What is a nurse? When looking at the technical definition of a nurse on one of the many web dictionaries, we find the meaning of "a person trained to provide medical care for the sick or disabled." When we dig a little deeper into additional definitions, we find a secondary meaning of "one that serves as a nurturing or fostering influence or means." When we view these nursing definitions through the eyes of Home Care, it is definitely a combination of the two. However, there is a third layer to defining Home Care Nursing that is missed in these two definitions. When providing nursing services within someone's home the layer of definition that is overlooked, in the standard sense of the word "nursing," is the element of FAMILY! One definition of family states "a group of people who are not generally blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests or goals." This defines a perfect third layer of nursing to combine with the first two that completes the unit which we recognize as our Private Duty Nursing Team!

This amazing team compiled of Jackie, Barb, Diane & Terri is courageously led by our Alternate Director of Nursing, Laurie Meidl. Without Laurie's commitment to client cares and advocacy for our nursing staff we would be without some of the greatest nurses in home care. She is a great leader!

Jackie Holm is our longest standing Private Duty Nurse and her patience and kindness is like no other. Although she only works with us part time, her commitment and excellence to client cares is unprecedented.

Words from her client: "For over 14 years, Jackie shows up for work with her heart full of compassion. My daughter gives her a huge smile and deep sigh knowing she will be getting her "Jackie Stretch" and lots of songs that day. Jackie possesses a deep understanding of my daughter. My daughter depends on Jackie's gentle spirit, concise cares and peaceful nature that will guarantee her a wonderful day."

Barb Fritsch functions as an on-site lead and is a dedicated and passionate nurse who is always looking out for the best interest of her client. Her care, compassion and leadership is second to none and we would be lost without her!

Words from her client: "In the 7+ years Barb has been with my daughter, she has NEVER been late or missed a shift. My daughter lights up and is always happy to see her. Barb gives my daughter her Spa Days when she paints her nails, waxes her eyebrows & pampers her. Barb has made a profound difference in my daughter's life with her good judgment, nursing skills, caring nature and empathetic attitude along with a piece of her heart as well."

Diane Ehlers is our newest nurse but has done an excellent job jumping in feet first and showing her skill and attention to detail while still managing to display top notch care and love. Her addition to the team is greatly appreciated!

Words from her client: "When Diane arrives for work my daughter knows she will receive excellent, organized and meticulous cares along with some bird sounds, an update on Rowdy and will listen to her boyfriend @5:30p (Scott P). Diane has introduced my daughter to Podcasts and Yoga along with nature walks and picking flowers. She is an excellent communicator and her attention to detail, time management skills and willingness to embrace change has enriched my daughter's life."

Terri Walters is one of the most understanding nurses I have ever met. Her flexibility and adaptability to accommodate our client coupled with her expertise and nursing knowledge makes her irreplaceable and we could not service our client without her!

Words from her client: "We love our nurse Terri. She has always been there for us. We can ask her to do anything and she responds with no problems ever. Her kindness and gentleness is beyond the limits of the job description. If there is an emergency she will do whatever she can to help, day or night. She is truly a wonderful nurse and person."

Each one of these nurses is brilliant in their own way bringing perfect parts to the three layers of nursing. When we look at this excellent Private Duty Nursing Team we definitely see "trained professionals who are serving as a nurturing influence with common attitudes, interests and goals" of providing the best home care nursing any agency could provide. We are proud to honor these nurses and honored to have them as part of our Integra Home Health Care family! You are all very deserving of this DAISY Team Award and so much more! Thank you all for your time and talent to Integra Home Health Care and the clients we serve!!!!