Barbara Klein, Senior LPN and Restorative Department Head at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home, is Florida Health Care Association’s (FHCA) 2019 Long Term Care Rising Star in Nursing Award recipient. Klein was recognized during FHCA’s 2019 Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards presentation held in St. Pete Beach.
For 7 years, Klein has been serving in numerous capacities at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home, located in Port Charlotte. In recent years, she championed the integration of the home’s electronic medication and administration record and scheduling (EMARS). Klein spent countless hours training the nursing staff on all shifts to use the program, which has resulted in improved fiscal accountability and enhanced resident care. Her tireless work at the home has led to deficiency free surveys for the last two years. Klein has also helped with improving outcomes within the therapy department, with residents seeing their mobility increasing thanks to her advocacy for additional equipment that would enhance their activities of daily living.
“Barbara is a model employee whose meticulous work ethic, positive outlook and demeanor make her an inspiration to work with,” said Kelly Cline who works alongside Barbara at Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home, “She is a true team player with only one goal, superior services for our veterans. She has an unsurpassed passion for our residents; her efforts help maintain our residents’ dignity and respect.”
Emmett Reed, executive director of FHCA said, “Florida Health Care Association is honored to recognize Ms. Klein for the dedication and passion she has for the residents under her care. She is a true role model for other long term care nursing professionals.”
FHCA’s Long Term Care Rising Star in Nursing Award recognizes nurses who have worked at an FHCA member center or the corporate level for five-to-ten years. Award recipients are chosen for demonstrating a positive impact in clinical practice and a commitment to person-centered care. The award is one of several of FHCA’s Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards given annually at the association’s Nurse Leadership Program. Honorees reflect the dedication, professionalism, and expanded skill sets of the long term care nursing profession. The annual FHCA awards recognize individuals for their important roles in helping centers achieve continuous quality improvement by improving their national Quality Measures and demonstrating a person-centered care approach to residents and patients.