careers Archives

Recruiting Roadshow returns in January 2025

Andi Petrini on December 13, 2024

Virginia Health Services Senior Recruiters Colleen Reynolds and Renee Turner will host quarterly Recruiting Roadshows at our seven nursing and rehabilitation centers in 2025. The first Roadshow of the year is January 27-30. The next event will be held in April, and virtual events are also in the works for 2025.

The Recruiting Roadshow gives applicants a chance to apply and interview in person at our locations in Newport News, Hampton, York County, Gloucester and Kilmarnock. Job candidates can see our centers and get a feel for where they are applying.

“I want to make myself more visible to team members and applicants in each building,” Colleen says.

The increased presence should better support new hires and identify team needs.

Schedule

January dates:

York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and The Hamilton Assisted Living, 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Jan. 27
Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 1-4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27.
James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and The Huntington Assisted Living, 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Jan. 30.
Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30.

How to be a successful applicant

Colleen shared ways to stand out among job applicants to Virginia Health Services. She sees hundreds of applications and conducts about 15 phone interviews a day. Make yourself standout.

“I’ll take a chance on people for a phone interview if the application looks like a professional effort was made. If you’re not making the effort in the application, hard to think you’ll put an effort into the work. Put your best foot forward to get to the interview process and sell yourself,” Colleen says.

Application tips

Complete all application questions.
Spelling and grammar should be correct.
Create a professional email address to use when applying. Use your correct contact information so you are reachable.
Have a professional resume (regardless of work history).
List any transferable skills
Be professional (avoid personal details)
List work experience
- For those with limited or no work history, such as high school students, please list any part-time work experience or have an objective statement with a career goal listed. Be sure to include school and graduation date.

How to successfully interview by phone

Research Virginia Health Services (information is easily accessible at vahs.com). Colleen says, “Tell me why you want to work for VHS and what you know. Take the time to visit the website. I always ask, ‘why do you want to work for Virginia Health Services?’”
Ask questions about the job and company.
Read the job description so you can best speak to how your qualities and skills make you the right fit for the job to which you are applying. Talk up your skills – hard (like clinicals) or soft (such as organization and time management).
Be on time. Answer the phone. Give advance notice if possible to cancel. “Life happens, but keep it at a professional level at all times,” Colleen says.
Know your resume. Clarify when you were licensed. Colleen says, “Know your own work history and those important dates.”
Send a thank you message to follow up to everyone you spoke to.

How to successfully interview in person

Be professional.
Be on time.
Dress business casual for an in-person or virtual interview.
Be prepared. Know your work history.
Present yourself in a professional way.
Be prepared with questions. Ask about the position or VHS. “You have to make sure it’s a good fit for you the same as we need to make sure it’s a good fit for the company. … You have to make sure you know where you’re going,” Colleen says. (This applies to phone interviews as well.)
Send a thank you message to follow up.

“Everyone serves a purpose on the team,” Colleen says. “Tell me how you think you’ll fit in the organization and what you bring to the team.”

Join our team

Explore career paths with Virginia Health Services and apply online at vahs.com/careers.

Long-time Arbors team member promoted to VHS Executive Chef

Andi Petrini on December 9, 2024

Josh Pittock started working at The Arbors Independent Living part-time about 14 years ago while also working as the kitchen manager at Ruby Tuesday. When Darden announced restaurant closures, Josh found the opportunity to start full-time at The Arbors as a line cook.

When he started at The Arbors, Josh said he wanted to expand his knowledge and try different things.

Portrait of Josh Pittock — Josh Pittock was promoted to VHS Executive Chef the end of November 2024.

“I ended up fitting in real well here, and I haven’t looked back since,” he said.

He started overseeing The Arbors kitchen last year following the departure of then-executive chef Akira Johnston. With the promotion to VHS Executive Chef at the end of November, Josh also takes on responsibility of working with the dietary team at the two assisted living communities and seven nursing and rehabilitation centers to streamline ordering, improve quality, train kitchen managers and oversee menus.

“I’m most excited about learning the behind-the-scenes stuff, and being hands-on with scheduling and ordering. I want to build relationships with vendors we currently have. In building those personal relationships, we’re getting more samples brought in and learning of nicer quality products. It’s opening up more opportunities for us here,” he said.

Josh’s role will empower his team in the kitchen as he becomes less hands-on with the food and more hands-on with the running and management of the kitchen.

He has a team in place that he trusts. Several team members have been working together with Josh for several years.

“I don’t think I could be as successful here as I am and as we have been without my team,” Josh said. “I am nothing without the staff I have behind me.”

Restaurants vs. Retirement Living

Josh spent six years at Ruby Tuesday, working up the ranks from dishwasher to kitchen manager with the occasional stint serving. He said he grew up in kitchens, going to work with his uncle and then taking on jobs in restaurants.

The Arbors offers a restaurant-style experience to residents with all-day dining service. Menus change frequently throughout the year and there are three specials daily to accompany the set line-up of entrees. But it’s serving the residents consistently that makes the experience unique to working in a restaurant.

“What I really like about retirement communities is the relationships you get to build with the people. You see the same people every day. It’s not like a restaurant with a revolving door and you don’t know the customers coming in every day. You can build relationships with the people here. It’s just nicer to come in and know my demographic,” Josh said. “I know who they are and how to please them.”

Menu development

Josh calls himself a people pleaser. He appreciates feedback and says one of the best parts of his day is going into the dining room and seeing the residents’ smiling and enjoying their food.

“I’ve seen so much food go in and out of this place, I know what’s popular, what’s not popular, what to stay away from and what to keep on the menus,” he said.

The way to these residents’ hearts?

“Anything Southern,” he said. “You can’t go wrong with pot roast, meatloaf, any traditional Southern meal — very, very Southern influenced here.”

Fried chicken, shrimp cocktail, and shrimp and grits are popular items.

“A simple, home-cooked menu and residents will go crazy,” he said.

While it’s difficult to please everyone all the time, there is a full-fledged restaurant style menu to choose from every day.

He plans to involve the residents more in future menu releases, including offering cooking demonstrations.

“I want to review the menu with the residents, let them sample it and offer feedback and input to plan the next menu so they feel included,” he said.

New comment cards also offer residents the opportunity to provide feedback, which is taken into consideration as Josh creates new menus.

How they’d like their food presented also is taken into consideration. They enjoy buffet-style meals instead of plated meals on occasion.

“We prefer a buffet, but it depends on the menu,” Josh said. “Price point is the biggest factor in deciding. … Our Christmas dining experience be a buffet. The residents requested one of the holidays be buffet.”

The Arbors often hosts community groups for meetings and events, caters functions for Virginia Health Services, and residents often take advantage of the catering services. November through January are often the busiest months.

“I’m a people pleaser. If I can make people happy, we’ll do it. If we’re properly staffed, we don’t mind it all,” Josh said.

Group photo from Josh's promotion. Pictured are VHS Vice President of Operations Don Lundin, Arbors Director Amanda Lehto, Executive Chef Josh Pittock, Executive Director of Senior Living Stephanie Johnston and Vice President of Facilities and Development Jesse Young. — Group photo from Josh’s promotion. Pictured are VHS Vice President of Operations Don Lundin, Arbors Director Amanda Lehto, Executive Chef Josh Pittock, Executive Director of Senior Living Stephanie Johnston and Vice President of Facilities and Development Jesse Young.

Looking ahead

Josh, who has worked in restaurants most of his life, has trained under six different chefs. He has background in French, Americana and Southern cooking.

“Southern roots is where my background is from,” Josh said.

While there have been ups and downs in the kitchen at The Arbors over the years, Josh said he’s glad he stuck it out “because we are where we are.”

Hearing from residents and seeing them happy keeps him going, he said.

“I’m excited to see where the future takes me, like overseeing other facilities. It’s the first time I’ve been put in a position to do other things. I’m excited to branch out and try to help the other facilities. I think we’ve done a good job in what we’ve done here in the last two years, and it will be good to share what works with other communities,” he said.

Join our team

We are looking for dietary aides, cooks and servers across our organization. Gain valuable experience in a dining environment and build relationships with the people you serve. Visit vahs.com/careers to learn more and apply.

Six graduate apprenticeship program at Walter Reed in December cohort

Andi Petrini on December 3, 2024

Virginia Health Services added six Nurse Aides to its ranks with the apprenticeship program graduation ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester.

The six-week earn-as-you-learn program includes classwork, clinical skills labs and on-the-floor experience. The program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA.

The graduates — Brianna Casey, Marva Grizzle, Angelique Wade (valedictorian), Keira Watkins (salutatorian), Sierra Watlington and Jenna West — will continue on as VHS team members at Walter Reed and York.

They were joined by friends, family and members of the Walter Reed and VHS corporate team, including Vice President of Operations Don Lundin and Vice President of Nursing Rebecca Boyd, Walter Reed Director of Nursing Lana Ketch, RN, Administrator Bryant Hudgins and Assistant Administrator Jazmin Cuevas-Perez.

Program education

The students were led by Training and Education Coordinator Tracy Williams, BSN, RN at Walter Reed, and were joined by Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN, and instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, for the ceremony.

“I was teaching the young lady I was (when I took) this class. It’s a vigorous class,” Tracy said. “After the first weekend of on-the-job-training, they were ready to keep up with the residents they saw. I got compliments from all of the floor nursing team.”

Six apprenticeship graduates listen to instructor Tracy Williams during graduation Dec. 3, 2024. — Training and Education Coordinator Tracy Williams addresses graduates and those in attendance during a ceremony Dec. 3, 2024, at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Princess called the class a stepping stone to their futures in healthcare, as hers was when she started with VHS in 2008, going from CNA through nursing school for her RN, and moving into leadership roles.

Bryant was a member of the first CNA class at Walter Reed nearly 30 years ago. He completed nursing school to be an LPN and then became a licensed administrator with VHS.

“It is truly an entrance to healthcare, where there are all kinds of opportunities,” he said. “We’re grateful you chose us as where you started. It takes a lot of compassion and heart to take care of other people, and your support system is the backbone needed to take this adventure.

“Our team and our community need more caregivers and big smiling faces.”

The students

Marva, who received the Champion Award, came into the class with healthcare experience but, as Nora said, had to relearn the tested methods.

“She was open to unlearning what she had done before,” Nora said, “and has a smile that can light up the whole room.”

Brianna Casey, who earned the Clinical Superlative Award and was in the running for salutatorian, was “all-in,” Nora said.

Instructor Tracy Williams and valedictorian Angelique Wade.

Instructor Tracy Williams and Brianna Casey

Tracy said Sierra Watlington, who worked for Walter Reed prior to joining the class, was comfortable on the floor and requested to work on the Memory Care Unit.

“It takes a special person to spend time on that unit,” Tracy said. Nora added it takes patience, tremendous heart and organization — and Sierra cares about everything she does.

Jenna West jumped right in and picked up on skills quickly after having a delayed start to joining the class.

Keira Watkins, the salutatorian, “never stops smiling,” Tracy said. She missed being top of the class by a point.

The valedictorian

Angelique rose to the top to be honored as class valedictorian. She excelled in every aspect of the class, Tracy said, and was always helping members of the Walter Reed team.

“She has a good heart,” Nora said.

Angelique delivered remarks to those in attendance, congratulating her classmates.

Valedictorian Angelique Wade addresses her classmates, instructors, family and friends during a graduation ceremony Dec. 3, 2024, at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. — Valedictorian Angelique Wade delivers remarks during Tuesday’s graduation ceremony.

“We have successfully taken the first step on an exciting journey. … Here we stand together ready to embark on the new chapter of life as certified nurse assistants. It takes a special type of person to be a CNA, to see a person live through the toughest moments of their lives and do that caring not only for their physical but mental wellbeing,” she said.

“Every time I work on the floor, I remind myself that the residents are not living at our jobs, we are working at their homes. In class we learn about compassion — I see compassion in every one of our graduates today. … Here I truly felt like I belonged.”

She thanked those in attendance and Tracy.

“We wouldn’t be here without each other and words cannot express my appreciation for my fellow graduates and our teacher Miss Tracy. … I remind you going forward to always be compassionate to one another and always strive for excellence.”

What’s next

The students will go through reviews with the education team to prepare them for the state certification exam.

“We’re invested in our students and want to make you the best,” Nora said. She reviewed taking blood pressure with the students at Walter Reed. “You must have a good heart and good skills, and you’ve got it.”

Join the team

Applications are open for the apprenticeship program’s next class at Walter Reed, which runs Jan. 13-Feb. 24.

The earn-as-you-learn program apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. The nearly six-week course includes classwork, skills labs and on-the-job training at our nursing and rehabilitation centers. You continue on as a team member at VHS upon graduation.

Visit vahs.com/apprenticeship to learn more and apply.

Seven VHS apprentices graduate to Nurse Aides in November cohort

Andi Petrini on November 21, 2024

Seven Virginia Health Services apprentice program students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides during a ceremony Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at the EEE Center in Port Warwick.

The six-week earn-as-you-learn program includes classwork, clinical skills labs and on-the-floor experience. The program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA.

The graduates — Donavon Brinkley, Yakia Cooper, Lamani Hill, Aireal Montgomery, Alex Proietti (valedictorian), Jadelynn Rodriguez Tapia (salutatorian) and LaToya Young — will continue on as VHS team members at Coliseum, James River, Northampton and York Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.

Nora’s signature move, “Done,” with the graduates.

The seven students were led by Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN; instructor Nora Gillespie, RN; and Nursing Training and Education Coordinator Terry Williamson, LPN.

Princess referred to the program as “CNA bootcamp” during which the students worked hard every day, in part thanks to the support of their loved ones, many of whom were in attendance Thursday.

It included learning 22 skills and spending six days on clinicals at Coliseum.

“This was a unique class,” Nora said. “I thoroughly enjoyed teaching this class and I’m turning the reins over to Terry in my semi-retirement.”

The graduates

Terry and Nora reflected on each graduate’s journey during the ceremony.

Donavon Brinkley, who earned the Champion Award for showing the most progression, entered the class without a background in healthcare.

“You stepped into everything you did — you earned it daily. You did it with humor, and this class had your back,” Nora said.

Yakia Cooper, who earned the Clinical superlative award, excelled in the class, Terry said. Yakia was a resident care assistant with VHS when Princess recruited her for the class.

“You have a heart that shines and the residents feel you care when you walk into the room,” Nora said.

Nora said Lamani Hill was determined from day one.

“She advocated for her residents and was determined to do well,” Terry said. “Her residents are in her DNA.”

Aireal Montgomery quietly advocated for herself and was engaged with the residents. She gained confidence throughout the class, Terry said.

Salutatorian Jadelynn Rodriguez Tapia was “determined to the right thing,” Terry said. Jadelynn has a background in healthcare, and “cared about everything,” Nora said.

Terry recalled LaToya Young from their time working together at another organization.

“She loves what she does, and she joined this class because she wanted to be better. She’s kind and quiet and she really excelled,” Terry said.

The reason Terry recognized LaToya, Nora said, “is because we remember the ones who care about what they do. You are the complete picture.”

Valedictory speech

Valedictorian Alex Proietti, who served in the Marines and came into the class without a background in healthcare, was “determined to do it well,” Terry said.

In challenging environments, he excelled, Nora said.

Alex shared remarks with his fellow graduates, including thanking his fellow classmates and their support systems.

“I’ve seen a lot of impressive and amazing things socially and academically from this group. Being valedictorian, you guys made me earn it, Jadelynn especially,” he said. “… Ex-military, former Marine, I have no clue about the medical stuff until a month and a half ago when we started this. It was a completely different environment … and one of the things I noticed right away with my classmates is the overwhelming amount of compassion, knowledge and overall heart.”

He said that while his background and culture were different than those of his classmates, they “welcomed me in and gave me a really weird, work dysfunctional family,” to which everyone laughed.

“We come together more often than not, and there’s a certain bond you make with people in certain situations … to a level I didn’t see coming. Thank you, guys, for that,” he said. “… You guys have put up with a lot and helped me get to this point. … There were times I really didn’t know if this was for me, and I would see the heart in you guys and I would absorb it. I owe this to you all … and to my wonderful teachers, who gave me everything I needed to succeed.”

What’s next

Princess told the graduates she hoped the class inspired them all.

“The sky is the limit. This class gives you the foundation of nursing. Ethics, morals — the things you learned here will always be with you,” she said. “It’s harder to do the right thing every day. I’m proud of you. We watched you grow and mature over the course of this class.”

Terry said the students have varying aspirations. Some are working toward degrees and licenses in healthcare administration, medical billing and nursing school, while others are interested in being CNAs.

“We’re proud and excited for all your endeavors,” she said.

Nora, who referred to the class as a “giggle factory,” said teachers look for those joyous moments that make them proud, and the class gave her many.

Join the team

We are recruiting for our apprentice program’s January classes on the Peninsula and at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester. The earn-as-you-learn program apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. The nearly six-week course includes classwork, skills labs and on-the-job training at our nursing and rehabilitation centers. You continue on as a team member at VHS upon graduation.

Our 2025 classes begin Jan. 6 on the Peninsula and Jan. 13 in Gloucester. Visit vahs.com/apprenticeship to learn more and apply.

VHS Admissions Team on frontline of customer service

Andi Petrini on November 18, 2024

Virginia Health Services’ centralized admissions team handles all incoming patients to our seven nursing and rehabilitation centers.

The team has a combined 50(ish) years of experience with Virginia Health Services. And how do they surprise the individuals they talk to daily?

“Many people are surprised that they get to talk to a human voice,” says team leader Kassie Martin.

They field about 100 (or more) phone calls a day between them. They remain professional, courteous and patient as so many of the individuals they speak with feel the stress of finding a safe place for their loved ones.

Our team members have to know how to decipher insurance information, understand medical charts and breakdown financials.

The team reads medical history and charts – and they get referrals from many sources.

It’s a challenging job to keep track of multiple individuals and where each is in the process. Once the admissions process is completed, the individual transitions to a Resident Navigator at the nursing center to onboard in person, which means our admissions team rarely meets in person those they’ve admitted.

It’s worth it. The team agrees the work they do helps contribute to the community they work in.

Thank you to our team! We can’t do it without you!

Learn more about us

Virginia Health Services offers seven nursing and rehabilitation centers in Hampton, Newport News, Gloucester, York County and Kilmarnock. We provide skilled, long-term and respite care. Our Walter Reed location in Gloucester County offers Memory Care, which also will be provided at Lancashire in Kilmarnock by the end of 2024.

Our Coliseum location in Hampton provides on-site dialysis to residents, and the skilled Mitchell unit at James River in Newport News has been recently refurbished.

Visit vahs.com/nursingcenters to learn more and request information of our centralized admissions team.

VHS offers options for nursing professional development

Andi Petrini on September 17, 2024

From the apprentice program to in-services, Virginia Health Services is committed to the development of its team members and promoting from within. Nursing Professional Development Week (Sept. 14-20) presents the opportunity to highlight professional development opportunities available through VHS.

Apprentice program

Our education team is a starting point for many new team members.

Care Assistants enter the earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program and graduate to Nurse Aides. The program covers the cost of the certification exam to be a CNA and the education team offers reviews to further prepare students for the test.

Apprentice class mock skills lab at the EEE Center

The Peninsula class is held at the Education, Enrichment, Employment (EEE) Center in Port Warwick, with hands-on training at James River or Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers. A program also is offered in Gloucester at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Learn more about the program at vahs.com/apprenticeship.

The program is led by Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN. Instructors include Terry Williamson, LPN; Nora Gillespie, RN; and Tracy Williams, RN, BSN.

The team, which includes Process Improvement Manager Cerissa Atkins, also organizes and leads new employee orientation at the Launch Center, also on the corporate campus in Port Warwick.

Nursing team training

The investment in development of our nursing professionals at Virginia Health Services extends beyond our earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program.

The education team is the first group to try out new equipment and deliver training. It also can offer prep assistance for individuals in a RN program by request. It can help with school selection and get the process going.

Cerissa said being prepared and setting a timeline is key. “Don’t delay,” she said of starting the process. Deciding where to go, finding financial assistance and applying takes time.

Princess said nursing schedulers will help accommodate school schedules and be flexible with individuals on development pathways.

The education team also offers knowledge-based in-services and addresses pressure areas in facilities, such as setting up IV labs, PPE demos and other training. CPR certification training is offered at EEE.

Partnership programs

They also work with Director of Team Engagement Kathryn Fisher, who can connect team members to assistance, scholarship opportunities and nursing programs that offer discounts to VHS employees.

Outside opportunities to grow at Virginia Health Services include partnerships with ECPI and South University. Both offer discounted tuition to VHS employees and their dependents. The universities offer nursing programs, and also extend to team members in dietary, accounting, IT and management.

Join our team

Virginia Health Services offers career options in nursing including CNA, LPN, RN, MDS roles and leadership positions. We provide flexible scheduling options, competitive wages and benefits, early wage access and more. Visit vahs.com/careers to start your career journey with VHS today.

Eight graduate August cohort of Peninsula apprenticeship program

Andi Petrini on August 5, 2024

Virginia Health Services celebrated the graduation of eight apprenticeship program students on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at the Employment, Enrichment and Education (EEE) Center in Newport News.

The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the certification exam to be a CNA. The Peninsula program is instructed by Nora Gillespie, RN, and Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN. The six-week course includes classroom instruction, clinical skills labs and on-the-floor experience.

The eight graduates will remain with VHS as team members at York, Northampton and Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.

Princess and Nora led the ceremony and described the class as caring, compassionate, dedicated, intelligent, driven, hard-working and knowledgeable. The students approached resident care with their heart in it. They were joined by friends and family to celebrate during a reception following the ceremony.

The graduates

For the first time, there were co-valedictorians in a graduating class — Naudia Jenkins and Charisse Stinnie. They both had the highest GPAs and perfect attendance.

Naudia also is enrolled in nursing school full time in the evenings, with an expected graduation date of June 2025. Charisse transferred to the apprenticeship program from a role at Coliseum.

Co-valedictorians Naudia Jenkins and Charisse Stinnie with Director of Education Princess Henderson in between. — Co-valedictorians Naudia Jenkins and Charisse Stinnie with Director of Education Princess Henderson.

Salutatorian Karlethia Watkins with Director of Education Princess Henderson. — Co-valedictorians Naudia Jenkins and Charisse Stinnie with Director of Education Princess Henderson.

Salutatorian Karlethia Watkins is a recent high school graduate. She will attend Old Dominion University in the fall on a full scholarship, and says she would like to do research for neurological degenerative disease and develop medications to assist or potentially cure these diseases. Karlethia enrolled in the program to better understand the population she intends to help.

Graduates also included internal transfer Veronica McCray, who worked in the laundry department at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Champion Award recipient Shakayla Johnson-Wright; Georgianna Perkins; Kanasia Robinson; and Sari Santella, who is a military spouse in pursuit of a career with transferable skills.

VHS apprenticeship program

The next Peninsula apprenticeship class is slated for Aug. 19-Sept. 26 (applications are closed) and the next Gloucester apprenticeship class is Aug. 5-Sept. 12. Applications will open about 30 days ahead of the final class dates of the year — Peninsula Oct. 14-Nov. 21 and Gloucester Oct. 21-Dec. 2 — at vahs.com/apprenticeship.

VHS Senior VP, first director of VHS Rehabilitation celebrates 25th anniversary

Andi Petrini on July 19, 2024

VHS Senior Vice President David Crosson celebrates his 25th anniversary with the company in July 2024.

David joined the team in 1999 to bring VHS Rehabilitation to life as Executive Director. At that time, he was its only team member.

“I was doing treatments, evals, and recruiting therapists,” he said.

VHS Rehabilitation launches

His connections from previous stops with national rehabilitation contract companies helped VHS Rehabilitation (then Virginia Health Rehab) staff up quickly. At the time, the reimbursement model for nursing homes changed and it became more business savvy to provide an in-house therapy team in nursing homes for skilled care.

“Because of how the industry was changing, those therapists at contract companies and recent grads were looking for work. I was able to provide job opportunities. With me being the only person, I needed the staff, too. We were able to bring staff on pretty quickly,” David says.

About a year later, VHS Rehabilitation opened its outpatient site. Over the course of its 25 years, VHS Rehabilitation has grown to include physical, speech and occupational therapy in outpatient, skilled care and contract settings that have included assisted living centers, jails and schools.

Today, the VHS Rehabilitation team has about 70 regular team members and 250 PRNs to staff its skilled care therapy rooms, outpatient center and contract clients. The team includes physical, speech and occupational therapists, techs, assistants and administrative assistants.

David Crosson and IT Network Manager Kathy Wickline at Kathy's retirement party in July 2024. — David hugs IT Network Manager Kathy Wickline at her retirement party.

Senior VP David Crosson, left, speaks with Dr. Robert Walters and others during the open house for Coliseum's Dialysis Den — David hugs IT Network Manager Kathy Wickline at her retirement party.

While he has a background in physical therapy — he earned bachelor’s degree in exercise science and master’s degree in physical therapy from Old Dominion University — David says he prefers the operational side of the business, including staffing and dealing with regulatory issues.

During his time with VHS, David has had a hand in the acquisition of Coliseum in 2013 — “that was a big pickup for us,” he says — and spearheaded establishing VHS Home Health Care in 2015 and VHS Hospice in 2017.

“Once we got into skilled care, VHS grew a lot. We changed our operations. VHS grew along with me,” he says.

He was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2016.

Home and Community-Based Services grow

VHS bought a license from a company that was owned by the company former VHS Home Health Care Administrator Cheri Brnich was working for at the time.

“She was very aggressive in our buildings,” he recalls. “She and I clicked. She’s very enthusiastic. She was then the acting administrator at a different company and we had a good working relationship. We brought her on as administrator for Home Health.”

He says they expected a slower ramp up when VHS Home Health Care launched, but “it came out of the door fast and we had 30 residents in the first month, which set expectations really high, even though we were doing it with limited staff. … If we had known we were going to pop that fast, we would have had more staff.”

He says VHS Hospice took about a year to start from scratch and become licensed.

“My philosophy is I don’t have to be the smartest guy in the room, but I surround myself with the smartest people. If I have a good team, they make me look better,” he says. “I have the knack to help manage and have vision. That’s where growth during those periods occurred. …

“We have a great opportunity to collaborate with all of our business units. We should be the provider of choice for our residents when they need rehab, home care, hospice. There’s so much value to that.”

Reflection

The Philadelphia native met his wife while attending ODU.

“She had just started her PhD program at ODU,” he says. “Her family was here, father worked for Old Dominion. This just became the place we landed.”

He says he is proud of everything he is involved in developing.

“The Rehab piece is a big piece of VHS. Home Health and Hospice were big additions to VHS and the success of VHS. It wouldn’t be something I would want to do and walk away from,” he says. “It’s nice to see those businesses develop and evolve. And then, it’s also the people. … A lot of what I do is more for the people who work for me, and keep them employed in environments they’re thriving in.”

Three graduate Gloucester apprenticeship program

Andi Petrini on July 9, 2024

Virginia Health Services celebrated its most recent class of apprentice graduates from the Gloucester program during a ceremony Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Three students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and will continue to serve on the team at Walter Reed. The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program provides about six weeks of classroom and clinical skills training, in addition to on-the-floor experience, and covers the cost of the certification exam to be a CNA.

Walter Reed Administrator Bryant Hudgins welcomed friends and family to the ceremony.

“I started in the CNA class back in the stone age,” Bryant joked, “and it catapulted my career.”

Walter Reed Administrator Bryant Hudgins addresses the three graduates from the podium as instructor Tracy Williams looks on. — Walter Reed Administrator Bryant Hudgins welcomes the graduates and their friends and family during Tuesday’s ceremony.

Bryant worked his way from CNA to LPN and then served in various roles including MDS before becoming the licensed administrator for Walter Reed.

“These ladies have bright futures ahead in healthcare. Thank you all for supporting them,” he said. “This is just the beginning. We take great pride in providing a clinical site, and welcome them to the team.”

Gloucester graduates

The graduates — Jordan Hudnall, Kaeli Key and Candi Lewis — brought a sense of humor to the class, said Training and Education Coordinator Tracy Williams, MSN, BSN, RN.

They all wound up having personal connections to Tracy. She went to school with Kaeli’s father, lives down the street from Candi and worked with Jordan while she was a Care Assistant before the course started at Walter Reed.

“This was a very special class for me. They all learned quickly and excelled in clinicals and the classroom portion of the class,” Tracy said.

Jordan Hudnall and instructor Tracy Williams

Candi Lewis and instructor Tracy Williams

Jordan earned the Champion Award for excelling in class and connecting with the residents.

Candi was salutatorian and Kaeli was awarded valedictorian for top marks.

“I was extremely nervous — kind of like I am right now — and worried I would fail, but I was wrong. With the help of amazing teacher and two equally amazing classmates, I watched my confidence increase week after week,” Kaeli said in her valedictorian speech. “… Thank you, VHS, for offering this program, Tracy for being the best teacher we could have, and Candi and Jordan for being so supportive and all the laughs. We did it.”

Kaeli Key delivers valedictorian remarks to her classmates, who are all smiling. — Kaeli Key delivers valedictorian remarks and thanks her fellow graduates.

Vice President of Nursing Rebecca Boyd closed the ceremony, thanking the graduates for choosing Virginia Health Services.

“You have a bright future, and exhibited a desire to serve and be there for residents,” Rebecca said. “Long-term care is hard, but very rewarding. You develop relationships and really care for people.”

Apprenticeship program

The next Gloucester-based apprenticeship course is slated for Aug. 5-Sept. 12. Applications are open and available at vahs.com/apprenticeship.

The Peninsula-based program is underway, with graduation scheduled for Aug. 1. The next class is slated for Aug. 19-Sept. 26, and applications should open soon at vahs.com/apprenticeship.

VHS President & CEO featured in Becker’s Healthcare emerging trends article

Andi Petrini on June 27, 2024

VHS President and CEO Mark Klyczek was included in an article from Becker’s Healthcare, “From AI to Telehealth: 82 Healthcare Leaders Discuss Emerging Trends.”

Mark says value-based care and top-line revenue growth are the top two trends VHS is following, with multiple value-based care opportunities emerging in Virginia.

“Virginia has prioritized value-based care in skilled nursing facilities, which is the best way to reward high performing organizations and incentivize organizations to improve,” he says. “… These types of programs are vital to grow our top-line revenue as expense increases remain sticky and do not show any signs of improving in the short term. Our strategy of top-line revenue growth has significantly mitigated the expense increases and when our expense reduction strategies take hold, our top-line revenue will already be growing and healthy.”

Value-based care, the use of AI, veterans healthcare, staff recruitment and retention, and telehealth were other trends included in the piece.

The leaders, including Mark, will be featured speakers at the Becker’s 12th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable conference in November. Read what they all had to say here.

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Restaurants vs. Retirement Living

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Looking ahead

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Program education

The students

The valedictorian

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The graduates

Valedictory speech

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Apprentice program

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The graduates

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VHS Rehabilitation launches

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Reflection

Gloucester graduates

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