediatric case in the Winston-Salem area. Betsy ensured that the coverage was stable ever since-often going above and beyond reasonable expectations for care. The client's mother indicated, "Betsy has been a back-up when I was out of town and acts as a resource to the other nurses (without pay). You cannot pay someone to care, and Betsy really cares." Robin added that Betsy went so far as to be on-call with a pager when the client's mom was away just to ensure quality care. The mother of Betsy's client also took note of Betsy's strong clinical skills and ability to coordinate care with the other nurses: "Betsy has excellent technique-she has worked with a patient with a central line for 8 years with no infection." In comparison, the client's mother said hospital staff couldn't keep the line free of infection for a week. Furthermore, the client's mother says: "When supplies come in, she will inventory and restock them." Betsy's initiative makes the workload easier for the other nurses. In all, Staff Supervisor Emily Downs says, "Betsy helps out with coverage whenever she can on this 24-hour case. She really is a hero to her client through her dedication, professionalism, and caring attitude."

Deborah Bee, LPN, works out of Bayada's Pediatric Office in Morris Plains, NJ. In the words of Pediatric Manager Susan Scerbo, "Debbie has dedicated the past four and a half years to caring for a little girl, and her family. The little girl was diagnosed with encephalopathy and a seizure disorder, which was later complicated by airway and lung problems requiring a tracheostomy. After struggling through a variety of agencies, Debbie came into their lives. She became a caretaker, support person, and friend whom the family and Bayada could always count on." Susan added, "Over the years, Debbie cared for (her client) as she would her own child. It was obvious that a strong bond had formed between (the client), Debbie and the family." Susan continues: "Debbie is a meticulous and highly skilled nurse who was caring and respectful of the needs of (her client) and her family. Debbie's ever-present smile and hardy laugh gave (her client) much joy. In (her client's) last days and eventually last hours, Debbie was a constant at her side, only going home to sleep. She comforted (her client), her family and even the Bayada office staff with her kind words and reassuring way. She assisted the family with arrangements while keeping the office informed of all details." Debbie should have had enough on her mind, but Susan said, "The day after (her client's) death and in the midst of her own grief, Debbie sent our office flowers wishing us luck with our JCAHO survey that day. Each of us can learn from Debbie. She is a hero for providing comfort where there was pain, courage where there was fear, hope when there was despair, acceptance when the end was near and a touch that was gentle with tenderness and patience."

Ina Howell, HHA, has not only won the acclaim of the Pinellas Park, FL office staff where she works, but also the acclaim of many clients and coworkers, who have provided her with unsolicited letters of commendation over the years. Staff Supervisor Wanda Reyburn praises Ina for bringing stability to her clients' lives, as she typically commits to working with a client until the service ends. In one instance Ina cared for an elderly couple for a total of 6 years, working through the death of the husband, providing emotional support to the widow, then remaining until the widow's death. Wanda says Ina provides loving care in a quiet, gentle manner and goes the extra mile in meeting her clients' needs. Ina is described as a humble person who insists she is "only doing the best job she can, which is the right thing to do." Ina meets or exceeds her yearly, state-required continuing education requirements. She also completed a 75-hour HHA update course. She attends and offers help at company picnics and office functions, including those intended to honor other field employees. Wanda says, "Ina is truly an unselfish person, often being the first to congratulate coworkers on a job well done. Because of the quiet, professional attitude Ina brings to her work, she is much respected and loved by the clients as well as her coworkers, supervisors and office staff."