VNA & Blue Water Hospice leadership honors staff quarterly through the ‘Shining Star’ program, recognizing the extras they do for each other, their patients, and the community.

Let’s get to know Jennica!

Jennica is the Quality Coordinator and has been at VNA & Blue Water Hospice since February 2016.

What does your job entail at VNA & BWH?

As the Quality Coordinator, I review all Start of Care (SOC) assessments from nursing and therapy prior to submission to Medicare. I am responsible to keep the agency compliant on CHAP guidelines as well as various insurance payors. My position also oversees the Intake Coordinator as well as staff education for the Home Health division. I also conduct audits and medical record requests with Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).

Why did you choose this type of work?

Prior to nursing, my education was in culinary arts. I still love to bake bread, but soon learned that industry wasn’t a lifelong career for me. My dad mentioned he thought I would be a good nurse. At the time, I lived near a nurse and asked to job shadow her. She, along with my parents really encouraged me to pursue nursing school – and I know this is where I’m meant to be.

Why do you choose to work at VNA & BWH?

Previously, I worked in the hospital setting. Working a 12-hr shift at a hospital you typically have 5-9 patients. I felt that most shifts I was running in and out of their rooms, rarely making a meaningful impact on them. I don’t remember patients I’ve taken care of at the hospital, I remember just about all of my Home Health patients. I feel that I was able to build a relationship and see the follow-through with my Home Health patients.

At the hospital, I was on a surgical floor with mostly joint patients. They always went home with a Home Health care plan. That is what got me thinking outside of the box and take my nursing from the hospital to home health.

What is a favorite memory you have of work?

I tell this story to a lot of new Home Health nurses. On my first day, I got a Start of Care that lasted three hours. I felt I did a horrible job. I managed her case for several months and we healed her wound. I then felt I had meaning in my job, as a nurse I impacted her life. I knew at this point just how important our job is and how impactful we can be to our patients. That one patient was so hard for me at first, but to see her healed was so rewarding.

Jessica recognized Jennica as a Shining Star!

Jennica is a wealth of knowledge within this agency. Her ability to teach others and her compassion for Home Health is unprecedented. She never makes one feel like they are not important and takes the time to teach the staff to enhance their understanding and provide better care to the patients. Jennica strives to go above and beyond in any situation, and anyone can see she takes pride in her role. She is a role model to others who know her.

If you would like to thank a staff member, volunteer, or physician at VNA & Blue Water Hospice, go to https://www.vnabwh.org/thankyou/.