CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT

RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA

2020RCCV00535
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF RICHMOND COUNTY J. WADE PADGETT
STATE OF GEORGIA DEC 14, 2020 12:03 PM

SYLVIA C. MARTIN and RICKY LEE )

CHAVOUS, as Co-Executors of the Estate )
of JEAN CHAVOUS SIMMONS; and JOHNNIE )
LAMAR SIMMONS, JR. as Executor of the Estate )
of JOHNNIE LAMAR SIMMONS, SR. )
)
)
)
Plaintiffs, )
) Civil Action No:
)
vs. )
)
WINDERMERE OPERATING COMPANY LLC, )
SAVASENIORCARE LLC, SAVASENIORCARE )
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, LLC, )
SAVASENIORCARE CONSULTING, LLC, )
SSC EQUITY HOLDINGS MT LLC, GEORGIA GL )
HOLDCO, LLC, and JOHN DOES 1 THROUGH 20, )
)
Defendants. )
_____________________________________ )

COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES

COMES NOW Plaintiffs, Sylvia C. Martin and Ricky Lee Chavous, as co-executors

of the estate of Jean Chavous Simmons, and Johnnie Lamar Simmons, Jr. as executor of

the estate of Johnnie Lamar Simmons, Sr. and file this Complaint for Damages against

the Defendants, Windermere Operating Company, LLC, SavaSeniorCare LLC,

SavaSeniorCare Administrative Services, LLC, SavaSeniorCare Consulting, LLC, SSC

Equity Holdings MT LLC, Georgia GL Holdco, LLC, and John Does 1-20, and allege as

follows:

VENUE AND JURISDICTION

1.

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 Jean Chavous Simmons died on or about June 26, 2019, leaving a spouse, Johnnie

Lamar Simmons, Sr. but no children. Johnnie Lamar Simmons Sr. died on or about

October 19, 2019. Plaintiffs Sylvia C. Martin and Ricky Lee Chavous are the niece and

nephew of Jean Chavous Simmons and are the duly appointed co-executors of the estate

of Jean Chavous Simmons. Plaintiffs bring this action for all damages recoverable by Jean

Chavous Simmons’s estate.

2.

Plaintiff Johnnie Lamar Simmons Jr., as executor of the estate of Johnnie Lamar

Simmons, Sr, brings this wrongful death action on behalf of all the statutory wrongful

death beneficiaries of Jean Chavous Simmons.

3.

Defendant Windermere Operating Company, LLC is a foreign limited liability

company with its principal place of business at 3618 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Augusta,

Richmond County, Georgia, 30907. Said Defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of this

Court and may be served by serving its registered agent for service, The Corporation

Company (FL), 112 North Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

4.

Defendant SavaSeniorCare, LLC is a foreign limited liability company with its

principal place of business at One Ravina Drive, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30346. Said

Defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of this Court and may be served by serving its

registered agent for service, The Corporation Company (FL), 112 North Main Street,

Cumming, GA 30040.

5.

Defendant SavaSeniorCare Administrative Services, LLC is a foreign limited liability

2
company with its principal place of business at One Ravina Drive, Suite 1500, Atlanta,

Georgia 30346. Said Defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of this Court and may be

served by serving its registered agent for service, The Corporation Company (FL), 112

North Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040.

6.

Defendant SavaSeniorCare Consulting LLC is a foreign limited liability company with

its principal place of business at One Ravina Drive, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30346.

Said Defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of this Court and may be served by serving

its registered agent for service, The Corporation Company (FL), 112 North Main Street,

Cumming, GA 30040.

7.

Defendant SSC Equity Holdings MT LLC is a foreign limited liability company with its

principal place of business at One Ravina Drive, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30346. Said

Defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of this Court and may be served by serving its

registered agent for service, CT Corporation System, 289 S. Culver Street, Lawrenceville,

Georgia 30046.

8.

Defendant Georgia GL Holdco, LLC is foreign limited liability company with its

registered agent for service being The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust

Center 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. Said Defendant is subject to

the jurisdiction of this Court pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 9-10-91.

9.

Defendants own, operate, manage, and/or control nursing homes throughout the

United States including, but not limited to, Windermere Health and Rehabilitation Center

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located at 3618 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia 30909.

Defendants have regular and continuous business in Richmond County. Defendants were,

and remain, owners and/or managers of an institution, residence or place which is

advertised, offered, maintained or operated for the express or implied purpose of

providing accommodations and care, for a period of more than twenty-four hours, for four

or more persons who are ill or otherwise incapacitated and in need of extensive, ongoing

nursing care due to physical or mental impairment or which provides services for the

rehabilitation of persons who are convalescing from illness or incapacitation in Richmond

County.

10.

It is Plaintiffs’ intention to name as additional defendants any other persons or entities

whose negligent acts and omissions caused or contributed to Jean Simmons’s injuries and

death. The John Doe 1-20 Defendants are the presently unknown individuals and entities

whose negligent acts or omissions caused or contributed to Jean Simmons’s injuries and

death alleged herein.

11.

Venue is proper in this Court.

FACTUAL SUMMARY

12.

Since at least October 2018, Defendants held Windermere Health and Rehabilitation

out to the public and to Jean Simmons and her family to be qualified and competent to

provide skilled nursing, rehabilitative and custodial care for the aged and infirmed.

Specifically, Defendants held Windermere Health and Rehabilitation out as having the

4
ability to accept and properly care for patients like Jean Simmons.

13.

Defendants charged and were paid for services rendered to Jean Simmons, including

payments received from the Medicare and/or Medicaid programs.

14.

Defendants established, operated, managed, and controlled Windermere Health and

Rehabilitation in such a way to maximize revenues by staffing the facility with

dangerously low numbers of direct care givers and by increasing the occupancy rate of

Windermere Health and Rehabilitation even though the needs of its residents, including

Jean Simmons, exceeded the care capabilities of the staff.

15.

Jean Simmons was admitted by Defendants into Windermere Health and

Rehabilitation on or about October 23, 2018 to be treated and cared for in exchange for

certain periodic payments made by the Medicare and/or Medicaid programs.

16.

Defendants had a duty to provide Jean Simmons with the care, treatment and services

that were appropriate, adequate and in compliance with pertinent state and federal

statutes and regulations.

17.

On and after her admission to Windermere Health and Rehabilitation, Jean Simmons

was dependent on the staff employed by Defendants for her basic needs, treatment and

care.

18.

Defendants represented to Jean Simmons and her family that they were competent to

5
provide Jean Simmons with the necessary custodial services, treatment and care and

would in fact provide such services to her while she was a resident at Windermere Health

and Rehabilitation.

19.

In order to provide appropriate care and treatment for Jean Simmons, Defendants

had a duty to determine the appropriate staffing levels and expenditures at Windermere

Health and Rehabilitation, including the duty to determine the appropriate census mix

that would establish Windermere Health and Rehabilitation’s ability to meet the needs of

the residents, including Jean Simmons, based on appropriate staffing levels.

20.

Defendants made budgetary and administrative decisions that adversely affected the

ability of Windermere Health and Rehabilitation to provide safe, adequate, and essential

care to the residents, including Jean Simmons.

21.

Since 2018, Defendants have not complied with all applicable federal program

requirements for nursing homes that participate in the Medicare/Medicaid program,

including instances at the immediate jeopardy/substandard quality of care level.

22.

Defendants’ policies and practices pertaining to staffing, supplies, and other

resources necessary to meet residents’ needs created the conditions leading to the acts

and omissions complained of herein.

23.

The corporate, business, budgetary, staffing, training, and financial policies

designed, formulated and implemented by Defendants caused Jean Simmons to suffer

6
multiple injuries, including, but not limited to:

(a) Multiple pressure sores

(b) Malnutrition and dehydration

(c) Multiple infections including cystitis and pyelonephritis

(d) Considerable pain; and

(e) Death.

24.

On June 25, 2019, Mrs. Simmons was transported by ambulance from Windermere

Health and Rehabilitation to a nearby medical appointment. Two of Defendants’

employees travelled with her. On the transport back to Windermere Health and

Rehabilitation, the ambulance EMTs noticed Mrs. Simmons’s oxygen levels drop and her

breathing become rapid. The EMTs then transported to Doctors Hospital Emergency

Department. Rather than remaining with Mrs. Simmons, Defendants’ employees left

Doctors Hospital and callously told Doctors Hospital personnel to call if they needed any

information.

25.

Upon arrival to the Emergency Department, the nursing staff was shocked at the

horrible condition of Mrs. Simmons’ foley catheter. Urine in the foley bag was thick,

cloudy, and dark brown, and the foley tubing was moldy with thick dark brown sediment

stuck to the tubing wall. The nurses document that the Foley catheter appeared extremely

old and the catheter tubing was dark brown with dirty appearance.

26.

Mrs. Simmons was admitted to Doctor’s Hospital to treat her severe infection, but she

died the next day on June 26, 2019.

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 27.

The Richmond County Coroner determined that her death was a result of the

infected foley catheter which caused a severe urinary tract infection and kidney infection.

The Coroner determined that the death was a “Homicide” as a result of neglect at

Windermere Health and Rehabilitation.

COUNT ONE – PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE

28.

Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1 through 27 of

this Complaint as if set forth fully herein.

29.

Defendant and its employees and/or agents owed a duty to Mrs. Simmons to

comply with the standard of care applicable to nurses at a skilled nursing facility generally

under similar conditions and like surroundings and circumstances as those presented by

Mrs. Simmons. Specifically, Defendants, their employees and/or agents violated the

standard of care in the following ways:

a. Failed to adequately assess and recognize significant changes and provide

adequate and appropriate care to Mrs. Simmons;

b. Failed to adequately assess, reassess, implement, timely revise, and follow

an adequate care plan for Mrs. Simmons;

c. Failed to properly staff and/or train staff Windermere Health and

Rehabilitation Center to monitor, manage, treat and care for Mrs. Simmons;

d. Failed to ensure their employees were adhering to any established policies,

procedures, and protocols to provide adequate care to Mrs. Simmons;

8
 e. Failed to ensure that all programs and policies & procedures were

implemented and followed, to comply with all state and federal rules and

regulations;

f. Failed to adequately perform ongoing care of the foley catheter including

but not limited to:

i. Perform catheter cleaning, care and monitoring per the care plan and

or orders and the standard of care;

ii. Perform ongoing assessments of the foley catheter including output

and the collection system and timely recognize the need to change the catheter;

iii. Timely recognize and respond to significant changes in the foley

catheter collection system and/or the output of the foley catheter, provide

adequate and appropriate care and/or properly and timely notify, seek and/or

provide prompt medical care to Mrs. Simmons.

30.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ breaches of duty and violations of

the standard of care, Mrs. Simmons unnecessarily experienced pain, suffering, fright,

anguish, and lost quality of life. Mrs. Simmons also incurred medical expenses, and

funeral and burial expenses as a result of Defendants’ negligence.

31.

Plaintiffs Sylvia Martin and Ricky Chavous are entitled to recover for the pain and

suffering, medical expenses, and funeral and burial expenses of Jean Simmons.

32.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ breaches of duty and violations of

the standard of care, Jean Simmons died on June 26, 2019.

9
 33.

Plaintiff Johnnie Lamar Simmons, Jr. is entitled to recover damages from these

Defendants for the full value of the life of Jean Simmons, as set forth in O.C.G.A. § 51-4-

2.

34.

Attached to and in support of this Complaint is the Affidavit of Kathleen Hill-

O’Neill DNP, RN, CRNP, NHA in full compliance with O.C.G.A. §9-11-9.1 and O.C.G.A.

§24-7-702.

COUNT TWO – VIOLATIONS OF GEORGIA BILL OF RIGHTS FOR

RESIDENTS OF LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES

35.

Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1 through 34 of

this Complaint as if set forth fully herein.

36.

Georgia law requires that each resident in a long-term care facility receive care,

treatment, and services that are adequate and appropriate. It further requires that such

care be provided with reasonable skill, in compliance with applicable laws and

regulations, and with respects for the resident’s personal dignity and privacy.

37.

As shown herein, Defendant violated Mrs. Simmons’s rights under O.C.G.A. §31-

8-109 and the rules of the Department of Community Health chapters 111-8-50 through

111-8-50-1.6.

38.

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 As shown herein, Defendant failed to fulfill the requirements and provisions

protected under the “Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities” codified at

O.C.G.A. § 31-8-100, et seq. Said violations proximately caused Mrs. Simmons’s injuries

and death as alleged herein.

39.

Plaintiffs Sylvia Martin and Ricky Chavous are entitled to recover from Defendants

for Mrs. Simmons’s physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, and

funeral and burial expenses in an amount to be shown at trial.

40.

Plaintiff Johnnie Lamar Simmons, Jr is entitled to recover damages from these

Defendants for the full value of the life of Jean Simmons., as set forth in O.C.G.A. § 51-4-

2.

COUNT THREE – VIOLATIONS OF STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS

41.

Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1 through 40 of

this Complaint as if set forth fully herein.

42.

Upon information and belief, Windermere Health and Rehabilitation participates

in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Accordingly, it and its employees and/or agents

are subject to the rules and regulations concerning nursing home participation in the

Medicare and Medicaid programs adopted pursuant to the Omnibus Budget

Reconciliation Act of 1987 (“OBRA” herein).

43.

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 OBRA and regulations set forth thereunder were enacted to protect the rights of

nursing home residents in facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. As a

resident of Windermere Health and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Simmons was a member of the

class that OBRA and its regulations were intended to protect. The harm complained of

herein was precisely the harm that OBRA and its regulations were intended to guard

against. Defendants violated the various provisions of OBRA, constituting negligence per

se, as follows:

a. 42 C.F.R. §483.10, which requires that the facility promote care for

residents in a manner and in an environment that maintains or enhances each

resident’s dignity and respect in full recognition of her individuality;

b. 42 C.F.R. §483.24, which requires that each resident must receive, and the

facility must provide, the necessary care and services to attain or maintain the

highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial wellbeing, in accordance with

the comprehensive assessment and plan of care;

c. 42 C.F.R. §483.25(e)(2)(iii), which requires that a resident who is

incontinent of bladder receives appropriate treatment and services to prevent

urinary tract infections and to restore continence to the extent possible;

d. 42 C.F.R. §483.70(i), which requires that the facility maintain clinical

records on each resident in accordance with accepted professional standards and

practices that are complete and accurately documented;

e. 42 C.F.R. §483.20(b), which requires that the facility make a comprehensive

statement of the resident’s needs using the resident assessment instrument.

44.

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 Defendants violated various provisions of the rules and regulations of the Georgia

Department of Community Health, Chapter 111-8-50, applicable to nursing homes in

Georgia, which rules and regulations were enacted to protect the rights of residents like

Mrs. Simmons in nursing homes licensed by the State of Georgia. Defendants’ violations

of the State regulations constitute negligence per se. These violations include but are not

limited to:

a. Section 111-8-56-04, which requires that the nursing staff at a nursing home

shall be employed for nursing duties only and that all nursing care and related

services shall be carried out in accordance with the facility’s patient-care policies.

b. Section 111-8-50-07, which requires that the facility ensure that each

resident must receive care, treatment, and services which are adequate and

appropriate for the condition of the resident as determined by a periodic review of

each resident’s treatment plan. Such care, treatment, and services must be

provided with reasonable care and skill in compliance with all applicable laws and

regulations and with the goal of the resident’s return home or to a less restrictive

environment; and

c. Section 111-8-56-.11, which requires that the facility maintain a complete

medical record on each patient, and contains sufficient information to validate the

diagnosis and to establish the basis upon which treatment is given.

45.

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ negligence per se, Jean Simmons

endured physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, and funeral and burial

expenses in an amount to be shown at trial.

46.

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 As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ negligence per se, Jean Simmons

died on June 26, 2019. Plaintiff Johnnie Lamar Simmons’s Jr. is entitled to recover

damages from these Defendants for the full value of the life of Jean Simmons, as set forth

in O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2.

COUNT IV – PUNITIVE DAMAGES

47.

Plaintiffs incorporate Paragraphs 1 through 46 as if fully set forth herein verbatim.

48.

The acts and omissions of Defendants shown herein demonstrate fraud,

intentional conduct, willful and wanton misconduct, oppression, malice, and a conscious

indifference to the consequences, including the safety, health and welfare of Jean

Simmons.

49.

The acts and omissions of Defendants were accompanied by aggravating

circumstances that render Defendants liable for punitive damages.

50.

Defendants acted and/or failed to act with the specific intent to cause harm to Jean

Simmons. As a result thereof, there is no limitation regarding the amount awarded as

punitive damages.

51.

Punitive damages should be awarded to Plaintiffs Sylvia Martin and Ricky Chavous

and against Defendants in order to penalize, punish and deter Defendants from engaging

in similar conduct in the future.

COUNT V – ATTORNEYS’ FEES

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 52.

Plaintiffs incorporate Paragraphs 1 through 51 as if fully set forth herein verbatim.

53.

Defendants have acted in bad faith, been stubbornly litigious, and have caused

Plaintiffs unnecessary trouble and expense. As a result, Plaintiffs are entitled to recover

their reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses of litigation in an amount to be proven at

trial.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays for the following relief:

A. That process issue and a copy of this Complaint and Summons be served upon

Defendants as provided by law;

B. That Plaintiffs be granted a trial by jury;

C. That Plaintiffs have judgment against Defendants for compensatory damages

in excess of $10,000.00.

D. That Plaintiffs Sylvia Martin and Ricky Chavous have judgment against

Defendants for punitive damages in an amount to be proven at trial.

E. That Plaintiffs recover the reasonable expenses of the litigation including, but

not limited to, reasonable attorney’s fees in an amount to be proven at trial;

F. That Plaintiffs recover all costs of this action; and

G. That Plaintiffs have such other and further relief as deemed necessary under

the circumstances.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, this the 14th day of December, 2020.

/s/ George S. Nicholson

Sam G. Nicholson
Georgia Bar No. 543875
George S. Nicholson
Georgia Bar No. 241836

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Nicholson Revell LLP
Gateway Professional Center
4137 Columbia Road
Augusta, Georgia 30907
(706) 722-8784 Phone

16
 KATHLEEN A. HILL-O’NEILL DNP, RN, CRNP, NHA
7 Valley View Drive
Upper Makefield, PA 18940
sklgc@aol.com
(215) 715-1611

EDUCATION:
The University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona
Doctor of Nursing Practice, May, 2017
DNP-generate & disseminate nursing practice knowledge,
stimulate research & improve clinical outcomes,
improve health outcomes via scientifically-based advanced practice

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Master of Science Degree in Gerontological Nurse
Clinician/Practitioner Program, August, 1989

Gwynedd Mercy College, Gwynedd, Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, 1987
Associate Degree in Nursing, RN, 1984

CERTIFICATIONS:
Certification as a Nursing Home Administrator by the Bureau of Professional and
Occupational Affairs, June 1996, June 30, 2018

Certification as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses

Credentialing Center, December 31, 1989 - December 31, 2021.

Certified BLS/CPR: 8/6/12, Instructor July 1995 –2002, BLS/CPR: June 2015-2017

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

GERONTOLOGICAL NURSE PRACTITIONER Family Practice Center of Newtown:

Dr. Catherine Spratt-Turner (8/15-present)
Health assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems of patients
at the family practice office, area nursing homes and in the home.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (6/07 -Present)

Preceptor: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program
Instructor: Nursing Program (8/2012-present)
Undergraduate-BSN Nursing Students Care of Women through the Lifespan:
2012-2014: Instructor. 2015: Course Director
Instructor Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program 2015-present:
Seminar Course Family Focused Primary Care Of The Middle Aged And Older Adult
2016-present Site Coordinator Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program

University of Arizona 6/2016-12/2016

EXHIBIT A
Assistant Instructor Advanced Geriatric Pharmacology
The course is a population focused course designed to provide students with
advanced practice knowledge in pharmacology needed to address the complex
pharmacological needs and issues of the geriatric population.

FEDERAL MONITOR: OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Monitor skilled nursing facilities regarding compliance with state and federal
regulations, corporate integrity agreements & plans of correction.
• Skilled nursing facility federal monitor: evaluate compliance via record review,
staff interviews, direct care observation to assess compliance with state and
federal regulations as well as correction plans.
• Assess Corporate Integrity Agreement Compliance

CONSULTANT: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (9/03-Present)

Review patient records, policies, budgets, staffing, and quality assurance reports re:
patient care. Review quality indicator reports and annual survey reports.
On site tours of skilled nursing care facilities as requested to assess nursing care,
programs and quality of patient care as related to standard of care and federal
regulations.

CONSULTANT US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (8/05-

Present)
Expert witness: document review and consultation regarding standards of care
and federal regulations.

GERONTOLOGICAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PENNSWOOD VILLAGE (5/07 –

7/15)
Health assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems
in skilled, assisted living and independent living elderly residents.

Gwynedd Mercy College (8/2012-12/2013)

Adjunct Clinical Faculty Sophomore Nursing Students
• Instructor nursing students studying to become registered nurses in the
AD/RN program
• Clinical instructor 8-10 students Acute Care/Hospital, Telemetry Unit

CONSULTANT MEADOWOOD SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (8/06-2008)

Assistance with Implementation of Federal and State Survey Plans of Correction
Oversight and mentoring of Director of Nursing
Assistance with recruiting/interviewing Health Center Administrator
Staff training

Faculty Trainer: Building RN Training Skills for Geriatric Education Excellence

(8/06-3/09)
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing & Consultative Service
Develop learning modules to train RNs in leadership, management and cultural
competence: RNs will then teach LPNs and CNAs in geriatric care excellence.
CONSULTANT: Gerontological Nurse Practitioner/Administrator (11/96-present)
Provide consultation as needed to assess quality of patient care in long term care.
Inservice/education regarding gerontological patient care.
Expert witness plaintiff and defense attorneys regarding patient care

RYDAL PARK, PHILADELPHIA PRESBYTERY HOMES, INC. (11/91 – 6/04)

Administrator (12/97 – 5/04) Coordination of healthcare services 120 bed skilled
nursing facility, 55 bed Assisted Living and 303 Residential units.

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (11/91 – 6/04)

Health assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems as well as
psychosocial problems in skilled, assisted living and independent living elderly
residents.

Interim Director of Nursing (10/96 - 1/97) Responsible for overseeing care of 120
nursing home residents and staffing/supervision of 100+ nursing employees, hired new
DON, ADON, CNAs and LPNs.

Assistant Administrator (11/96 - 12/97) Assist Administrator in evaluating programs

of Rydal Park Medical Center including regulatory compliance, policy and procedure
development and implementation. Responsible for developing and implementing
Restraint Reduction policy and procedure.

Director of Resident Care (11/91 - 11/96)

Coordinate and manage Resident Care staff in providing health care for 300+ Rydal
residents.
Managed Care Representative for 500+ residents.
Maintain residential department budget including salaries, supplies and equipment
purchases.
Initiated/researched consultative services for a restorative nursing program.

Consultant regarding facility pressure sores as needed. Developed Decubitus Care

Protocol for nurses. Presented in-service on pressure sores for all nursing staff.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (1/97 - 5/1/98)

Instructor: Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program.

FRIENDS LIFE CARE AT HOME (10/93 - 10/98)

Consultant: Medical evaluation of clients in their home including medical history,
functional and mental status to determine eligibility for the life care at home program.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (1/91 -2002)

Preceptor Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Students

MEADOWOOD LIFE CARE COMMUNITY (10/89 - 11/91)

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner/Director of Resident Care
Assess acute/chronic health/psychosocial problems of elderly residents. Maintain
department budget: salaries, pharmaceutical costs, supplies and equipment.
 Launched a Wellness Program for Meadowood residents. Started an Ethics
Committee and authored an Advance Medical Directive statement for residents.
Clinical Preceptor for Nurse Practitioner Students.
Started Parkinson’s Support Group and oversaw monthly meetings. Established a role
for the nurse practitioner on the Admissions Committee along with a new history and
physical form for all potential residents. Developed an Incontinence Program for
Meadowood residents.

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING FACULTY POSITION:

BSN PROGRAM (8/89-12/89)
Instructor BSN students: oversaw clinical rotation on medical surgical floor for 8-10
nursing students.

METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL - CENTRAL DIVISION (1988 - 1989)

Staff Nurse, Intensive Care-Coronary Care Unit
Provide care for critically ill medical and surgical patients. Handled arterial lines, Swan
Ganz catheters, pacemakers and ventilatory equipment.

NURSEFINDER’S NURSING AGENCY (1987 - 1990)

Supervisor Nursing Homes Philadelphia area, managed 10-15 staff members and
oversaw care of patients. Staff Nurse Medical-Surgical and Intensive Coronary Care
units in local hospital.

HOLY REDEEMER HOSPITAL (1984 - 1988)

Staff Nurse, Intensive Care-Coronary Care Unit (1987 - 1988)
Staff Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit (1984 - 1987)
Precepted staff members, nursing students, Discharge Planner for patients on 36-bed
unit

PUBLICATIONS:
Contributor to Advanced Practice Nursing with Older Adults: Clinical Guidelines,
chapter on Dizziness and Stroke, published by McGraw-Hill, New York, New York,
2002
Contributor to Rapid Assessment, chapter on Assessment of the Head and Neck,
published by Springhouse Corporation, Springhouse, PA, 1991

AWARDS

The Nancy Tatum Memorial, RN Award Recipient 12/7/10. Eastern Pennsylvania

Geriatrics Society Board of Trustees award recognizes individuals in the honorable
field of nursing who have made special contributions in the area of Geriatrics.
Distinguished award for outstanding service, contributions and leadership in the
geriatric field toward improving the lives of elderly patients.

The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International- Inducted 4/30/17
Beta Mu Chapter
Reis Endowed Scholarship Award for Academic Success & Potential, 2017

Mary Opal Wolanin Award: Doctoral Candidate Whose DNP Project Demonstrated
Relevance Regarding Care of the Elderly, University of Arizona April, 2017

The Rose J. Levy Geriatric Nursing Award for Conducting Relevant Research in
Geriatric Nursing, University of Arizona March, 2017