At Heritage Community of Kalamazoo (HCK), exceptional staff are encouraged through training and on-going professional development is a cornerstone to organizational growth and self-improvement. It is our goal to expand the knowledge, skills and abilities of our staff to best meet individuals' needs, wants and preferences. We have a dynamic educational approach to supporting staff development focused on ensuring employee contributions to high quality health care and to enhance their pursuit of high standards of performance and personal growth.
This award is named in honor and memory of Elsa Krum. Mrs. Krum was the first staff member of the Senior Citizen's Fund, the original name of HCK.
Elsa Krum Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes HCK staff members who perform in an exemplary manner. The current Elsa Krum staff members of the month are:
| Name | Job Title | Facility | Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica Vergauwen | Dining Services Manager | Wyndham West & Amber Way | February 2010 |
| Ronda Thomson | Medical Records Tech | Upjohn Community Care Center | 2009 Employee of the Year! |
| Michelle Visscher | Personal Care Assistant | Wyndham West | November 2009 |
| Abby Pettit | Life Enrichment Coordinator | Amber Way | October 2009 |
Click on the image below to view photos from the HCK Awards & Appreciation Banquet:
All part/full time nurses attend the NICHE program (Nurses Improving Care for Health System) at Bronson Hospital. The NICHE program was developed by the John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing to help nurses deliver the best possible care to the growing populations.
Nurses assess and manage residents suffering from common geriatric issues, such as depression, dementia, pressure ulcers, sleep issues, pain, urinary incontinence and falls.
The program consists of study modules, a one-day course of hands-on application at Bronson Hospital and prepares registered nurses to test for the American Nurses Credentialing Center certification exam for gerontological nursing.
Staff Appreciation Week is one way we can extend a big "Thank You" to all HCK staff for the dedication and compassionate care they provide every day throughout the year.
The week features fun themes, gifts, and raffle prizes every day of the week. The week culminates with the annual Staff Appreciation Banquet for an evening of great food, dancing, entertainment and celebration! The highlight of that evening is the announcement of the Elsa Krum Staff Member of the Year.