Signature HealthCARE tackling challenges created by COVID-19
ORANGE PARK – Medical facilities, from clinics to hospitals to assisted living facilities, have had a tough year so far with the COVID-19 pandemic, and few have been spared.
Nurses and other …
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Signature HealthCARE tackling challenges created by COVID-19
ORANGE PARK – Medical facilities, from clinics to hospitals to assisted living facilities, have had a tough year so far with the COVID-19 pandemic, and few have been spared.
Nurses and other medical staff have been on the frontlines combatting this virus and still providing medical care. Signature HealthCARE of Orange Park is no different.
National Nurses’ Week was last week and Signature HealthCARE made sure to take the time to recognize and thank the engine that keeps them going.
“My nurses, my nursing assistants are my heart and soul,” said Audra Benson, Director of nursing at Signature. “The biggest challenge here is keeping the residents uplifted and happy and in good spirits; healthy and watching out for their overall wellbeing.”
Signature has had no residents test positive with COVID-19, but the Florida Department of Health reports one staff member has the virus.
When asked how that was possible in such a daunting environment since COVID-19 is prevalent among the elderly, Benson said: “because I’m a b---- at the front door.”
“It’s been challenging keeping up with all the updates of what the CDC wants us to do,” said Sheila Toffolon, Assistant Director of Nursing. “We’ve been vigilant on doing that, and it’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s been paying off.”
The nursing staff at Signature do a tremendous job, according to Benson and Toffolon, and they took the opportunity to let them know it.
With social distancing regulations enacted, vendors could not be onsite. Benson made things happen regardless.
“We cooked them breakfast, a full breakfast,” said Benson. “A full sit down, eat-in type of breakfast in the dining room. Later that week, we did lunch. We cooked them lunch and served them [lunch]. We did goodies throughout the week. It was not what I really wanted it to be, yet it was enough to let them know that I appreciate them and what they’re doing.”
Benson has been the director of nursing at Signature for only three months, but she sees how special her staff is.
“All of the employees are like one big family,” she said. “Everyone is close-knit, willing to work, team players. It’s just a different environment here for me.”
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