VNA & Blue Water Hospice leadership honors staff and volunteers quarterly through the Shining Star program, recognizing the extras they do for each other, their patients, and the community.

Let’s get to know Jeannie!

How long have you been with VNA & BWH?

I have been with the agency for seven years.

What do you do at VNA & BWH?

I manage day to day back-office needs including staffing, reception, intake, and any administrative needs.

What do you like best about working at VNA & BWH?

Everything! I love the flexibility with a smaller agency. We have open communication – you can easily talk to the CEO or any of the leadership, they are all accessible to staff. Our administration has expressed to all of us their support of a good work/life balance. As a smaller agency, we cover for each other – we help fill-in when needed. 

I am drawn to our mission. I am proud that we can help others who may sometimes fall through the cracks at large organizations.

Why did you choose this type of work?

For several years I owned a day care. Around the time I was thinking of working outside of the home, my uncle became ill. I heard about Blue Water Hospice and the home under construction and started volunteering in fundraising efforts. At some point a position opened at the agency and I knew this was where I wanted to be. I started in reception, moved to intake, leading to other positions to eventually as the office coordinator and administrative assistant. 

While I was part of the community fundraising, I was drawn to helping people and families at this stage – which led me to discover all the functions of the agency. I feel in this line of work things are always changing and I love to learn new things – a great fit for me.

Janet recognized Jeannie as a Shining Star!

“Jeannie has taken on many huge roles in the agency to help maintain our compliance with state and CHAP guidelines. She not only does her role, but many roles including assisting with Human Resources needs, training of the Referral Center and Home Health Coordinator, all of which are not normally in her scope of practice. As of lately she has taken on the role of insurance verification for all HHC and BWH patients prior to being admitted to the VNA and training of the staff on this, along with many other duties that are sent her way. She does all of this with a smile and a positive attitude. Jeannie is a very supportive leader to all staff and is an exceptional role model.”

If you would like to thank a staff member, volunteer, or physician at VNA & Blue Water Hospice, go to https://bwhch.org/thankyou/.