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Alverno In The News
Visit this page often to keep up to date with Local news about The Alverno Health care facility.
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The Alverno Receives the Silver Quality Award
Schutte to Retire After 33 Years
Alverno Program Receives State Recognition
Alverno Awards 2009
Alverno Residents Meet Their Special Pals
The Alverno Health Care Facility Receives Safety Award
Alverno Health Care Facility Employees Receive State Honors
The Alverno Welcomes New Administrator
The Alverno Health Care Facility to be Honored with National Award Recognizing Their Significant Achievement in the Delivery of Quality Care
The Alverno Health Care Facility, located in Clinton, Iowa has been recognized as a 2010 recipient of the Silver – Achievement in Quality National Quality Award presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), a trade organization with approximately 11,000 members nationwide. This year, 271 nursing home and assisted living communities from across the nation applied for the Silver Quality Award and the Alverno was one of 39 organizations to receive this award. The award will be formally presented to The Alverno during AHCA/NCAL’s 61st Annual Convention and Exposition, October 10-13, 2010 in Long Beach, CA.
“We applaud the staff and leadership of The Alverno for demonstrating national distinction in their quest for performance excellence,” stated Bruce Yarwood, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Being judged to be worthy of a Silver Quality Award demonstrated a commitment to a rigorous journey of continuous improvement and a good level of sustainable performance.”
Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, The National Quality Award Program is based on the core values and criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program. It provides a pathway for providers of long term and post-acute care services to journey towards performance excellence. Facilities that apply for the Silver Quality Award, formerly known as the Step II Award, must demonstrate very good performance outcomes that have evolved from sustainable approaches to the core values and concepts of visionary leadership, focus on the future, resident-focused excellence, management by innovation, and focus on results and creating value. The award is judged by a Board of highly trained Examiners who come from within and outside of the long term care profession.
The Alverno has previously won the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award and may now move forward to apply for the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award which requires them to address the Baldrige Program’s Health Care Criteria for Performance Excellence in its entirety.
“We are very excited and tremendously proud to be a recipient of the Silver – Achievement in Quality Award,” stated Libby Goodman, Administrator of The Alverno. “The Alverno has demonstrated our commitment to continuous quality improvement and we are focused on our mission to provide care for the aging through an environment and professional services which are life giving, supportive, and enabling for the aging person and for every member of the staff.”
The awards are sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Member McKesson Medical-Surgical, a leading distributor of medical supplies and equipment to physician practices, surgery centers, hospitals, home care, and extended care facilities, and My InnerView, a Web-based applied research and quality-management company that supports leaders across the entire assisted living, senior housing and skilled nursing profession with tools to measure, benchmark and improve performance.
Click here for the full press release pdf.
Sheryl Schutte to Retire After 33 Years
Sheryl Schutte, Co-Director of Nursing at The Alverno Health Care Facility has announced her retirement following 33 years of service. Schutte received her nursing training from Black Hawk College, which was affiliated with the Moline Public Hospital School of Nursing. In 1977, she began working at The Alverno as a registered nurse. Schutte was promoted to floor supervisor in 1996 and to Co-Director of Nursing in 2003. Schutte’s last day at The Alverno will be July 2, 2010.
“Sheryl has been a pleasure to work with. Her calm, professional leadership style has been key to the success of The Alverno over the years. She will be missed greatly,” said Alverno Administrator, Libby Goodman. Co-Director of Nursing, Theresa Nielsen adds, “Through her 33 years of service, she has shown great compassion for our residents and has helped see our organization through the numerous changes that have occurred in long term care. We appreciate all her commitment and dedication.”
Additional Retirements: Erna Rickertsen and Sr. Virginia Krakow have also recently retired from The Alverno. Rickertsen retired after 21 years of service to The Alverno. She began working in the laundry department in 1988 and at the age of 80, she decided it was time to retire. Her last day at The Alverno was April 27. Sr. Virginia retired from The Alverno following six years of service in the laundry department. Her last day was May 31.
Alverno End of Life Program Receives State Recognition
JoAnn Snodgrass, pictured with Iowa Health Care Association President, Tim Boyle (left) and Iowa Center for Assisted Living President, Gary Troth (left), accepts a Quality Care Program Award on behalf of The Alverno
The Alverno Health Care Facility was recently recognized by the Iowa Health Care Association for their specialized End of Life Program at an awards luncheon held in Des Moines.
A Quality Care Program Award was presented to The Alverno in recognition of the extensive program the organization has developed to assist individuals and their families as they enter the very difficult and emotional end of life process.
The admission coordinator, social workers and many other staff members spend a great amount of time speaking with residents and families regarding their medical needs and desires as well as final wishes. When a resident enters the end of life stages, spiritual guidance and support are offered. A comfort basket filled with various items, such as a CD player and soothing music, lotions and prayers is shared with the resident and their family. As a sign of respect when a resident has passed away, prayers are offered for staff, family members and visitors who wish to be present. Also, the deceased is draped with a beautiful quilt prior to being escorted out the facility’s front doors by staff, family and other residents who loved and cared for them. “We feel it is so important to honor the living and the deceased and this is another way we are able to carry out our mission at the Alverno,” said Libby Goodman, Alverno Administrator.
The Alverno continues to provide support and care by presenting each family of the deceased with a Willow Tree Serenity Angel. “Oftentimes, our staff members are able to personally attend the services and give the Serenity Angels to the families as a sign of respect, and out of love for the deceased who became very important to them while at our facility,” said Goodman. Families are then invited to participate in a quarterly memorial service which offers an opportunity for staff and residents that were unable to attend visitation and funeral services to grieve and celebrate the lives of those they were friends with and cared for.
The Quality Program Awards are presented by the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA). IHCA, located in West Des Moines, is a nonprofit trade association that represents approximately 550 nursing homes, assisted living programs, residential care facilities and elder group homes in Iowa. For more information on long term care in Iowa, visit www.iowahealthcare.org.
The Alverno Awards 2009 Sister Rachel Naughton Scholarships
This year, The Alverno was pleased to award 28 scholarships to employees and members of their families. The scholarship fund was created in memory of Sister Rachel Naughton, who died March 19, 1989. It was established in recognition of her life's work and commitments to both the field of health care and the Sisters of Saint Francis and in particular recognition of the quality of care she received at The Alverno during her final years. The purpose of the fund is to encourage education of Alverno staff members or their children as they work toward degrees/certifications or to attend professionally related workshops.
The 2009 recipients include:
Erin Adams (Fulton, IL): Erin an RN at The Alverno and is currently taking classes Eastern Iowa Community College to earn her BSN.
Sarah Ann Butler (Arizona): Sarah is a 2009 graduate of NLRHS West Campus and plans to attend Clinton Community College to major in nursing. She is the granddaughter of Alverno employee Cheryl Koenes.
Travis Clark (Clinton, IA): Travis is attending Ashford University where he is majoring in Graphic Design/3D Animation. He is the son of Alverno employee Kim Clark.
Jennifer Diercks (Andover, IA): Jennifer is attending Ashford University where she is majoring in psychology with a concentration in education. She is the daughter of Alverno employee Patti Diercks.
Kelli Diercks (Andover, IA): Kelli is attending Clinton Community College where she is pursuing an Associates Degree in Science. She plans to continue her education and obtain a degree in Radiology. She is the daughter of Alverno employee Patti Diercks.
Rachel Dimmer (Clinton, IA): Rachel is attending the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She is the daughter of Alverno employee Mary Jane Dimmer.
Emily Flynn (Clinton, IA): Emily is a CNA at The Alverno. She is currently working toward her nursing degree at Clinton Community College.
Jill Hankemeier (Miles, IA): Jill is a 2009 graduate of East Central High School. She is planning to attend the University of Iowa in the fall and plans to pursue a physician assistant degree. She is the daughter of Alverno physical therapy assistant, Bernadette Hankemeier.
Breanne Heiar (Charlotte, IA): Breanne is in the dietary department at The Alverno. She is attending Clinton Community College and is enrolled in the Healthcare Administration program.
Valencia Johnson (Clinton, IA): Valencia is CNA at The Alverno and is currently enrolled in the nursing program at Clinton Community College.
Regan Kenney (Miles, IA): Regan is a CNA at The Alverno. She recently graduated from Loras College with an Honor’s Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. She is planning to attend Des Moines University in the fall where she is enrolled in the doctor of osteopathic medical program.
Aimee Kyarsgaard (Clinton, IA): Aimee is a CNA at The Alverno. She is currently attending the nursing program at Clinton Community College.
Larissa Lewis (Morrison, IL): Larissa is participating in an online program through the University of Phoenix – Arizona College and is working toward a bachelor of science degree in health administration/health information systems. Larissa is the daughter of Alverno employee JoAnn Snodgrass.
Tiffany Neas (Clinton, IA): Tiffany is a CNA at The Alverno. She is currently attending Clinton Community College where she is studying health care education/nursing.
Sarah Nelson (Camanche, IA): Sarah is a CNA at The Alverno. She is currently enrolled in the nursing program at St. Ambrose University.
Kayla Nielsen (Camanche, IA): Kayla is a CNA at The Alverno. She is currently attending the nursing program at Scott Community College. She is the daughter of Alverno employee, Theresa Nielsen.
Stacia Nielsen (Camanche, IA): Stacia is a CNA at The Alverno. She is currently attending Kirkwood Community College where she is enrolled in the physical therapy program. She is the daughter of Alverno employee, Theresa Nielsen.
Theresa Nielsen (Camanche, IA): Theresa is a Co-Director of Nursing at The Alverno. She is working toward a bachelor of health science degree from University of Northern Iowa.
Larissa Phillips (Clinton, IA): Larissa is attending North Central College where she is studying Japanese Language and Art. She is the daughter of Alverno employee Jim Phillips.
Alyssa Plummer (Camanche, IA): Alyssa is a CNA at The Alverno. She is currently attending the nursing program through Scott Community College.
April Stark (Clinton, IA): April is a recent graduate of Clinton High School. She plans to attend Colorado Mountain College where she plans to enroll in the veterinary technician program. April is the daughter of Alverno employee Marlene Stark.
Kallie Tebbe (Spragueville, IA): Kallie is an RCA at The Alverno and a recent graduate of Preston High School. She plans to attend the University of Iowa in the fall, where she will be working toward a degree in the medical field. Kallie is the daughter of Alverno employee Margie Tebbe.
Antigany Temple (Clinton, IA): Antigany is attending the University of Northern Iowa where she is pursuing a degree in social science education. She is the daughter of Alverno employee Sally Temple.
Amber Tracy (San Bernardino, CA): Amber is attending California State University and is studying political science/Arabic. Amber is the daughter of Alverno employee Karen Tracy.
Jacquelyn Twyford (Clinton, IA): Jacquelyn is a receptionist at The Alverno and is a recent graduate of Friendswood High School. She is currently attending Clinton Community College and will be going to Iowa in the fall to major in health care and plans to enter the physician assistant program.
Meagan Zickau (Clinton, IA): Meagan is attending Simpson College where she is majoring in mathematics with a minor in secondary education. She is the daughter of Alverno employee Kim Zickau-Quick.
The Alverno is an award winning, not-for-profit health care facility sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis in Clinton, Iowa. The facility provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation to individuals recovering from injuries and/or illnesses, long-term care, respite care and care for individuals affected by Dementia.
Alverno Residents Meet Their Special Pals
National Nursing Home Week is always a fun and exciting time at The Alverno Health Care Facility. Throughout the week (May 11 – 15), residents and staff participated in various activities such as planting the patio, enjoying special meals and outings, watching performances and spending time with relatives during Family Night. This year, in addition to all of the festivities, residents at The Alverno had a visit from some very special guests, their pen pals. Since October, many of the residents have been corresponding with a third grade pen pal from Mrs. Cramer’s class at Whittier Elementary in Clinton. On May 14, the class journeyed to The Alverno for a party to meet their pals. The sun was shining and the residents and students were full of smiles as they met their “pals.” The group enjoyed sharing information out on the patio, as well as ice cream sundaes. Some of the students had already visited the facility on their own to meet their special friend, but for most, this was their first meeting.
Third grade is the time that the students really begin learning how to write a friendly letter, so Activity Director, Rebecca Schmidt, contacted her son’s third grade teacher about the idea of setting up a pen pal program. The school thought it was a great idea, and the students and residents have been corresponding ever since. The residents enjoyed sending letters just as much as receiving them.
“This was one of the best experiences I have been involved in,” stated Alverno resident, Lillian McKinney. “I have even met my pal’s family.”
“All of the residents that participated in the program really enjoyed it. We hope to continue the program next year as well,” said Schmidt.
The Alverno Health Care Facility Receives Safety Award
The Alverno is pleased to announce that they have received a Chairman’s Safety Award from the Iowa Long Term Care Risk Management Association (ILTCRMA.) The Alverno earned the award by having a Worker’s Comp Loss Ratio of 0 to 5% over the past year. “The safety of our staff and residents is a top priority at The Alverno,” said Libby Goodman, Administrator. “Our staff members participate in numerous inservices and take the proper precautions to decrease the risk of experiencing injuries resulting in time off work. We are proud of their hard work and dedication to having and maintaining a safe working environment.” ILTCRMA is a group self-insured association that provides workers’ compensation coverage to more than 190 Iowa long term care providers. ILTCRMA is professionally administered by Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc. (CCMSI), a recognized leader in the risk management industry. CCMSI specializes in working with clients to develop effective group self-administered programs.
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Alverno Health Care Facility Employees Receive State Honors
Three Alverno Health Care Facility employees have been recognized by their peers as leaders in their fields. Kathy McDermott, Dietary Manager and Patricia Diercks, Dietary Supervisor, were awarded the Excellence in Long Term Care Award for Dietary Services. Rebecca Schmidt, Activities Director, received the Excellence in Long Term Care Award in Activity Services. The awards were presented by the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) and Iowa Center for Assisted Living (ICAL) on Wednesday, October 1 at the associations’ state convention in Des Moines.
McDermott and Diercks have a combined 54 years of service to The Alverno. Both began their careers as after-school dietary aides and are now certified long term care food service supervisors. In addition to overseeing all of the freshly prepared meals at The Alverno, the team oversees the preparation of the food for the Clinton Area Mobile Meals program, prepares food for facility events such as their annual hog roast and bakes hundreds of cookies for the local United Way kick off.
And it’s not just about food prep, said Libby Goodman, The Alverno Administrator. “When researching ways to increase consumption for dementia residents, they studied the affects of using red plates. The positive results led to red plates becoming a permanent part of the dining experience.” A facility Resident Food Advisory Committee has also been established to allow for more participation from residents in the choice of meals served at The Alverno.
Schmidt has been at The Alverno for over 13 years. During the past few years as Director of Activities, she has built an activity program that focuses on improving the residents’ quality of life. “Her impact on residents’ physical and mental health is enormous,” said Goodman. “She constantly strives to gain knowledge of innovative programming by attending conferences and classes, and adapts new ideas to work for residents at The Alverno.”
Schmidt’s music background serves as a great framework for many of the activities. But the best testimonial, according to Goodman, is hearing a resident say, “I never knew living in a nursing facility could be so much fun.”
The Excellence in Long Term Care Awards are presented
by the Iowa Health Care Association and Iowa Center for Assisted Living. IHCA
ICAL, located in West Des Moines, is a nonprofit trade association that
represents approximately 560 nursing homes, assisted living programs and
residential care facilities in Iowa. For more information on long term care in
Iowa, visit www.iowahealthcare.org.
For more information about the services provided at The Alverno Health Care
Facility, contact Deb Bergmann at 563.242.1521.
The Alverno Welcomes New Administrator
The Board of Directors of The Alverno in Clinton announced today that Libby Goodman, Morrison, Ill., has been hired as administrator for the long term care facility. She will begin her service on January 28th.
A reception for Libby Goodman will be held on Thursday, February 7, from 2:00 until 3:30 in the afternoon and from 6:00 until 7:30 in the evening in the Main Lounge of the Alverno, 849-13th Ave., No., Clinton. The public is invited to attend.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Libby Goodman to Clinton,” said Janice Cebula OSF, president of The Alverno Board of Directors and of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, who founded and sponsor The Alverno. “We hope our Alverno families, friends, neighbors, and all the people of the Clinton area will join us on the 7th to meet and get to know our new administrator.” Goodman replaces Steve Drobot who left The Alverno last fall to take a similar position in the Chicago area.
“Libby brings both experience and dedication to The Alverno,” said Sister Jan. “She has demonstrated excellence in management, strategic planning, and organizational development. In her previous work she led her facility in achieving the American Healthcare Association Step I and Step II Quality Awards. The Alverno holds a Step I Award. She has guided long-term care facilities to receiving national certification for their commitment to providing person-centered quality care. The Alverno Board believes that we have found the right person to continue The Alverno’s tradition of excellence in care and commitment to the individual.”
Goodman has been the administrator of Winning Wheels, an 80-bed rehabilitation facility in Prophetstown, Ill., since 1994. She has worked in rehabilitation services and long term care for 20 years. A native of Camanche, Goodman holds a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College, Wayne, Neb. She is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, a Qualified Health Professional in the State of Illinois, and holds certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation.
In a recent statement, Goodman said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of The Alverno community. I feel very welcome here. Although it will be very different from my previous experiences, I am eager to learn and am anxious to share what I know. I believe together we can build an even greater community.”
Goodman will be an agent for Trinity Continuing Care Services (TCCS), Novi, Mich., which provides management services for The Alverno. TCCS owns or manages 33 long term care facilities and senior housing communities in several states. The Alverno Board entered into the management agreement with TCCS in October 2007.
“We are grateful to TCCS for finding the right person for The Alverno,” said Sister Jan. “The Alverno is a vibrant expression of the mission, established many years ago, to provide professional care for the aging and support for their families in a community which is respectful, compassionate, life giving, Franciscan and Gospel centered. We are confidant that Libby will not only aid in continuing that mission but will enhance the services The Alverno provides to the residents and their families, the employees and the entire Clinton area community.”