Caregiver of the Year

Congratulations to Ena Bowen, Crockett County Nursing Home's 2007 Caregiver of the Year!

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Ena Bowen went to work at Crockett County Nursing Home in 1990 as a part-time dietary aide. She worked her way up to full time head cook and on to assistant dietary manager in 1992, a position she currently holds. Ena is an outstanding employee and is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Most often you will find Ena in the kitchen with hair net on, ready to be of assistance to her co-workers. Ena had the privilege to have her beloved grandfather as a resident at Crockett County Nursing Home. Every day after work you knew where you could find Ena, she was in “Daddy Porter’s room to visit and feed him ice cream before she left for the day. Her grandfather went to be with the Lord and even on that very day Ena was beside him to offer comfort in his last moments here on earth.

Ena is a great asset to Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Jennifer Harber and the entire facility. She takes pride in her work and always works call-ins at the last minute. She never complains about taking calls at home or getting called in to work. Ena has spent the majority of her employment as a single mother while putting her son through high school and then college at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, often while working another part time job. Ena married Jay Bowen in 2003 and she and her husband accepted the responsibility of legal custody and raising her young niece in a loving, Christian home. Ena’s love for her family and the Lord shows in every aspect of life. She will offers words of encouragement to other staff members who are experience difficult times. She always has kind words for people and often finds the good in everyone.

Ena will do whatever is asked of her by residents or staff. She is always willing to come in early to prepare special meals when special events are held for the facility. Ena came in early to prepare a full breakfast for the 11-7 shift in honor of 3^rd shift workers appreciation day. Administrator Sherma Crutchfield says she has never asked anything of Ena that her reply wasn’t “yes, what time do you want me to come in?" and "when do you want me to do it?" Ena has worked for the facility for the past 17 years and has experienced her share of hardships, but never once has she complained that life was unfair. She took the hand that was dealt and continued on her journey.

The following is a special poem written about Ena by former CCNH resident Elizabeth Kirby:

Have you ever met Ena?

Have you ever met Ena?

I haven’t but I know she really is kind

If I should want something not on their planned menu, Ena doesn’t seem to mind

For all I know, she may say something under her breath, and I certainly wouldn’t blame her for doing so,

But, I doubt if she does ‘cause she and all those in the kitchen are the nicest folks you’d ever want to know

Ms. Kirby has passed on, but it is a blessing to know that Ena made her last days in the nursing home special by providing her favorite foods. This is just one of many stories about Ena's kindness you will hear from the residents.

Ena has recently decided to pursue her certification as a dietary manager. It is an honor to have Ena as Assistant Dietary Manager at Crockett County Nursing Home and it is with great pleasure to nominate her as “CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR!