Dubuque CNA earns national award for quality of care

Kathy Weipert, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Dubuque Specialty Care was named the National Association of Health Care Assistants’ (NAHCA) Restorative Care Professional of the Year on June 2 at NAHCA’s national annual conference held in Des Moines.

 

The CNA chosen for this award displays knowledge and competence in restorative care and possesses the skills to promote the highest level of functioning. The award winner also has been successful in the past having significant impact in restoring functioning levels to residents who have been able to live independently as a result of her care.

 

“Kathy has been a CNA here for 36 years. She helped organize and initiate our restorative program,” said Administrator Jayme LeJeune. “As one of our residents day-to-day caregivers, Kathy stays close communication with the therapy staff to discuss changes and ways to promote increased functioning.”

 

NAHCA is a one-of-a-kind organization that supports professional caregivers who are considered to be the backbone of health care and its heart and soul. With 40,000 members throughout the US, NAHCA supports the professionals who provide 90 percent of the care for residents in skilled nursing. 

 

Care Initiatives supports and encourages CNA participation in NAHCA educational opportunities, including attending their national conference.  CNA’s attending this conference are provided an opportunity to learn from industry leaders and each other, and the conference empowers and encourages aides and assistants to make a difference among their peers back home.

 

Dubuque Specialty Care is an 98-bed skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and hospice care. It is owned and operated by Care Initiatives, Iowa’s largest not-for-profit senior care provider.  With headquarters in West Des Moines, Care Initiatives and Care Initiatives Hospice operate 55 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s/dementia, assisted living and hospice locations throughout Iowa. We are committed to providing compassionate care for Iowans through all of life’s health transitions.   For more information about Care Initiatives, visit careinitiatives.org or call 563.556.0673.