Two Christian Health Care Center Employees Honored by LeadingAge New Jersey

Two employees of Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) in Wyckoff were selected as recipients by LeadingAge New Jersey in its 2016 awards program. Marjorie Walker, Lead Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) on The David F. Bolger Post-acute Care Unit, won the Excellence in Care Award for her exceptional care and personal attention to all her residents and patients. Michael Abbey, RN, BSN, Nursing Supervisor at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, won the Professional Advancement Award for his growth and leadership at CHCC. Ms. Walker Mr. Abbey, and other honorees will be recognized at the 2016 LeadingAge New Jersey Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 7, at Foresgate Country Club in Monroe Township.

The recipient of The Excellence in Care Award inspires and motivates staff, volunteers, and residents, and performs his/her job in an extraordinary manner, often going above the call of duty in serving others. The recipient of the Professional Advancement Award embodies progressive leadership responsibilities and works to build a shared vision, develop robust relationships, and enhances organization capacities.

A CHCC employee for nine years, Ms. Walker has natural leadership abilities, a deep commitment to her residents, a “can-do” attitude, and an excellent reputation as a caring CNA to her residents and a nurturing mentor to other staff. She was nominated by Maryanne Burdi, RN, Heritage Manor Nursing Home Assistant Director of Nursing.

“Ms. Walker recognizes that everyone has different needs and is a unique individual,” said Ms. Burdi. “She takes time to focus on each resident as she cares for him/her. She is an outstanding advocate for all of her residents and for the unit in general. The needs of her patients always supersede her own. She is always readily available to speak with families and is a constant cheerleader for staff. Ms. Walker always has a smile on her face, and greets everyone around her like an old friend.”

A CHCC employee for 12 years, Mr. Abbey started as a certified nursing assistant, went on to earn a licensed practical nurse degree, then earned a registered nurse degree, and then earned a bachelor of science in nursing from William Paterson University of New Jersey. He is currently working to earn a master of science in nursing degree. Mr. Abbey is extremely committed to education and growth to enhance his clinical skills and leadership abilities, all while working full-time and raising a family. He has been the recipient of the Walter & Louise Sutcliffe Foundation Nursing Scholarship three times. This scholarship is awarded to employees who wish to further their education in the nursing care of the mentally ill or the elderly.

Mr. Abbey oversees residents and patients of Heritage Manor Nursing Home and The David F. Bolger Post-acute Care Unit, a total of 298 beds. Mr. Abbey consistently exceeds the call of duty in advocating for his residents and patients. He is always aware of their needs and makes sure that they are met. He was nominated by Nancy Mericle, RN, NADONALTC, Nursing Services Director.

“Mr. Abbey constantly raises the bar regarding clinical practices of nursing and the care expectations of certified nursing assistants,” said Ms. Mericle. “He is always available with a listening ear and is highly regarded by his staff and leaders. He exhibits an enormous knowledge of human behavior that gives him the humble ability to create a positive working environment for his co-workers, and therefore, uplifts the spirits of the patients and residents whom he serves. He is the personification of hard work and dedication with a loving heart and compassionate soul.”

“My colleagues and I are so proud of Marjorie Walker and Michael Abbey for receiving these prestigious awards from LeadingAge NJ,” said Douglas A. Struyk, CPA, LNHA, CHCC President and CEO. “We are blessed and inspired as we work alongside them to fulfill our mission and serve those entrusted to our care.”

LeadingAge New Jersey, of which CHCC is a member, is the statewide association of not-for-profit senior-care organizations and is dedicated to advancing

quality aging services in New Jersey through advocacy, education, and fellowship. CHCC works in partnership with LeadingAge to advance policies, promote practices, and conduct research that supports, enables, and empowers people to live fully as they age.

CHCC provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering superior senior-life, short-term rehab, and mental-health services. As a non-profit organization, we deliver Person- and Family-centered Care to our community based upon the Christian principles on which we were founded more than a century ago.

For more information, visit ChristianHealthCare.org.

CUTLINE: Pictured, from left, are Marjorie Walker, Lead Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) on The David F. Bolger Post-acute Care Unit, and recipient of the Excellence in Care Award, and Michael Abbey, RN, BSN, Nursing Supervisor at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, and recipient of the Professional Advancement Award.