Grace Gardiner, RN, started her career in Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Neponsit Nursing home until the facility closed in 1998. She then transferred to Dr. Susan B. McKinney Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she continued to work as an LPN while she continued to work towards her RN license – which she completed in 2002.

Her greatest attribute is her caring and compassion for all residents. She always finds time to stand and speak with residents’ families. Often times, she can be seen providing that tender touch, just by holding a resident’s hand or offering comforting expression with a friendly smile and soft voice especially during critical times.

She works diligently to ensure that all of her work is completed in a timely and efficient manner. She works well and demonstrates excellent communication skills with her peers and superiors. She is also very flexible and is willing to adjust to any given situation.

Grace Gardiner positively impacts those she comes in contact with. Her positive attitude and warm demeanor, along with her gentle touch, leaves her peers, the resident’s and their family members with a profound sense of reassurance. Moreover, she is a great listener, facilitator, and an asset to our facility.

It is with great pleasure that we select Grace Gardiner, RN, to represent Dr. Susan B. McKinney as Nurse of the Year 2005!