May 6–12 is National Nurses Week, and International Nurses Day is recognized on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday! Each year, we take this opportunity to show appreciation for our nurses, an extraordinary group within the Sunrise Senior Living family.

This year’s theme is “4 Million Reasons to Celebrate,” a nod to the more than four million licensed nurses in the United States. Sunrise has nearly 3,000 nurses across all of our communities and offices in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. That’s a lot of reasons to celebrate!

“We recognize and appreciate the vast contributions that every Sunrise nurse makes each day,” said Sue Coppola, chief clinical officer. “Nurses are instrumental in taking a holistic approach to care, considering the mind, body, and spirit, as they collaborate with other community team members to deliver high-quality care and promote residents’ overall well-being.”

Earlier this year, five Sunrise nurses were recognized with the Sunrise Nightingale Awards. These awards recognize excellence in nursing and are based on the characteristics exhibited by Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing and a leader far ahead of her time. Her ambitious, big-picture thinking continues to inform the compassionate care that Sunrise nurses provide daily at each of our communities.

Thank you to nursing professionals everywhere for the invaluable, compassionate care you provide. Read on to learn more about the five team members who earned Sunrise Nightingale Awards!

Brenda Anderson—Resident Care Director, Sunrise of Lynn Valley (North Vancouver, British Columbia)

Brenda has over 20 years of experience in the home care sector, and she joined Sunrise of Lynn Valley in June 2017. She is focused on promoting wellness in the community, and takes pride in showing respect to each resident while providing high-quality care.

Brenda embraces a teamwork mentality in the community, and consistently demonstrates leadership qualities in her advocacy for residents. Her commitment to evidence-based practice makes her someone Florence would certainly be proud of! In addition to providing care every day, Brenda loves interacting with residents and listening to their stories.

Himali Bhagat—Resident Care Director, Sunrise of Erin Mills (Mississauga, Ontario)

Himali has been an exceptional clinical leader and resident advocate since joining Sunrise of Erin Mills two years ago. Her positive spirit serves as an inspiration in the community as she collaborates with other team members and uses data to enhance quality of life for residents.

"I truly enjoy making a positive impact in our resident’s lives. I love working with a team who goes above and beyond every day to provide the best quality of life for our residents,” says Himali. “My favorite part about Sunrise is how you feel right at home as soon as you walk in. It’s truly satisfying leaving everyday knowing that I’ve made a difference."

Cheryl Hadd—Resident Care Director, Sunrise of Rochester, MI

Nursing for Cheryl is more than just a job—it’s her passion. She’s continuously made a difference in the lives of residents, families, and team members over the course of her 20 years at Sunrise of Rochester, all while growing, adapting, and embracing change. She always seeks to help families navigate the healthcare arena so that they can better understand what services are available for their needs.

“Working at Sunrise, I have enjoyed the people more than anything,” says Cheryl. “I feel fully supported by my team, and know we are all working with dedication and love to support our residents.”

Nickkie Johnson—Resident Care Director, Sunrise of Jacksonville, FL

Nickkie has over 16 years of total experience in nursing. She serves as a hands-on mentor to fellow team members and takes a thoughtful approach to care, always ensuring that the community utilizes every resource available to enhance quality of life for residents. She’s committed to the highest standards of quality, and proactively seeks to address any family or resident needs.

“My favorite part of my job is mentoring and helping other healthcare professionals, which translates into quality care for the residents we serve,” says Nickkie. “At Sunrise, there is a sense of family felt throughout the organization.”

Regina Lane—Resident Care Director, Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem, NC

Gina is a passionate leader dedicated to serving her community by prioritizing her residents and her fellow team members. She utilizes tools such as Sunrise CareConnect to effectively and accurately deliver personalized care to residents.

One of Gina’s favorite statements is, “Know what works best for you as a communication avenue, and actively listen.” She’s used this collaborative mindset to establish trust and a strong working relationship with her fellow community team members.

Nursing Opportunities at Sunrise

At Sunrise, nurses are key to fulfilling our mission: to champion quality of life for all seniors. Our nurses are eligible to receive tuition reimbursement and participate in training, leadership development programs, and continuing education. If you’d like to ignite your potential while growing personally and professionally, visit our nursing careers page to explore opportunities to join our team!

Source: Sunrise Senior Living