VNA achieves Workplace of Distinction honor

VNA achieves Workplace of Distinction honor

The Christiana Care VNA leadership team received the Morehead Apex Workplace of Distinction Award at its quarterly statewide management meeting in September.

The Christiana Care Visiting Nurse Association has been named a Morehead Apex Workplace of Distinction, one of an elite group of workplaces where employees feel an exceptional level of safety, support and appreciation.

The honor is awarded annually to health care organizations that have reached and sustained the 90th percentile or higher on their employee surveys. These organizations recognize that one of the most valuable resources for providing safe, superior care is a rewarding work environment in which employees are engaged and supported.

Nationally, VNA attained the 92nd percentile. Christiana Care overall achieved the 80th percentile nationally and the 91st percentile among health care systems in the Northeast region.

“This award is a reflection of our culture of team work and appreciation,” said Lynn C. Jones, VNA president. “The positive sentiment from the staff is a tribute to our managers and supervisors, the people who are responsible every day for supporting and positioning our staff for success.”

In the survey, employees gave exceptional marks to VNA’s performance in patient care, patient safety, employee safety, and supporting diversity and commitment to the community. Staff members say they enjoy their work in a positive environment of mutual respect.

“At VNA, we are working hard to create a great place to work for all our employees, who strive to provide high quality, personalized care for our patients, so that they are better able to remain independent and well where they most want to be – at home,” Jones said.

Pearl Hicks, a home health aide who works in New Castle County, appreciates that managers pass along positive feedback from patients about her performance. She also feels respected and appreciated by management.

Jody Fennell, RN, is a clinical coordinator in the Kent/Sussex office who has also worked as an interim manager. Last January, she began studying for a BSN degree at Wilmington University, taking advantage of Christiana Care’s tuition-reimbursement program.

That environment of mutual support and caring extends beyond the workplace. When Fennell’s home was destroyed by fire, her co-workers at VNA were there to help.

“Within hours of the fire, my colleagues had gathered all the clothes and supplies my family and I would need for the following few days,” she says. “And they continued to help until I assured them that we were back on our feet.”

Each year, Morehead awards the health care industry’s top achievers by objectively identifying the highest performers and acknowledging their contributions to care.

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