Arlington, TX (PRWEB) November 09, 2014
Arlington Residence and Rehabilitation Center is pleased to announce that LaToria Darden has been presented with the CNA of the Year Award by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) at their 2014 Annual Conference held in Dallas. Rhonda Mata, Arlington’s Nursing Coordinator, was also nominated for Nurse of the Year.
The CNA of the Year Award is given every year to recognize outstanding certified nurse aides working in long term care facilities. Recipients are selected based on their innovative approach in dealing with resident and staff issues, and in their compassionate delivery of nursing care in the long term care setting. Nominees have shown a dedication to continued professional growth in the long term care nursing field.
LaToria Darden is not only a CNA, she is also a restorative aide who assists many of Arlington's residents in maintaining their independence. Arlington has an active and strong restorative program that is designed to help residents reach their highest level of functioning and maintain as much independence as possible. LaToria consistently provides support to residents so they can sustain the strength, coordination and skills necessary to move around, as well as perform activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming and eating.
Doug Taggart, Administrator of Arlington Residence, says, "This award is well deserved. LaToria is a dedicated worker who is always willing to jump in and help, regardless of how busy she is. Her example has been critical to the transformation that Arlington has experienced." The Director of Nursing at Arlington Residence, Cathi Popelka, adds, "LaToria is one of the most well rounded CNAs who is always going above and beyond. She can motivate the most difficult residents to get up and moving and constantly finds unique ways to help residents engage in their programs."
Ms. Ayers was a resident in Arlington's Heritage Memory Care, a program which offers residents with Alzheimer's and dementia 24/7 care in an environment of exceptional dignity and comfort. In recognizing LaToria for her outstanding work, Ms. Ayer's family noted that, "During the last month of my mother's life, LaToria was compassionate, empathetic and loving. It is easy to see that LaToria cares and loves what she does."
Rhonda Mata, Arlington’s Nurse Assessment Coordinator, was nominated for Nurse of the Year. Rhonda has been a nurse in long term care for the past 16 years. Talented and compassionate, she directs 3 full time restorative aides and ensures that the residents receive the care and services they need to maintain their independence. According to Doug Taggart, “Rhonda is the engine behind the restorative nursing program that impacts every long term care resident in the facility. “
The entire Arlington family is proud of LaToria's achievement earning the 2014 CNA of the Year Award and proud of Rhonda’s nomination as Nurse of the Year.