Maintenance director by title, hero by nature

It’s not unusual to find an employee who exemplifies one of our Core Values, but to find an employee who exemplifies all of them is unique. However, there is one individual that has truly shown that he lives and breathes each and every one of our Core Values.  He was not only nominated by his own team, but many employees within Consulate Health Care. After hearing so many amazing things about this individual, we knew we had to speak with him.

Jerry Jamison has been with Consulate Health Care for over thirty years. He began working at Consulate Health Care of Cheswick, in Cheswick, PA as a floor man and spent ten years learning the ropes so he could eventually become the maintenance director.  He worked there for over twenty years, and recently went on a brief “retirement” for a year. It was not long before he was asked to come back to work as a maintenance director, but this time for Kenton Nursing and Rehabilitation in Kenton, OH, where he still works today. Regardless of location though, Jerry remains the same astonishing employee.

Although a maintenance director, he does anything and everything beyond his job description. His title should really be hero over anything else. Dave Link, vice president of safety said,  “In my opinion, Jerry is a phenomenal resident advocate, who always puts the interest of those we serve on the top of his priority list”. Jerry truly lives by our mission statement of caring with our heart and hands, as he will do anything he can for a resident. Jerry’s executive director Sharon Huston told us that during a period where they were short staffed on CNAs, Jerry pulled her aside and said “I will go to school and become certified so that I can work the floor when you need me to.” And that’s exactly what Jerry did.

Jerry now not only works his job as a full-time maintenance director, but he also takes shifts as an STNA whenever he is needed. This often times includes weekends, nights, and even holidays. No matter the workload, Jerry finds the energy to persevere and help anyone that he can.  We asked Jerry about his drive to assist in every situation and he said, “ I try to do 100%. I’m here for the residents. If they weren’t here, I wouldn’t have a job to do.” When we asked why Jerry was motivated to become certified he said, “ I never thought I would, but I could see that there was a shortage of aides. Now, I can help them if I need to. I can stop and help a resident, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep the building going.”

Tammy Cox, regional director of clinical services, shared a story with us about Jerry that really puts who he is into perspective. She told us that one night there was a resident who needed assistance that required two people. The resident was saying how there was not enough staff available to help. Right outside the resident’s room was Jerry. He quickly jumped from being the maintenance director to a nursing assistant in seconds and helped Tammy. Tammy said, “His response was one of poise and compassion. I walked away believing and realizing that residents were the sole purpose of what we do every day. I will hold this memory forever to remind me of why I have chosen this profession. Thank you Jerry for this very simple reminder.”

Jerry isn’t just a wonderful employee; he is also just one of the nicest people around. Keri Knopp, regional vice president of operations, said, “Jerry has a truly kind soul. His spirit and gentle demeanor brings a sense of warmth and comfort to the staff and residents of Kenton Nursing Center. We are blessed he is a member or the Consulate team!” Dave Link also said “Jerry certainly is one of a kind, always going above and beyond the call of duty. He truly is a resident-centered employee and a leader who sets the example every day.” Kelly Westhoven, regional director of human resources said, “He exemplifies what the CHIRPs program is about and we are very fortunate to have him.”

Despite all of the amazing things that Jerry has done, he remains incredibly humble. He not once boasted about what he does, and even seemed surprised when we mentioned the feedback and recommendations we received about him. Jerry is by far one of the most compassionate, honest, respectful, passionate, employees of integrity, we have ever had.  To say we are thankful to have him in our Consulate family would be an understatement. Jerry, we thank you for being such a motivating and giving person and for the amazing work you do each day.  We hope you never leave!