Allison Fairweather’s compassion, dedication are an inspiration to others

Country Terrace Inspired Leader recipient is also a fan-favourite with residents

Country Terrace registered practical nurse (RPN) Allison Fairweather is known around the Komoka, Ont. long-term care home as a caregiver who is compassionate, responsible and dedicated.

It’s for these reasons her colleagues nominated her for Country Terrace’s 2016 Inspired Leader Award.

Allison is also a favourite team member amongst Country Terrace residents, notes administrator Karen Dann.

“Allison is very well liked by all of the staff and by all of the residents,” Karen tells The OMNIway. “In fact, when we had to move her (to another) area of the home, the residents in her old area were asking if we could move her back because they missed her so much.”

Karen says Allison has an excellent rapport with everyone connected to Country Terrace – residents, their families and her co-workers. She is also very resident-focused in her nursing duties, Karen adds.

“She is very kind, very gentle and takes her time with the residents, going the extra mile to make sure they get everything they need,” Karen says, adding residents all have different needs, but Allison is a pro at knowing what those needs are and ensuring they’re met.

One of Allison’s key leadership strengths is her flexibility. Karen says any time there is a staffing shortage, Allison can be counted to come to work on her days off or to stay longer and put in overtime hours.

Allison also has a leading role in Country Terrace’s palliative care program and is active in the home’s involvement with Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO), a provincial initiative that provides training to long-term care staff members to enhance quality of life for people with cognitive impairment.

“She is a really compassionate nurse,” Karen says. “I really think she is one of the best nurses we have.”

OMNI Health Care’s Inspired Leader Award is presented to staff members from each of the organization’s 18 long-term care homes. The accolade recognizes people who demonstrate OMNI’s mission, vision and values and outstanding leadership and dedication to their work.

Inspired Leader and Everyday Hero Award recipients were announced at OMNI’s managers’ forum in Kingston in May. Since then, homes have been hosting their own award ceremonies to honour award recipients.

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