Tanya Williams’ colleagues at West Lake Terrace saw her leadership qualities from Day 1

CCC, who has been working at the home for 16 months, receives Inspired Leadership Award

Tanya Williams’ colleagues at West Lake Terrace recall how when she came to interview for a registered practical nurse (RPN) position at the Prince Edward County long-term care home in July 2017 they immediately thought her strong leadership, critical thinking and people skills would be even better suited for the vacant clinical care co-ordinator (CCC) position.

So that was the position Tanya was offered.

“She was hesitant at first when we approached her, but she put on a brave face and took the jump into a management position and has embraced the role wholeheartedly,” her co-workers say.

Since then, Tanya’s leadership skills have been shining bright in her role as CCC, so much so that those she works with at West Lake Terrace nominated her for the home’s 2018 Inspired Leadership Award. The award was recently presented to Tanya at a ceremony that also honoured West Lake Terrace’ s Everyday Hero and Lifetime Achievement award recipients (more stories to follow). Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Todd Smith was also at West Lake Terrace during the ceremony.

Tanya’s colleagues also note that since joining the West Lake team, her ability to work well with others and her strong work ethic have been infectious at the home. Tanya also played a large role in helping the West Lake Team roll out a “wound rounds” program at the home which has led to positive outcomes for residents.

“She collaborated with the RNs, RPNs, PSWs, doctors and residents, and in no time we had a solid program in place; the wounds were well-documented, healing quickly, the relationships were established between the team members and aided in the introduction of the (nurse practitioner) and, most importantly, the residents’ comfort levels were enhanced,” the West Lake team says.

Another project Tanya has led at West Lake Terrace is the bed-rail audits and entrapment program, which has resulted in decreased use of bed rails, which are considered a restraint, her colleagues note.

Tanya also stays “positive” under pressure, another key leadership skill, the West Lake team says.

“She jumps in and offers to help any of her teammates on the front line or the management level,” team members say. “She reaches out to the right people when asking questions and is not afraid to admit if she needs help. … She is a true leader.”

OMNI Health Care’s Inspired Leadership 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. Inspired Leaders also possess outstanding leadership skills and are committed to their work.

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