Vermont Business Magazine In honor of National Nurses Week, which runs from May 6-12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday) to honor and recognize the contribution of all nurses, BAYADA Hospice in Norwich, VT recognizes all hospice nurses who make a difference in their patients’ lives. One nurse in particular, office clinical manager Jeanette Leavitt, RN, was recently recognized as a finalist for BAYADA’s prestigious Ann Baiada Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership—a national award. Leavitt, a resident of White River Junction, VT, was nominated for exemplifying the highest standards of nursing excellence.
“Jeanette embodies BAYADA’s core values of compassion, excellence, and reliability,” said Jessica DeGrechie, director of the BAYADA Hospice office in Norwich. “She is unflappable- always kind, a strong but gentle leader. She is the heart of our team and is respected by everyone she comes in contact with.”
Jeanette has been with BAYADA Hospice for 9 of her 13 years as a nurse. For the past five years, she has been the clinical manager, where she supports patients and families, most related to symptom management and keeping patients comfortable. She also acts as mentor and teacher for the staff (nurses and licensed nursing assistants).
Below are some testimonials about Leavitt from others:
“While life has become unpredictable and unstable, there is one thing Mom and I know we can count on. It’s Jeanette’s strength and good sense.”
~Elizabeth Ash, patient’s daughter
“Ever since Jeanette took on the overwhelming role of Clinical Manager, I have seen nothing but beauty. She not only shows compassion and empathy with every step, but her follow-through in assisting us gives us peace of mind that it’s all going to work out.”
~Mick Byers LPN, Director of the Memory Care Unit, Valley Terrace
“Those who have not experienced hospice care may be surprised to know how deeply spiritual and joyful it is. If I could, I would point them to Jeanette and say, “Meet the person who can help you understand more than you ever thought you knew about living life to the fullest!”
~Richard and Margot Lewin, family of patient
“Jeanette carries with her a sense of calm and grace, and an ability to see the best in any difficult situation.”
~Penny Van Alstyne, APRN, coworker at BAYADA Hospice
The Ann Baiada Award, a tribute to former BAYADA Home Health Care Director Ann Baiada, RN, CRRN, was established in 2006 to honor nursing leaders who are true role models and who are committed to excellence in the area of nursing leadership development. Jeanette was one of 28 BAYADA nursing leaders, of thousands, nominated for the award based on their ability to exemplify Ann Baiada’s legacy to “empower, inspire, and support” those whose lives they touch through their work at BAYADA.
BAYADA Hospice is a BAYADA Home Health Care specialty practice, providing clinical, social, emotional, and spiritual care to adults and seniors at end of life. For more information about BAYADA Hospice in Norwich, call 802-526-2380.