Commun ty Matters Fulton Presbyterian Manor
Growing our own CNAs
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are a vital part of any health community, and help with everything from bathing, to feeding, to taking vital signs and more. They’re an indispensable part of the team, and that’s why we’ve decided to “grow our own” CNAs by paying for individuals to obtain their CNA certification. “We are looking to hire three to four nursing assistants to work with our CNAs. We want to invest in people and ‘grow our own’ dedicated individuals who are looking for a career in nursing—starting with becoming a CNA. By investing in this first step, we are hoping they will stay with us long CNAs continued on page 2
Reconnecting with RN
July 2018
Health Services Director Jessica Donelson fondly recalls a coworker she had while working in Jefferson City.
“While it was only for a short time that we had worked together, Rita Elliott had made quite an impression on me. Rita was the staffing coordinator, so her organization skills were very immaculate, and her willingness to help new staff was just great,” said Jessica. “There were times when Rita Elliott is our new assisted living supervisor. Rita was asked to go above and beyond her duties, and as we all know as nurses, those duties can be very demanding of our time, but she always seemed to be the one to step up and complete tasks that were not truly hers to complete.” When it came time for Jessica to hire someone as assisted living supervisor, she immediately thought of Rita.
CNAs provide important assistance to residents.
“In just the short time that she and I worked together, she impressed me with
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CNAs continued from page 1
term, continue their education and utilize PMMA’s Employee Educational Assistance Fund,” said Dawn Smith, executive director. “I believe investing in people is important and gives someone a sense of belonging. This brings unity to our team and in return brings a positive outcome to our residents—our whole purpose of why we come in every day.” This opportunity will be offered to both current employees and new hires. For more information, contact Jessica Donelson or Dawn Smith at 573-642-6646.
Fulton hosts a senior prom Fulton Presbyterian Manor hosted Senior Prom on June 2. The event was a tremendous success thanks to numerous volunteers and hard working staff.
John Glover, Audrey Ray, Elinda Trower and Bessie Boese help decorate for prom.
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Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Fulton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Staff and volunteers getting ready for prom
Dawn Smith, executive director Keri Alonzo, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact kealonzo@pmma.org. Telephone: 573-642-6646 Fax: 573-642-2202 Address: 811 Center St., Fulton, MO 65251-1922
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. FultonPresbyterianManor.org
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Some of the members of the prom decorating crew
Janie Cannell getting her makeup done by volunteer, Emily Humphrey.
Karen Werdenhausen, resident Carl Rues, and Beth Boyd
Woodrow and Jalie Boulware
Resident Janie Cannell and her son Lowe Cannell dancing
Baylie Borman, volunteer and resident Charles Benson
Mary Niedergerke in her finest Mildred Downing and her family pose together at Senior Prom. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
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her organization skills, her ability to embrace change, her willingness to help others, but most importantly she impressed me with her ability to lead and promote teamwork. So, to sum it up … those are all the reasons I chose to hire her for her role as AL supervisor,” said Jessica.
And it’s important to note that Jessica actually reached out to her and asked her to come work with her again.
“Our previous time together was simply too short!” said Jessica. “Also, we are both from Ohio, we both love Ballriech’s potato chips, and those are only made and sold in Ohio!”
But it was more than a shared love of fried sliced potatoes that brought 4 COMMUNITY MATTERS JULY 2018
Rita to work at Fulton Presbyterian Manor.
“I have worked at Fulton Presbyterian Manor since December 2017—long enough to know I like it here and love my residents on Assisted Living! My favorite part of the job is the interaction I have with my residents. I like listening to their stories and hearing about their families. In the hospital setting I did not take care of my patients more than a few days so I did not get to build relationships,” said Rita. Then again, Rita always knew she’d make it back to long term care. “I have been an RN since 2006. I worked my first eight years in the hospital setting on cardiac stepdown/progressive care units.
Before going to nursing school, I was a CNA for many, many years, back to the days before certification requirements. I loved long term care then and knew that I would eventually come back to long term care after I had some intense training as a nurse. I earned my ADN at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. I also have an Associates Degree in American Sign Language, but I am pretty rusty now,” said Rita.
When Rita is not at work, she stays busy enjoying her family, including her husband of 39 years, their six children and 13 grandchildren. And when possible, she enjoys knitting and crocheting.
We’re glad to have Rita in our Fulton Presbyterian Manor, and grateful to Jessica for reuniting with this fabulous RN!