During the annual Nurse Leadership Program on June 3, Florida Health Care Association recognized the 2022 recipients of our Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards. Each of these winners shares the unique characteristics, professionalism and expanded skills set of the long term care nurse. They also share compassion for their residents and a commitment for leading the way in high-quality care.
Markie Vogleman of Orchid Cove at New Port Richey was named the 2022 Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Markie began working at her facility as a CNA when it opened nearly 40 years ago and has devoted her life and her career to the facility and her residents. Even on her busiest days, Markie is known for taking extra time to sit and talk with the residents, honor their preferences and establish and maintain the routines that make them feel comfortable. She’s a mentor to new employees and helps them understand the importance of being able to adapt to the many changes that come with the job of being a CNA.
Roxanne “Roxy” Acosta with Palm Garden of Ocala, was named the 2022 Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year. Roxy has also dedicated 40 years of her life to the nursing profession, with the past 14 years as the Director of Quality Assurance at Palm Garden. She is described as the heartbeat of the facility, a hands-on leader and an advocate and friend to all. Roxy focuses on reducing the use of antipsychotics, returns to hospital and falls, with a goal for every team member to continuously make these and other quality improvements. She has developed a strong relationship with local surveyors who appreciate her diligence and solution-oriented mindset.
Cynthia Davis, RN Clinical Competency Coordinator at PruittHealth-Fleming Island, was named the 2022 Registered Nurse of the Year. Cynthia began her tenure at PruittHealth in 2018, prior to the building receiving any patients. She helped establish standards and policies that she puts into practice with her team every day. Because of her expertise she is often called upon by the corporate office to assist with implementing those standards in other care centers across the state. Cynthia recognizes the importance of growing leaders in the profession and uses her passion for teaching and training to mentor new employees and upskill existing team members. Her leadership helps them grow and succeed in their personal and professional endeavors, and that commitment makes her well respected and appreciated by her fellow caregivers.
Tiffany Cliver, Director of Nursing at Canterbury Tower, was named the 2022 Long Term Care Rising Star in Nursing Award recipient. Tiffany began her career at Canterbury Tower 8 years ago, starting in housekeeping, then becoming a CNA. Her dedication to her residents and her love for the nursing profession prompted her to become an LPN and ultimately put herself through the RN program while working full time as a staff nurse. Her experience, passion for the profession and constant goal to learn and lead make her well respected by her peers. Tiffany is always there to support her fellow nurses who need training, to lend a listening ear, offer them a cup of coffee and help them tackle every challenge with a positive attitude. Her commitment to quality care has helped the facility earn a zero deficiency survey and a five star quality rating.
Kimberly Scott, Director of Nursing at The Lodge at Cypress Cove was named the 2022 Nurse Administrator of the Year. Tiffany, US Air Force Veteran who served four years in Operation Desert Storm as an Inventory Control Specialist, started working at The Lodge while earning her LPN. She quickly rose up the ranks to become the DON, and under her leadership, the facility maintains a five star rating with exceptional clinical outcomes. Kimberly has a passion for growing the next generation of healthcare professionals, maintaining the schedule for three LPN programs, six CNA programs and three RN programs, sometimes supporting nearly 80 students per week. She not only helps to develop their professional knowledge and careers, but also helps the facility with its retention efforts through these invaluable programs.
“The association is proud to recognize these dedicated healthcare heroes for their outstanding service to our wonderful residents,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “Each of them is a role model, and the passion and commitment to excellence they demonstrate is what helps Florida lead the way in quality long term care.”
FHCA’s Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Award honorees are health care professionals, nominated by Florida Health Care Association member skilled nursing and assisted living centers, who reflect the unique characteristics, professionalism, and expanded skill sets needed in the long term care nursing profession. The annual awards recognize individuals for their important roles in helping centers achieve continuous quality improvement and demonstrating a person-centered care approach to residents and patients.