Holmes Honored With Life Improved Honorable Mention

From left, Administrator Tim Parsons, Staff Development Assistant Jennifer LaFlair, Bobbi Jo Holmes, Assistant Director of Nursing Madison Brossoit, Director of Nursing Brittany Thornton and CEO Steve Knight.

OGDENSBURG – One of the many challenges facing skilled nursing facilities, especially during a time when filling nursing vacancies is becoming more and more difficult, is completing a schedule that ensures each wing of the building is staffed at a level where its residents can be assured quality care.

At RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center that challenge falls to nursing scheduler Bobbi Jo Holmes, who began her career at the facility more than 20 years ago as a housekeeper.

“Every day she is in constant communication with nursing staff, helping them to create schedules that also work with their lives outside of work,” said Assistant Director of Nursing Madison Brossoit.  “She does this all while making sure the facility is staffed properly to ensure the care of our residents. This is a very challenging job.”

Staff Development Assistant Jennifer LaFlair noted Ms. Holmes often goes above and beyond and attempt to do whatever is possible to accommodate staff.

“Bobbie Jo is direct, straight-forward, honest and polite,” she said. “She has an open door policy for all co-workers and it doesn’t matter what department they’re in. I’ve witnessed firsthand how supportive she is with someone co-workers who had no one to help guide them or talk to.”

Simply put, Ms. Brossoit said it is her goal to make everyone happy, every day.

“Happy staff equals a happy work environment,” she said. “Bobbi Jo has a positive attitude that is contagious and spreads throughout the building.”

And although Ms. Brossoit may not work directly with residents, Ms. LaFlair said her impact on the residents is felt nearly every day.

“Because of her the staff can give our residents the love and care they deserve every day.”