Caregiver of the Year

Congratulations to Kim Houge, Alamo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center's 2011 Caregiver of the Year!

This individual originally came to work in the environmental service department because she could not bear the thought of providing direct patient care. She quickly became attached to the residents who lived in her work area. It wasn't long until she decided to commit to becoming a certified nurse aide. She loved the patient contact so much that she pursued educational advancement in the field of nursing. She pushed through school and graduated, becoming an LPN in 2002. She has been one of the finest nurses at our facility.

Her residents are loyal to her and miss her if she is out for any reason. She worries about her residents and will often call or come by on her days off to check on them. She is a truly caring individual and takes great pride in the care of her residents. They acknowledge this characteristic and respond with their trust and undying affection. She is very efficient and takes her time with residents. She goes out of her way, whether on duty or off, to tend to personal requests and the best interests of her residents and co-workers.

She is a loyal employee and takes extra responsibilities without a question. She is a mentor to new nurses and strives to do the best job within her ability. Her broad knowledge base provides a foundation for resident care. She has had multiple years of perfect attendance. She often assists co-workers as well as people in the community. She always strives to go the extra mile for her co-workers and residents. She is not only a caregiver of the year, but a caregiver every day.

Because of her dedication to her residents and duties, I am nominating Kimberly Smallwood Houge for caregiver of the year.

Sincerely,

Edward McBryde, RN, NHA