News - Bradford

115 Years of Nursing Experience

Pictured left to right (year of hire): Linda Ackley (1989), Martha Hurd (1992), Kim Coronati (1993), and Katie Buchanan (2003)

Laughter and memories made for another memorable moment as this nursing team gathered to reflect on their years of service at Bradford Ecumenical Home. Between the four employees, 115 years of nursing experience is being celebrated at Bradford Ecumenical Home this year. Over the course of their dedicated careers, these hard-working employees have provided quality care to the residents of Bradford Ecumenical Home. Not all nursing experiences are funny at the time, but these ladies were able to laugh with each other as they took turns sharing stories about their nursing adventures.

Linda Ackley will celebrate 34 years working as a Certified Nursing Assistant this summer. When asked to share a favorite memory, Linda responded, “The conglomeration of memories, it’s too hard to pick just one favorite.” Linda explained, “I’ve always enjoyed working with the elderly.” Taking a stroll down memory lane and laughing between stories, Linda and her co-worker, Kim Coronati, smiled as they reflected on previous experiences they had working with residents. The duo has worked together for 31 years since Kim joined the BEH staff on June 2, 1992. When asked to share her most memorable moment, Kim chuckled as she reminisced about previous years’ Christmas parties, picnics on the patio, a pie in the face fundraiser, and fun times shared with her co-workers.

Director of Nursing, Martha Hurd, RN, began her nursing career 31 years ago in January of 1992 when she worked as a 3-11pm RN Supervisor. Martha recalled, “My first night working was quite memorable, but there are so many; I can’t pick just one [favorable moment].” Martha moved to day shift supervisor in 1998 where she stayed until moving to the Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator position in 2008. After ten years as the RNAC, Martha accepted her current position as Director of Nursing position after her predecessor retired in 2018.

Katie Buchanan celebrated her 20^th year at Bradford Ecumenical Home on May 6^th. Katie is an LPN who works as the restorative nurse to oversee the day-to-day interventions to improve residents’ functioning of activities of daily living. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant license shortly after she was hired as a Hospitality Aide in May 2003. While working full time as a CNA, Katie went back to school at BOCES where she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree in 2014. Katie worked as an LPN until 2017 when she accepted her current restorative nurse position. Nursing is a demanding profession, but smiles can be found on even the most challenging days. As Katie put it, “The best part of my job? My co-workers and my residents.”

Nursing Home Administrator, Lisa Johnson, CEO stated, “These long-time employees have always made residents their priority. They are team players who are dedicated, hard workers. Bradford Ecumenical Home is fortunate to be celebrating these extraordinary employees and their years of service.”

Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc. has a tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees that will pay up to 50% of all costs and fees associated with nursing school. Employees can work in any department to be eligible for the nursing scholarship. Nursing positions are available for all shifts. Applicants can apply at www.behcr.com to complete an online application.