Nurses, We Thank You
Nurses Recognized for Excellence at Annual Luncheon
The Nursing Team at Citizens Options Unlimited rises to the challenge every day leading with talent and expertise.
Recognizing their important work, Citizens Options Unlimited held its annual Nurse Recognition Luncheon at the Brookville Mansion on May 22 celebrating the many ways nurses ensure the health, safety, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities across our family of organizations.
Nicole Uterano-Ferrar, Vice President of Health Services, thanked the attending nurses for their hard work, even in the face of challenges like staff shortages.
“Through the challenges you face daily, you each give 100 percent when caring for the people who we support,” said Nicole. “Your jobs require patience, understanding, and advocacy, and this team of nurses demonstrates those qualities every time they provide care.”
She also praised the many nurses who were unable to attend the luncheon because they were currently working.
Among the nurses attending the luncheon was Nicole Banovich, Director of Nursing at the Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), which provides clinical and supportive care for 79 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She began providing direct care at the Shoreham ICF in 2011 and was appointed Director of Nursing last year.
“I love being at Shoreham,” Nicole said. “It’s such a special place to work. The staff are passionate about caring for the people who live at Shoreham. They take care of them like they are their own family.”
When asked about the importance of quality nursing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD),
Nicole explained, “We really advocate strongly for the people we support to make sure they get the highest quality, standard of care.”
Advocacy, compassion, were highlighted throughout the luncheon. While teaching may not come to mind when considering a nurse’s job description, our nursing team plays a vital role every day by educating the people we support about their health and helping them make informed decisions. They train Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and other staff to recognize early signs of illness, manage health needs effectively, and promote healthy lifestyles. Also, experienced nurses mentor newer team members to ensure high-quality care throughout our organization.
“Nursing, in this field, is extremely unique,” Sally A. Burgess, Vice President of Citizens Options Unlimited, told the nurses before lunch. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making a difference in people’s lives.”
As a gift, nurses were provided with umbrellas to help keep them dry on rainy spring days like the day of the luncheon.
Thank you to all the fantastic nurses who, through their tireless work in ensuring everyone’s safety and health, help us fulfill our mission of supporting people in living the lives they choose.