Sandy is an important member of our billing team now, but the first half

of her 15 years with VNAIC was in a very different role, as a Service Coordinator with the Caregiver program.  When VNAIC closed Caregivers in 2004, Sandy took on the role of collections for those accounts, and then moved into collecting Hospice managed care and MediCal charges – which last year was nearly three million dollars! Although she will be the first to tell you that she “is just doing her job”, we know that whenever California gets into a budget crisis and stops sending us money or the insurance companies ignore our bills, Sandy is watching every dollar and works hard to make sure we get our share.  Sandy, for your dedication, pride in your work, and efforts as a key member of the receivables team, we congratulate and thank you for 15 years of service to VNAIC!

Doug joined the VNAIC in 1995 to provide hospice liaison services and see patients as a hospice social worker. He continued in this role for 2 years and was promoted to the Manager of Business Development. Doug supervised the liaison staff for 6 years, ensuring that the VNAIC programs of home health and hospice could be provided to patients in need. The Board of Directors of the VNAIC established a new position of Director of Fund Development in 2003 and Doug was the successful candidate for this philanthropic position. For the last 7 years, Doug has developed the VNAIC’s donor program, making sure that donors are recognized and appreciated. Doug and his staff have raised over $4.6 million since the beginning of the philanthropy program and have been instrumental in obtaining grants for the implementation of point of care devices for Home Health clinical staff. Just recently, grants were received so hospice clinicians can also be on point-of-care units. Doug and his staff provide the VNAIC with opportunities for service to others that would not be otherwise possible. 

Rosemary Kirby has shown that she is a very versatile person.  She started her nursing career as a nurse’s aide, then LVN, then RN.  She has held both staff, administrative, and teaching positions in various settings, but her true love is hospice and teaching. Rosemary was initially hired as a hospice Case Manager, but has also worked as a Nursing Coordinator in the Caregiver Program, per diem hospice nurse, Hospice Clinical Educator, and now Director of Hospice.  During her employment at VNAIC, Rosemary has attained both her bachelors and masters degrees in nursing. Rosemary has an unending supply of energy and enthusiasm and is frequently inspired to do something new and different.  She is now certified in aroma therapy and is developing a line of products for the VNAIC.  She developed study materials for the Hospice and Palliative Care Certification exam for HHA’s and nurses, and now many proud members of her team are certified.

Cecilia provides wonderful care and follow-up of the patients.  She has a good rapport with the clients and staff and often will volunteer to help a co-worker in taking call or patient visits.  Cecilia uses her experience and knowledge to facilitate care of the patients, both young and old, in the far reaches of Barstow.  Cecilia is truly a team player and an asset to the VNAIC.

Theresa is very detail oriented, thorough, kind, and compassionate in her care.  She is also the PICC nurse for the Barstow area, using her expertise to provide our clients with long term IV catheters.  Theresa is well liked by the patients and her coworkers, regularly receiving compliments for her care.  She is a core resource to the team and a strong support to the management team.  Theresa is a valuable asset to the VNAIC.

 

 

Kathy came to the Palm Desert branch 15 years ago as a relatively new nurse from JFK Memorial Hospital. She worked in the field as a Case Manager on the east end of the Coachella valley for several years. Soon Kathy became the orientation nurse. When a management position became available in 1999, she was quickly promoted. Kathy has worked closely with the Director of the Palm Desert branch for many years. She has been able to easily step in and cover the branch when needed. Currently Kathy is one of two clinical managers and supervises the orthopedic team in Palm Desert. Kathy has a strong sense of loyalty and compassion. She is quick to volunteer or step in to help out wherever she can. Palm Desert employees know that when they go to Kathy, she will always lend a helping hand.

Betty has transitioned from her former position of being the Palm Desert branch’s only transcriptionist to one of the MRTs. Betty is a dedicated employee who takes her job responsibilities very seriously. She is very thorough and takes pride in what she does. Betty is always available to take on extra tasks. She is well liked and appreciated by her peers and clinical staff alike. 

Anne was initially hired as a mental health nurse to work in the agency’s new mental health program.  She quickly became the coordinator of the program and has remained the agency’s mental health expert ever since. Anne’s capabilities were broader than her expertise in mental health and, as a result, she was promoted in 1996 to Assistant Branch Manager of the Palm Desert branch.  In 1997 she was promoted again and became the Palm Desert Branch Manager which is now called Director of Home Health. Anne has effectively developed a very well-functioning home health team and has mentored many other Home Health Managers and Directors.  She has also served on the agency’s Strategic Planning Committee. In recognition of her leadership, Anne is a finalist this year for the Agency’s Leadership award.

Vanet has been providing excellent care to the patients of the VNAIC for the last 15 years. She is a per diem Physical Therapist in the Palm Desert branch.  Vanet can always be counted on to take on an extra patient or two if needed, even when her schedule is tight.  Having been with the agency for so many years, Vanet has seen all the changes home health has gone through, including the transition from paper to lap top documentation.  She always takes changes in stride, putting her best foot forward.  She is known for her positive attitude and caring nature.  Vanet often receives glowing compliments from the Palm Desert patients.

Deana makes herself available to help whenever help is needed.  She has a great way of communicating with patients and their families with regard to difficult topics that they may not want to discuss. She is respectful of patient needs and works hard to build and maintain trust with patients and their families. Deana also understands the importance of
self-care and has often let staff members stay at her cabin in Big Bear to take a break. Recently, she led an in-service about self-care and meditation which was well received by the hospice team. Deana has often been nominated for the “Yes, I Can” Award because of her “Yes, I Can” attitude. The Palm Desert Hospice Team would like to congratulate her on her achievement of 15 years of service to the Agency.

Janet is a friendly, dedicated team player.  She provides great quality care to her patients and is loved by them.  She goes above and beyond for her patients and her supervising therapists.  She is reliable, works extremely well with all the therapists and is the branch’s PTA. She is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever and where ever she is needed and covers out of her area when therapists go on vacation.  She has a “can do” attitude, and the Riverside staff love her and are so happy to have had her for 15 years.  She is truly appreciated!