Memorial Hospital’s Merriman House names LNA of the Year

7/28/10

Memorial Hospital announced today that Carol Lavoie of Conway has been named by her peers at the Hospital’s Merriman House, as Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) of the Year 2010. The award offers providers the opportunity to reward, recognize and celebrate individual LNAs who are extraordinary caregivers, and valuable team members.

Lavoie was formally recognized on June 3rd during New Hampshire’s Licensed Nursing Assistant’s (LNA) Day in Concord, NH. Governor John Lynch, special guest speaker, was joined in the presentation of awards by representatives from: The Home Care Association of New Hampshire; New Hampshire Association of Counties/County Nursing Homes; New Hampshire Association of Residential Care Homes; New Hampshire Health Care Association; and the New Hampshire Hospital Association.

The governor characterized the awardees as being an invaluable segment of New Hampshire’s workforce. “LNAs are hard working, caring individuals who serve as exemplary caregivers to residents and their families day in and day out,” he commented.

Lavoie has worked at MH’s Merriman House for four years during which time she has demonstrated an exemplary record of professionalism and care. During the past year, she was chosen as a Resident Care Advocate (RCA), or senior LNA, for being a staunch advocate for Merriman House residents, and for being a caregiver who always places the needs of residents first.

The theme for this year’s event was “NH Celebrates Quality Care Giving,” and Lavoie’s peers at Merriman House articulated the quality of Lavoie’s care giving with the following comments:

“We, the staff at Merriman House hold her in high esteem and value her positive contributions to the work environment.”

“The quality of her work shows in the special care she demonstrates to make a resident’s stay at Merriman House as homelike as possible.”

“She always finds a respectful and effective way to communicate with her co-workers, always treating others with kindness and grace.”

“She helps support positive working relationships and reinforces effective teamwork.”

“She exemplifies the best qualities of a strong, conscientious and professional caregiver who is a role model for all those she leads and supports.”

Susan Ruka, PhD, Vice President, Quality & Elderly Services, and Administrator of Merriman House, praised Lavoie by saying: “The residents and staff of Merriman House—and the entire Hospital community— join me in extending our warmest expressions of appreciation and thanks.”