Library: News Release
Phone: (405) 521-3880, Fax: (405) 522-3146
email: Debra.Martin@OKDHS.org
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Brenda Nixon, RN and Leigh Erickson, RN have been recognized for their work as long-term care nurses.
Nixon was named the 2010 Division Area Nurse of the Year, and Erickson was presented with the award for Long-term Care Nurse of the Year. Both women serve clients through the Aging Services Division (ASD) of OKDHS.
“Both Leigh and Brenda exhibit the spirit of service that typifies ASD nursing staff,” says Tom Dunning, Programs Administrator for Home and Community Based Services. “Not only do they conduct their day-to-day duties in a professional manner, they serve as resources to fellow OKDHS workers in their offices, their peers across the state, and ASD management.”
Long term care nurses assess applicants for Medicaid eligibility for the ADvantage Program, nursing home care, and state plan personal care. The nurses also oversee the personal care services performed by employees of private home care agencies. Area nurses, like Nixon, supervise the front line workers, and evaluate the assessments.
Dunning says Nixon and Erickson are just two examples of the committed nursing staff in our state. “We have a wonderful group of dedicated nurses throughout Oklahoma,” he says. “Like all of our staff across the state, they perform their duties with little fanfare or recognition, but they take satisfaction in knowing that they have helped thousands of people get the care they need.”
Nixon is from Eufaula, and has worked with OKDHS for twelve years. She supervises nine long term care nurses in Area V. At the ASD conference presentation, Nixon was cited as an “exceptional leader who provides assistance in the development of new initiatives and projects to improve the lives of those we serve.”
Erickson is a native of Skiatook, and has served Tulsa County since June of 2008. In addition to being a U.S. Marine, she is also the founder of a non-profit organization that supplies two food pantries and thrift stores in rural communities in Oklahoma. She has two children of her own, and also served as a foster parent for four boys.
Dunning says the Aging Services Division of OKDHS serves approximately 40,000 long term care patients throughout the state.
The awards were presented to Nixon and Erickson at the monthly meeting of the OKDHS Commission on July 26.
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