It’s National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day! We’d like to take some time to introduce you to Virginia Health Services’ Senior Recruiter Colleen Reynolds. We appreciate all she does daily to recruit new team members to the organization and help them through to the offer and onboarding processes.
Over the past two years, Colleen has been in the community to build awareness about Virginia Health Services and our employment opportunities. The community groups and education organizations she’s partnered with have helped elevate VHS’ recruiting efforts and attract top talent in a competitive industry.
Colleen started with Virginia Health Services more than two years ago. She was born and raised in New York and has lived in the South for the past 16 years. Colleen is a stepmom and dog mom to two girls, a 12-year-old and a French bulldog. She also is a true crime fanatic.
Community involvement
Colleen says the community partners she consistently works with stretch across the Peninsula, Gloucester area and Northern Neck. They include workforce development programs and higher education programs.
Colleen also attends career fairs throughout Hampton Roads. She follows up with recent college grads, such as those in the nursing programs at Hampton University, ECPI University and Fortis College, to make sure they are aware of available career paths at VHS.
She has partnered with Rappahannock Community College, Hampton University and Northern Neck Technical Center to conduct mock interviews and better help the students prepare for the “real world” when looking for employment.
Colleen also focuses on connecting with those in the VA and other military outlets to attract retirees and military spouses to careers with Virginia Health Services. One of those partners is Hamilton Ryker’s TalentGro.
Additional community outreach partners include: Hampton Roads Workforce Council, New Horizons, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Peninsula Regional Education Program (Newport News), Tidewater Medical Training, Brooks Crossing-Navigation Wealth Program (Newport News) and Virginia Peninsula Community College and VPCC Workforce Development.
Why healthcare recruiting?
Colleen says she was drawn to recruiting so she could help individuals reach their career goals.
“When I am able to make the initial connection with a candidate and follow them through the interview process, all of the way to the job offer, it is extremely rewarding to be a small part of their professional development and journey,” she says.
The healthcare industry stands out because these positions offer job stability – there’s always a need, regardless of location. She says it’s one industry where starting at entry-level can mean advancement to other specialized roles.
“The possibilities are truly endless within the healthcare industry,” she says.
Recruiting Roadshow
Colleen hosts quarterly Recruiting Roadshows at VHS’ seven nursing and rehabilitation centers. The events allow her to interact with current team members in their work environment and show appreciation for what they do. It is helpful in better targeting quality candidates.
“It also means being flexible in completing the interview/offer/new hire paperwork process on site,” she says. The Roadshow also gives candidates the chance to meet the team and management, and ask questions.
The next Roadshow is June 24-27. Get the schedule here.
Careers at VHS
We having openings for nursing positions, dietary, housekeeping and more. View our job listings and apply to careers with Virginia Health Services at vahs.com/careers.
It’s National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and Virginia Health Services would like to introduce you to our Directors of Nursing. The DONs oversee clinical teams at our nursing and rehabilitation centers and our assisted living communities.
This year’s theme is “Nurses Make the Difference,” and according to the American Nurses Association, it is meant to honor “the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting.”
Our DONs make a difference daily – to our residents and to their team members. We are thankful for the dedication of our DONs and their leadership across the clinical teams of VHS. They provide guidance, teach and ensure VHS maintains consistent quality care of its patients and residents.
Meet the team
Most of the DONs at Virginia Health Services have been with the organization for more than a decade. Some started as CNAs or LPNs, developing their careers into roles such as MDS, nurse manager and Resident Assessment Coordinator. Others came on as RNs in leadership roles.
As experienced RNs, VHS relies on their expertise in all clinical areas of our nursing and rehabilitation centers.
VHS has seven DONs: Yolanda Carnegie-Chambers (Coliseum); Melissa Liley (James River); LaTasha Muse (Lancashire); Amanda Martinez (Northampton); Toshua Cutler (The Newport and The Huntington); Lana Ketch (Walter Reed); and Desiree L. Plunkett (York and The Hamilton).
We asked them to share mini bios so you can get to know them.
James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Melissa Liley, BSN, RN
James River Director of Nursing Melissa Liley
Years of service with Virginia Health Services: 15 years.
What drew you to a nursing career in long-term care? I like creating bonds and relationships with the staff, residents and families.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? Industrious but rewarding.
What advice would you give new team members? Maintain a great attitude and be open to change.
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? Spend time with my family.
Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
LaTasha Muse, RN
Lancashire Director of Nursing LaTasha Muse
Years of service with Virginia Health Services: 16 years.
What drew you to a nursing career in long-term care? I have always had a love for the elderly and I’m a team player.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? Demanding yet rewarding.
What advice would you give new team members? Stay focused and remember why you chose the job — no matter how hard it may seem.
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Amanda Martinez, RN
Northampton Director of Nursing Amanda Martinez
Years of service with Virginia Health Services: 16 years.
What drew you to a nursing career in long-term care? I have worked most of my nursing career in long-term care, starting out as a CNA and grew from there.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? Extremely challenging, but also rewarding.
What advice would you give new team members? You have to have an open mind, be willing to learn something new every day, and be able to put yourself in the resident’s shoes – they need us to care for them, they depend on us – always keep that as your reasons why.
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? I LOVE the gym! I enjoy strength training and weight lifting. It has become part of my normal outside of work. I always say it’s my therapy; the way that I decompress from my day-to-day.
Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Lana Ketch, RN
Walter Reed Director of Nursing Lana Ketch
Years of service with Virginia Health Services: Employed since 1995. I started out as an LPN and completed my RN degree in 2018 while maintaining full time status.
What drew you to a nursing career in long-term care? My great grandma received home health services and I was fascinated with the kind and compassionate care she received from the nurses. I also saw the joy and appreciation she had for the nurses and the care they gave. She would always say “not just anybody is cut out to be a nurse.” I truly believe that and it takes a lot of patience, compassion, empathy, and a love for people. I love the geriatric population and feel we have so much to learn from them. To see a resident make progress after an unfortunate event and the smiles on their faces makes my heart happy.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? “Best decision I ever made.” (Although very stressful, very rewarding as well.)
What advice would you give new team members? Come to work with a positive attitude and do your best to make your residents feel safe and loved. Even the smallest gestures can make their day. As I said to the last graduating CNA class, “If you go home after a long shift and know that you put a smile on your resident’s face, shared their joy in an accomplishment, or made them feel special, then you have done your job and it was a great day!”
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? Love spending time with family, DIY projects, bowling with my friends on a league, being the cheerleader for my daughter who is currently in nursing school, and following my favorite baseball team (New York Yankees).
DONs at Coliseum, The Newport and York
Coliseum Director of Nursing Yolanda Carnegie-Chambers, RN, joined the Virginia Health Service team in 2015 as the DON. Throughout her 25-year nursing career, she has served in many roles such as a floor nurse, supervisor, educator and Director of Nursing. Long-term care is her passion and she has worked with the elderly population for over 20 years. When she is not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Desiree Plunkett, RN, oversees the clinical team at York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (since 2015) and The Hamilton Assisted Living (since it opened in 2018).
Toshua Cutler, RN, BSN, is the Director of Nursing at The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and The Huntington Assisted Living. She has been with VHS for about 20 years and her roles within the organization include Resident Assessment Coordinator (MDS), supervisor, charge nurse and floor nurse. Prior to joining VHS, Toshua worked as an LPN at another long-term care facility. She graduated with her associate’s (ADN) in nursing from ECPI University and decided to further her education and graduated with her BSN in nursing from ECPI. In her spare time, she loves to travel, shop, and enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, who brings great joy to her life.
Coliseum DON Yolanda Carnegie-ChambersYork and Hamilton DON Desiree L. PlunkettThe Newport and Huntington DON Toshua Cutler
Join our team
Our Directors of Nursing are always on the lookout for quality candidates for our CNA, LPN and RN openings. Career paths with VHS include MDS, Resident Assessment Coordinator, nurse manager, nurse scheduler, assistant director of nursing, certified wound care and infection prevention. If this might be a fit for you, visit vahs.com/careers to learn more and apply.
Thank you to the Virginia Health Services team of nurses!
We are celebrating National Nurses Week (May 6-12) by thanking our entire nursing team and showing our appreciation for all they do.
The VHS nursing team builds relationships with our residents and patients to provide the highest level of quality care possible.
To celebrate, there will be food and other treats, gifts, and additional appreciation opportunities during National Skilled Nursing Care Week (May 12-18). VHS does what it can to recognize our nurses throughout the year.
Director of Nursing Rebecca Boyd
“Nurses often are underappreciated,” says VHS Vice President of Nursing Rebecca Boyd. “And it’s a hard job.”
Nurses are not only caregivers in VHS communities, they often are also caregivers in their own homes and are the first call for family members seeking medical advice or opinions.
“You wind up being a resource to everyone. It’s why we do what we do,” Rebecca says. “We do care about people. Our nurses want to give of their time. When you give and you give, you kind of empty out.
“Our job is to fill our nurses back up and remind them what they do matters every day. They are making a difference. They’re changing a life. Those small acts of kindness that half the time they’re not even cognizant of, but it makes an impact and it has a bearing on someone else’s life.”
National Nurses Week is celebrated the same dates each May, as May 12 marks the late Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The week has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896.
Why choose a nursing career in long-term care?
There are several advantages to choose being a nurse in a long-term care setting, Rebecca says.
“Long-term care in nursing gives you an opportunity to develop relationships with the patients – you can really make an impact,” she says.
It’s meaningful work – and one with many opportunities for career growth and advancement.
“In the hospital, you typically see patients briefly. It’s quick in, quick out. … In long-term care, you have the opportunity to know the resident, to know the family member and make an impact in their life. If they’re a skilled care resident, you help them get back to their home environment. Help them regain their confidence and skills they need to get back to their home environment. That’s very rewarding for our nurses,” Rebecca says.
“For our long-term residents, you can have the opportunity to make an impact and be there at the end of their life. That is very purposeful for staff. Families will remember something very small I did at their bedside 20 years, but it made an impact for them. I think that’s why a lot of our nurses choose long-term care, because of relationships.”
Nursing career paths with VHS
Virginia Health Services employs a team of CNAs, LPNs and RNs, and regularly has openings. VHS also offers an earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship that graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. Courses are available on the Peninsula and in Gloucester, Virginia. Many students have gone on to nursing school to be LPNs and RNs.
Our CNAs spend a majority of the time with our nursing and rehabilitation centers’ residents. They help get them ready for the day – or in the evening for bed, and going to and from meals and activities. CNAs are the eyes and ears for the nursing team to provide daily assessment of a patient’s well-being.
Rebecca says LPNs and RNs get involved in the residents’ medical needs.
“Oftentimes, they’re the go between for families and providers,” she says. “They can definitely influence the care that’s given.”
For RNs, there are advancement opportunities in long-term care that aren’t available in other healthcare settings.
Career paths in long-term care nursing
There are many different avenues to keep fresh when you’re a nurse in a nursing and rehabilitation center. Those include:
MDS Coordinator, which drives the quality measures and level of care, as well as drives reimbursement to ensure VHS can provide the care and services needed. Coordinators have to dive deep to see what those patient diagnoses are to determine level of care.
Certified wound care nurses are a needed specialty. “We deal with chronic-type wounds, surgical wounds that won’t heal. We have to be specialized in wound care and be on the cutting-edge of wound products,” Rebecca says.
IV management is key. There are many patients on IV antibiotics and other IV treatments that must be managed daily.
Leadership opportunities in management positions such as director and assistant director of nursing and administrator. Several of the DONs in VHS have come from MDS roles; the same is true of our administrators. Many started as CNAs or floor nurses – that foundation where you learn a lot about the resident, Rebecca says.
There are also opportunities to move into nurse education roles. Director of Education Princess Henderson started in the CNA class with VHS in 2008. “It’s all about education, education, education,” Rebecca says. “The need for continuing education of the staff is vital to providing quality care. … A majority of our CNAs are coming from the six-week apprenticeship program. A lot of their education has to be on the job. It relies a lot on the nurses who already are part of the structure to provide that education.”
There are opportunities to provide education within each facility, starting with infection preventionists.
Join our team!
We are hiring for all positions, including CNAs, LPNs and RNs.
VHS Home Health Care and VHS Hospice also have openings for nurses. Short-term contracts also are available for nursing positions.
VHS offers competitive wages and benefits, flexible scheduling, bonuses, early wage access, training and development opportunities, and more. Visit vahs.com/careers to apply today.
We also offer an earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program that graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. Available dates, details and application links are at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
Classes are offered in Newport News/Hampton and Gloucester, Virginia, throughout the year, and graduates go on to work at VHS nursing and rehabilitation centers. Graduates have moved into roles such as recreational therapy or continued employment while attending nursing school.
Stephanie Johnston has joined the Virginia Health Services team as Executive Director of Senior Living. She is responsible for establishing the strategic direction to achieve operational excellence at The Hamilton & The Huntington Assisted Living and The Arbors Independent Living.
Stephanie has more than 20 years of sales and operations experience in various industries, including mortgage, residential and commercial real estate investing, telecom, and commercial lumber. She grew her passion in senior living for nearly six years in a sales leadership role, providing strategic support and training for 38 communities before joining VHS.
“It’s an honor to serve others. If you lead with a caring heart, and an open mind, you will make a difference,” she says.
Her previous experience in senior living included a lot of travel – sometimes up to 4,500 miles a month by car, plus flights – but she says it also allowed her to help the sales team and be closely connected to the operations side to help offer the best first impression and experience to residents. She also assisted with caregiver education and dementia training for team members.
Stephanie says she is excited to use the depth and breadth of her experience to help build the VHS senior living team to be the best it can be.
“Everyone has a different skill set and so it’s about taking what’s exciting for them and motivating them to grow what they currently experience day-to-day and bring in their personal passion,” she says.
Resident experience
When it comes to senior living, it’s all about providing the best experience that’s personalized to the residents. Whether it’s learning of a resident’s favorite meal that will provide comfort or a family story, Stephanie says engagement and communication for peace of mind are key.
“It’s our honor to be able to care for them and allow them to live their best life,” she says.
Solid wellness and dining and nutrition programs, engaging activities and events, and making sure residents feel independent to “continue to be who they are in their everyday life and allow their life history to flourish” factor into a well-rounded resident experience, she says.
“We want to make sure we’re impacting their health in a positive way,” she says. Having VHS Rehabilitation within the team allows a streamlined and convenient option for care.
“It’s our honor to be able to care for them and allow them to live their best life.”
Stephanie Johnston, VHS Executive Director of Senior Living
All can be achieved, she says, by helping keep familiarity for the residents. “We have to ask questions of families to help orientate a resident when they come in to provide a sense of comfort and peace. Knowing a favorite meal or type of music and offering it can set the tone to make them feel the most comfortable when they move in and call us their home.”
Utilizing monthly resident council meetings to be sure residents have a voice and input into menus, calendars, community projects and more also can help the team improve the resident experience.
Background
Stephanie graduated from ECPI with a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. The Virginia native resides in Gloucester with her husband. She has a daughter who is a Gloucester County Sheriff’s deputy. She says they enjoy “country living,” which includes spending quality time with family, exploring with her Boxer and enjoying nature. Stephanie also is new to gardening – “trying to find my green thumb,” she says.
Senior living with VHS
Virginia Health Services offers senior living options in Newport News and York County.
When the responsibilities of home ownership become too much, The Arbors Independent Living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with private apartments, inclusive dining, events and activities, and personal transportation. Also included are valet parking, concierge service, housekeeping and linen service — all without a costly entrance fee. Schedule a tour of The Arbors.
VHS assisted living communities, The Huntington and The Hamilton, provide a safe environment when an individual needs extra assistance with their healthcare needs. A nursing team is available 24/7 to residents, and private apartments are designed for safety and ease. Dining, activities, housekeeping and more are included, without an entrance fee.
Eight apprentices graduated from Care Assistant to Nurse Aide during a ceremony Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Employment, Education and Enrichment (EEE) Center. The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. This cohort featured four graduates with military ties, recruited in partnership with Hamilton-Ryker.
The six-week course includes classwork with 14 tests, learning 22 skills, and on-the-floor experience with patients at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, refers to the class as “boot camp,” which was even more fitting given the students’ military connections.
Valedictorian Marie Ann Thomas is a member of the Air Force and took the class as part of the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which helps military members transition to civilian life. A former dental technician, Marie “fell into taking care of people,” said Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN.
Two graduates, Jazmin Brown and Mitsy-Ann Green-Dawkins, are spouses of service members. Mitsy-Ann’s husband returned from a six-month deployment with the Air Force days earlier and attended the graduation ceremony.
Aldeen Stupart was referred to as the “class mom,” but also is the mother of service members.
The class
The new Nurse Aides will continue employment with VHS and work at The Newport, Northampton and Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
Nora said they “successfully conquered the class – together. This group of ladies helped each other get across the finish line.”
Jazmin came to class with a background in healthcare working at an assisted living. She soon learned, Princess said, long-term care can be a different experience. Jazmin relearned techniques based on Virginia requirements, with a smile, Nora said, and has eyes on nursing school.
Salutatorian Deniece Corbin “excelled in the class and on the floor,” Princess said. Deniece also was taking classes at night in nursing school. “This class will make you a better nurse,” Nora told her.
Aida Davila started with VHS as assistant activity director at Coliseum, where she worked with former apprentice student and All-Star Shawn Hill. She sought out Princess to enroll in the class.
“Shawn prepared you. You stepped in with a positive attitude and maturity,” Nora said. Princess also praised Aida’s time management with residents, excelling in the clinical setting.
Jacqueline Eadie is also a student at Hampton University and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in bio science in May. “You stepped up to the plate and this class supported you. You found comfort in them,” Nora said.
Mitsy-Ann was managing her family in addition to the class. Both instructors called her humble and said she looked out for her peers. “She returned to CNA classes for a reason – she really makes an impact on residents,” Princess said, adding one resident made sure even the James River administrator knew what a wonderful caretaker Mitsy is.
Princia Hounounou moved to Virginia recently and had a “smooth, gentle presence on the floor,” Princess said.
“Young, but mature, poised and determined,” Nora said. Princia earned Princess’s Champion Award for showing the most growth and improvement throughout the course of the class.
Aldeen “likes to keep her hands busy,” Princess said. She brought past healthcare experience to the table and gained confidence in her return to learning.
Marie is organized, Nora said, and carried that through in everything she did. “You have the heart and compassion, plus the skills to go with it,” Nora said.
“The residents wanted you there,” Nora told the class. “Lead with your heart and follow with your skill. We are very proud.”
Valedictorian speech
Marie delivered remarks to her classmates and instructors. She also presented yellow friendship roses to her fellow graduates.
“Most of you were also working other jobs, or going to school, or doing both – I was so impressed. I’m proud, and I hope you all are too,” Marie said.
Marie Ann Thomas shares valedictorian remarks with the class.
“Thanks to the instructors,” she said turning to Nora and Princess. “You can tell how much heart they both have and it really makes this class. You come here and feel they love what they do.”
She said she and her classmates would come off a shift on the floor and talk about what they could do better – to be better – to bring joy and make peoples’ lives better. She added she was amazed by the age differences among the class.
“We really did come together … I was blown away by all of you,” Marie said.
Valedictorian Marie Ann Thomas passes out yellow friendship roses to her classmates.
Instructor gifts
The students turned the tables on the instructors at the end of the ceremony, presenting Nora and Princess with glass “best teacher” awards.
Deniece presented Nora’s gift, saying, “We love you. … I really will carry what you taught us for the rest of my life.”
The students presented “best teacher” awards to Director of Education Princess Henderson and instructor Nora Gillespie.
Following a group hug, there were more tears as Aldeen presented Princess with her glass award.
“We want to express how much we appreciate you. You made us realize that we have the courage and confidence to pursue our dreams. … You have prepared us for the world. … There is a saying, ‘a good teacher can awaken joy in their students and make a positive impression that can last a lifetime.’”
Next up
In addition to working with VHS, the graduates will participate in review sessions and schedule their certification exams with the state board.
“This was an exceptional class,” Princess said. “Use this as a stepping stone. I hope I can inspire you to go as far as you want in nursing. The sky is the limit.”
Join the team
The apprenticeship program classes on the Peninsula and Gloucester begin at the end of April. Applications will open for the Peninsula June 24-August 1 class in late May and the Gloucester July 22-August 29 class in June. Visit vahs.com/apprenticeship to learn more and apply.
Keeping our residents healthy in every aspect is a priority for Virginia Health Services. As we celebrate National Nutrition Month and recognize National Registered Dietitian Day, it’s important to understand nutrition is a critical component of health and wellness of all residents in the long-term care setting.
“Nutrition affects every part of the body and all of its functions,” says VHS Director of Dining and Nutrition Christina Lewis. “For residents with chronic health conditions, nutrition plays a vital role in the treatment of those conditions and the prevention of further complications.
“For residents recovering from illnesses, injuries or surgeries, good nutrition can help them regain their strength and stamina more quickly.”
VHS has a team of Registered Dietitian (RDs) who assess our residents and work with the nursing staff and dietary team (who are celebrated during Healthcare Food Service Workers Week in October) to administer medical nutrition therapy for residents, assist food and nutrition service directors with special diets and menus, and conduct regular sanitation audits.
Our team, led by Christina, include three contracted RDs and full-time team member Pamela “Ela” Bowen, who works with residents at The Hamilton Assisted Living, and York and Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
From VHS intern to Registered Dietician
In her role, Ela works closely with York/Hamilton dining director Nicole Freeman. She is familiar with Nicole, who served as Ela’s preceptor during her internship en route to becoming a RD with VHS.
Ela Bowen started as a dietetic tech with VHS, then an intern before joining the team as a registered dietitian.
“She always made sure whatever we had to accomplish, there was a way to accomplish it. I always felt supported. She guided and worked with me to get done what I needed to get done. It gave me a lot of peace to know someone was in my corner,” Ela says of working with Nicole.
Ela was a dietetic tech with VHS, which led to finding preceptors within the organization to help her complete internship hours to graduate the program at Virginia Tech and prepare her for the certification exam. She graduated in May 2023 and started full-time with our team.
“I’m appreciative of the opportunity Virginia Health Services gave me to be an intern, prior as a tech, and now as an RDN,” Ela says. “It’s nice being able to step back into a familiar position coming right out of passing my exam.”
She was given a good foundation with VHS and feels like she learns something new every day.
Keeping tabs
While assisted living communities need bi-annual reports on special diets and weight loss/gain, nursing home regulations are more frequent.
Ela’s main responsibilities are charting on new resident admissions, marking significant changes for weight losses monthly, preparing quarterly reports, seeing residents about potential special needs or dietitian consults at nurse practioners’ requests. There are regular resident assessments of food intake, diet, weight management, changes in skin integrity, monitoring of supplements, and swallowing or chewing problems.
She has weekly meetings with the York nursing staff to keep proactive monitoring of residents’ nutritional needs.
“We’re really working as a team to try to proactively make sure we’re on top of residents not losing weight, which can add to other issues, such as skin integrity,” Ela says. “I’m excited to be part of the team to make sure residents have the best care they can.”
VHS Director of Dining and Nutrition Christina Lewis hosts a healthy cooking demonstration at The Arbors Independent Living.
Good nutrition key
Not enough protein or lack of certain nutrition can affect skin integrity and lead to wounds, Ela says.
“Our role is to provide preferences, fortified foods and supplements to increase residents’ protein intake.”
That also includes menu planning, which Christina oversees.
“As many residents make their home with us, it is also important to consider their food preferences along with their nutritional needs. Providing meals that are tasty as well as nutritious is what we strive for every day,” Christina says.
A basket of healthy foods for your mind, such as leafy greens, oats, whole grain bread, extra virgin olive oil and fresh berries.
Ela says she was drawn to a profession in nutrition when her granddad had cancer.
“I wondered if having certain nutrition or a specific diet would help prevent certain diseases. It’s what triggered wanting to be a dietitian,” she says.
Ela says meeting residents is her favorite part of the job. She has a good teacher in Nicole.
“One of the reasons I wanted to be here is that she really knows her residents. And that takes time to acquire. That’s been really helpful,” Ela says. “Because she was a really good preceptor, I wanted to work hand-in-hand with her as I was learning to be the best dietitian I could be.”
Join our team
We have career pathways in our dietary department across the organization. Search our listings and apply at vahs.com/careers.
We’re celebrating National Long-Term Care Administrators Week (March 11-15). Our administrators are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the care of our loved ones. They interact daily with the individuals in our care, their friends and loved ones, and lead the care team to provide the highest level of quality care.
“Our members give their all in the face of great adversity to assure their communities are able to provide high quality care and services to the elders in their care. Their professionalism as they deal with the many issues before them, and putting the needs of their patients, residents, families, and co-workers ahead of their own deserves our highest recognition,” said Bob Lane, CNHA, FACHCA, President & CEO of ACHCA.
Virginia Health Services thanks our team of administrators across our seven nursing and rehabilitation centers and two assisted living communities. Meet our VHS administrators and assistant administrator:
COLISEUM NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Dudley Haas, Administrator
Coliseum Administrator Dudley Haas.
Years of service with VHS: 11 years.
What drew you to a career in long-term care? When I moved here as a single mom I needed a job that was conducive to day care – and I started as a Quality Assurance (QA) nurse.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? Controlled chaos, different daily.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? I do not sit at a desk all day; I am on the floor and in all the departments.
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? Travel.
What drew you to a career in long-term care? Since childhood, I have had a passion to help others and always knew I would have a career related to helping others within a community. I have been in the healthcare field for more than 10 years, expanding my abilities in dental, hospital, and most recently, within long-term care settings.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? How staff, residents and families work together to deliver a high quality of care.
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? I love to spend time with family and friends. The beach is my happy place. I have a passion to travel, love to decorate and event plan, and enjoy attending festivals.
LANCASHIRE NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Amy Payne, Administrator
Lancashire Administrator Amy Payne.
Years of service with VHS: Two years in June.
What drew you to a career in long-term care? I was raised to care for others and always be kind, caring and compassionate. I began a career in long-term care over 25 years ago. My background includes nursing, in-patient rehabilitation, family practice/urgent care, and now administration. I am excited to continue working in the environment I am familiar with and passionate about. I enjoy sharing learning experiences, guidance, resources, and knowledge with team members to help us all deliver the best quality care to residents.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? Fast-paced, rewarding, enjoyable, humbling!
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The volume and diversity of duties completed daily. No two days are the same!
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? Anything outside, on the water, beach and boating, bonfires/campfires. I love spending time with my family and friends.
THE NEWPORT NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Stephen G. Berczek, Administrator
Stephen is the administrator at The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and The Huntington Assisted Living.
Years of service with VHS: About five years.
What drew you to a career in long-term care? Started out in physical therapy as a tech for VHS and then branched off into administrative roles. I have always enjoyed helping others, especially the elderly.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? Rewarding, challenging, fast-paced.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? The extensive workload.
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? Snowboarding, traveling, working on motorcycles/cars, hiking, boating, fishing.
NORTHAMPTON NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
DeShae Morse, Administrator
Northampton Administrator DeShae Morse.
Years/Months of service with VHS: 11 months with VHS (20 years overall as a long-term care administrator).
What drew you to a career in long-term care? My grandmother worked in healthcare at CHKD for 28 years. She possesses a strong passion for helping and serving others. Also, my desire to have personal involvement in serving my employees and producing positive outcomes for those who cannot care for themselves.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? Divine assignment to serve others.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? With my team, we actually have loads of fun in the midst of the whirlwind that’s healthcare as we know it today. In this arena of healthcare, we often laugh, cry and have to pray for sanity in the same day!
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? Fun day/overnight trips and relaxing on the water.
WALTER REED NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Bryant Hudgins, Administrator
Bryant Hudgins has been with VHS for 29 years. He built a career from CNA at Walter Reed to administrator.
Years of service with VHS: 29 years.
What drew you to a career in long-term care? I’ve always enjoyed helping others and as I turned older I unfortunately witnessed my grandparents and other older members of my family endure long, drawn-out illnesses. The more I become engaged in healthcare, I realized how long-term care would give me the opportunity to help others in need as they aged. Also, the security and stability a career in healthcare would guarantee.
How would you describe your job in 5 words or less? A continuous evolution in healthcare.
What aspect(s) of the job would surprise others? How different every single day is. The duties of my job not only encompass the resident care and services but also physical plant and quality control of environment. It makes no single day ever the same.
What is something you like to do outside of the facility? I enjoy spending time with my family an am always out supporting youth sports. I recently completed my 10th year of coaching travel AAU basketball in 2022.
Join our team
We are looking for administrators for our James River and York Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers. Visit vahs.com/careers to view the job listing and apply online.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Virginia Health Services is shining a light on the pivotal role women played in the advancement of medical treatment on the Peninsula.
VHS was founded in 1963 and for more than 60 years has strived to be the provider of choice for senior living, senior care, rehabilitation, home health and hospice. We recognize the value of our location in Hampton Roads and its rich history, which includes contributions to the medical field. And we’re proud to partner with Fort Monroe to celebrate women’s contributions to nursing and therapy this March.
A group of nurses views records during a photo shoot for the 50th anniversary of the Army Corps of Nurses. (Photo courtesy of Fort Monroe.)
We asked Fort Monroe archivist Ali Kolleda to share some of the former Army post’s history of women nurses and reconstruction aides, who were the precursors to occupational and physical therapists.
“World War I was a big turning point for the medical field, and specifically women’s involvement,” Ali said.
The research extensively shows the integral role of women’s work in the Army, well before they were allowed to enlist in 1943.
Virginia Health Services continues the tradition of supporting women’s roles in providing care on the Peninsula.
Civil and Spanish-American Wars
Fort Monroe was a hub for the treating of wounded soldiers during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars. It was considered easy to access along the waterways, and was the only Union stronghold in the South during the Civil War.
At the time, Ali said, “Fort Monroe was lauded as ‘a miraculous climate that could cure disease,’ and the Hygeia Hotel was meant to allow wealthy people to convalesce and ‘take to the waters.’ Hygeia was named after the goddess of health.”
Nurses were treating malaria en masse and wounded soldiers from combat.
During the Spanish-American War, articles are written about how exemplary the nurses’ care is when treating soldiers returning from Cuba, Ali said.
Archive image of Chesapeake Females Seminary (now home of the Hampton VA). (Photo courtesy of Fort Monroe.)
There were between three and four hospitals set up at Fort Monroe during the Civil War. The complex included the Post hospital, a requisitioned the ballroom at the Hygeia Hotel, the then-Chesapeake Female Seminary, a tent Hampton Hospital (for enlisted soldiers) and a contraband hospital at the Fort’s entrance.
They were huge complexes with hundreds, if not thousands, of nurses running them.
“They’re called volunteer nurses through Spanish-American War,” Ali said. They were taught at medical schools and apprenticeships through hospitals. Many nurses were trained through the Red Cross.
A circular published during Civil War (possibly by Dorthea Dix) advertised for “matronly women, widows – women who don’t have dependents,” Ali said.
Ali said that changes, especially during times of war. Some women would follow their drafted sons and husbands to the post as nurses.
Lucina Emerson Whitney, volunteer Civil War nurse at Monroe. (Photo courtesy of Fort Monroe.)
“Lucina Emerson Whitney followed two sons who were serving in the 67th Regiment, Ohio Infantry, which was sent to Virginia,” Ali writes based on Fort Monroe archived documents. “She was assigned to the Hampton General Hospital (of the U.S. General Hospital, Fortress Monroe) in June 1863 where she served for the duration of the war.”
During this time, black women could not enroll in the Red Cross. There is not a record of black women as nurses at Fort Monroe during WWI.
Black women were contracted during the Civil War at Camp Hamilton (Phoebus) as nurses. Harriett Tubman was at the Fort during Civil War to inspect the contraband hospital. She was offered the job as head nurse – “we don’t know if she came back because the war was over at that point. We know she was here for three months conducting the inspection,” Ali said.
Records at the end of Civil War (1870s) show that black midwives delivered children at the Fort.
“They were here,” Ali said, “but wouldn’t have been officially considered Army nurses in the Nurse Corps.”
Army Corps of Nurses
Army nurses are at Fort Monroe consistently from 1901, not just times of war.
“(Training) becomes formalized in 1901 at the end of the Spanish-American War when the Army realizes they need a permanent body of nurses,” Ali said. “The Army Nurse Corps is created at that point. Army nurses are contracted, not enlisted, so there are no benefits. They’re not considered veterans. They’re simply civilian women contracted as nurses.”
They developed a community on the post. Ali said Fort Monroe has community activity bulletins in the collections from the 1910s and 1920s that outlined who could swim at the community pool, and when.
Women, as nurses, were considered the equivalent of officers. They were accepted as a social part of the fort. At the end of WWI, with influenza ramping up, black women were allowed to enroll as nurses with the Army Nurse Corps through the Red Cross. They were assigned to certain posts in the Army, not necessarily at Fort Monroe.
Nurses at work at Fort Monroe around the time of the 50th anniversary of the Army Corps of Nurses in 1951. (Photo courtesy of Fort Monroe.)
Women enlist in Army medical unit
Women were open to enlist in 1943. Nurses’ quarters were constructed at Fort Monroe and nurses arrive in 1944. Women had their own barracks, mess hall, and were segregated from the male companies. They fall under the chief of staff for Army Field Forces.
At their time of enlistment, men and women received the same benefits and pay for the same rank. There were limitations placed on women for what rank they could reach until the 1970s. During WWII, their rank was usually captain or major.
The Army Corps of Nurses celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1951. The Fort Monroe collection includes medical unit lists of those women, souvenir menus and other items.
“(Women) become a very well-integrated part of the Army at that point, 1943 onward,” Ali said.
Photo of Captain Elizabeth Steindel, which appeared in the Daily Press on April 11, 1943. (Courtesy of Fort Monroe.)
Ali shared an anecdote about Captain Elizabeth E. Steindel, who was chief nurse at Fort Monroe for about two years (1943-1945) during World War II. She was trained at Mercy Hospital in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and was commissioned as an Army nurse in 1942. She taught an accelerated course at the Fort Monroe station hospital to train nurse’s aides in 1945 – which sounds like a precursor to the CNA apprentice training currently offered by Virginia Health Services.
According to a newspaper article from the time, “the Monroe nurses get a certain amount of military drill and calisthenics.” The article also states there was “a staff of 12 handling a 139-bed hospital.”
Once Fort Eustis, Fort Story and Langley Air Force Base are established, the military dispersed medical stations around Hampton Roads.
The Fort Monroe hospital, which still stands on Ingalls Road, was converted to a clinic after the 1950s. Fort Monroe lost a lot of its operations, including maternity, which eventually was assigned to Langley AFB, Ali said.
The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was inactive in 1974 and women were fully integrated into male units. By 1978, WAC dissolved into full integration in the Army.
On a map of Fort Monroe during the time of Reconstruction after the Civil War, Fort Monroe archivist Ali Kolleda points out where the Post Hospital and matrons’ quarters were upon entering the fort’s main gate.
Birth of occupational and physical therapy
Occupational and physical therapists also come out of WWI, then called reconstruction aides.
Near where the Hampton VA Hospital now stands was once the National Home for Disabled Volunteers, Ali said. It was a place for draftees to go to receive support for their “war neuroses.”
They were “asylum style hospitals; full-functioning communities for medical care,” though the underlying causes of mental health weren’t addressed at the time.
When the Army needed a demarcation hospital, it requisitioned the Hampton National Home and the veterans shifted to other hospitals in the U.S. Eventually it became General Hospital No. 43, which was geared toward mental health, shellshock and war neuroses, Ali said, to fulfill President Woodrow Wilson’s push to return soldiers to being “productive members of society.”
Reconstruction Aide Lois Clifford, pictured in the Pittsburgh Daily Post on Dec. 26, 1919. Clifford published manuels, such as on weaving, as part of occupational therapy training. (Photo courtesy of Fort Monroe.)
They added reconstruction aides, who were women trained privately through a hospital program and instituted programs to rehabilitate soldiers physically and mentally.
“It becomes the premiere neuro psychiatric facility of the Army” in Hampton, Ali said, and there were other locations.
One of the techniques the reconstruction aides used was weaving to help soldiers handle anxiety by occupying the mind. Programs were instituted and research was done that contributed to the occupational therapy program.
Occupational therapist Lois Clifford was assigned here in 1919 for the neuro-psychiatric hospital. She was trained occupational therapist and worked with soldiers with war neuroses. She was discharged from the Army with a “mental breakdown,” she calls it, and took time off for her recovery.
Clifford published a book on card weaving in 1947 and spent most of her life after her breakdown as occupational director at West PA School of the Blind.
The therapists fell under the Army medical department; no separate entity was created for reconstruction aides.
Virginia Health Services offers rehabilitation in its skilled nursing center units and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy. We recognize the important work women did as reconstruction aides to lay the groundwork for that field.
Virginia Health Services welcomed four new graduates from the apprentice program to its team following a ceremony Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester.
The students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides under the earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program, which also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. The graduates were the first class to graduate this year from the Gloucester program and will continue to work at Walter Reed.
The program returned to hosting classes and skills lab at Walter Reed following a hiatus the past couple of years. Classes also are offered on the Peninsula at the Employment, Education and Enrichment (EEE) Center in Newport News, with skills labs at James River and Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
Students spend nearly six weeks in the classroom, taking 14 tests, and in the clinical skills lab learning 22 skills to graduate. The course provides the foundation to be a CNA and students are instructed it is a “stepping stone” to nursing or other career paths in healthcare.
Vice President of Operations Don Lundin congratulates the apprentice program graduates at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
It was the first class at Gloucester for VHS training and education coordinator Tracy Williams, MSN, BSN, RN. She was assisted by longtime VHS instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, and Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN, who also lead the Peninsula program.
Vice President of Operations Don Lundin said in opening remarks that VHS is proud of the graduates, and the team looks forward to supporting their journey in healthcare.
Three of the graduates were Care Assistants at Walter Reed previous to joining the class. The fourth “fit right into the puzzle,” Tracy said.
Lana Ketch, Director of Nursing at Walter Reed, shared the team was proud of them and happy they are remaining at the facility.
“I’ve heard about the care you’ve given, the compassion you’ve shown. Don’t ever stop doing that,” she said. “When you leave here at the end of the day, if you’ve made one resident smile, it was a good day. You did your job well.”
The graduates
Tracy said the class was the first taught on her own – she was the Infection Preventionist nurse at Walter Reed prior to joining the VHS education team.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this class,” she said.
Zoe Banks had some experience in a prior class before graduating Thursday. She knew her skills, Tracy said, and did an excellent job. She received a clinical skills superlative award from her instructor.
Nora said Zoe “thrived in this environment. I watched you grow in your abilities and in as a person, and your confidence just blossomed.”
Graduate Zoe BlanksGraduate Donna CollinsGraduate Marquise WilliamsGraduate D’Andra Wilson
Donna Collins “nailed it,” Nora said. Donna and Tracy had worked together previously and Tracy said she knew her student would excel in the class. She received the Champion Award from Tracy for showing the most growth throughout the course of the class.
Salutatorian D’Andra Wilson was nervous to start, Nora said, “but you were up to the task. You exceeded your expectations and were determined.”
Tracy called D’Andra – known as “D” – her long-lost twin. “She was great in the skills lab and on the floor. She nailed it.”
Valedictorian Marquise Williams was a good student, Nora said. “He was all in. It’s a stepping stone from CA, and he was in it to win it. You loved it. There’s a path for you in healthcare here.”
The residents loved him, Tracy said.
He shared a few remarks with his classmates.
“It was a good class. I loved working with my people. I enjoyed watching you grow as people and as nurses. Keep doing what you do; I look forward to working with you guys,” Marquise said.
Join our team
Applications for the next Gloucester class are open at vahs.com/apprenticeship. The class is slated for April 22-May 30. Two others will be offered July 22-August 29 and October 21-December 2.
Peninsula class applications for the April 29-June 6 class will open in mid-March. Look for the application link at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
Seven students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides during a ceremony Feb. 16 at the Employment, Education and Enrichment (EEE) Center. It was the first graduating class of 2024 for the earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program.
The students spent nearly six weeks in the classroom and in clinical skills labs at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hampton. They learn 22 skills, take 14 tests and get hands-on experience working with patients. The apprenticeship program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be CNAs.
Friends, family members and VHS team members from corporate and Coliseum attended the graduation ceremony. Instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, and Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN, gave remarks as each graduate received their certificates. Instructor Tracy Williams, BSN, RN, handed grads their updated name badges to indicate they are now Nurse Aides.
The graduates – Iliana Apodaca, Ann Marie Morris Bellamy, Traci Jones (valedictorian), Tatyonna Gardner, Trinity Osborne, Tyra Stevenson and Moesha Williams (salutatorian) – will join the teams at Coliseum, James River and York Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
“It takes a special person to work with the elderly,” Nora said during the ceremony.
The graduates
Princess told the class it was “truly a good journey” with them. She and Nora showered the graduates with praise for their heart, compassion and ability to work together as a team.
Nora shared Iliana was “attentive, quiet and willing to the extra mile.” Princess added she was gentle with the residents.
Princess awarded Ann Marie the Champion Award for her hard work throughout the course of the class. She was recommended for the class by Coliseum Director of Nursing Yolanda Carnegie-Chambers, who was in the audience. “She would say she loved taking care of older people,” Nora said. Ann Marie plans to attend nursing school.
“Your heart shines,” Nora said of Tatyonna. Princess added her head was “always in the game.”
Trinity also is eyeing nursing school. She is determined, Princess said, and inspired by her grandparents.
“You do it well,” Nora told Tyra. Princess called her “determined, strong-willed and strong.” The former personal care aide learned to provide a gentler touch during clinicals.
Salutatorian Moesha “did a wonderful job,” Princess said, adding the experience is a perfect stepping stone for a nursing career.
Valedictorian
Valedictorian Traci Jones and Director of Education Princess Henderson.
Traci also was referred to the class by the team at Coliseum. She was first licensed as a CNA in 1995 and needed to refresh her credentials. She told her instructors this is her calling, Princess said.
Princess read Traci’s valedictorian speech.
“I am filled with immense pride and gratitude … our journey in nursing has been nothing short of challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. … Through it all we have grown not only as healthcare professionals but also as compassionate individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of others. …,” she said.
“As we embark on our next chapter of our journey … let us carry with us with us the values instilled in us during our time here: compassion, empathy and commitment to lifelong learning. Let us continue to strive for excellence in everything we do knowing our dedication has the power to positively impact the lives of countless individuals.”
Princess helps Traci deliver her valedictorian remarks to her classmates and ceremony attendees.
What’s next
The students will participate in review sessions before taking their state certification exams.
“We care about you as people; we want you to succeed,” Nora told the graduates.
Princess opened the ceremony by remarking, “Today you’re a CNA, tomorrow an RN. Keep the compassion you have for caring for people.”
Upcoming classes
Applications are closed for the next class, which starts March 4 at the EEE. Students of the Gloucester class graduate Feb. 29 at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Applications for the next Gloucester class, which is April 22-May 30, open the end of February. The next Peninsula class will accept applications this spring for its April 29-June 6 session.
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