by Loren Horton
Whose idea was it
To go for this walk
In the crisp autumn afternoon
Scuffling through fallen leaves
Turned red then brown
Shuffling through unmowed grass
Brittle as straw
Against our leather shoe soles
Head turning from side to side
In pendulum rhythm
So we do not miss
Those hidden virtues
Of bright gleam of goldenrod
What is that rustling overhead
Scampering squirrel
Brief glimpse of red tail
Disappearing behind the branch
Of tall shagbark hickory
Soon the path will change
To snow, and memories
Of this good idea
This walk in the crisp air
Of autumn's glory
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Summer In Iowa
by Loren N. Horton
The heat of the scorching west wind
Turns the green fields to gold
As it turns the arid soil to dust
Flowers wilt before its force
While trees droop in melancholy
And all life forms huddle to escape
The summer sun shines with intensity
Its brightness exaggerated day by day
In the cloudless enormity of the sky
Only the promise of fall brings relief
To the eagerly awaiting earth, now still,
In earnest yearning for cooler times
The heat of the scorching west wind
Turns the green fields to gold
As it turns the arid soil to dust
Flowers wilt before its force
While trees droop in melancholy
And all life forms huddle to escape
The summer sun shines with intensity
Its brightness exaggerated day by day
In the cloudless enormity of the sky
Only the promise of fall brings relief
To the eagerly awaiting earth, now still,
In earnest yearning for cooler times
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Oaknoll Softball T-Shirts
For the 2012 softball season, the Oaknoll-employees team has a new T-shirt design by NEIL MURPHY of Dining Services. Above, he models the shirt. (Photo submitted by Bob Heffernen)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Favorite Quote
Submitted by Dick Feddersen
"It ain't what we don't know that gets us in trouble. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so!" ~ Mark Twain
"It ain't what we don't know that gets us in trouble. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so!" ~ Mark Twain
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Oaknoll Receives ANCC Designation
Oaknoll Retirement Residence is
pleased to announce it has achieved Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care™
designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The Pathway to Excellence in Long
Term Care designation identifies the elements of long-term care work
environments where nurses can flourish. The designation substantiates the
professional satisfaction of nurses at Oaknoll Retirement Residence and
identifies it as one of the best places to work.
"For
us, the process of seeking Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care ™ Designation has helped us describe what we were
already doing well, identify areas where we could grow, and provide us
opportunities for expanded leadership among all the staff," stated Kim Bergen-Jackson,
Director of Health Services.
"The
designation is bestowed on organizations focused on professional work
environments and best practices. We
value the people who work here and strive to be an employer of choice. We believe employees who are invested,
engaged, and involved provide exceptional, high quality care."
"The
Pathway to Excellence in Long-Term Care designation is a visible affirmation of
the value of our professional staff. It stands for high standards and a
level of specialization that has not been recognized in long-term care. This process and designation raises the image
of long-term care nurses and certified nursing assistants from the inside,
building pride in the workplace, confidence and self-esteem. The nursing staff not only have a voice at the
table, but they expect to be at the table. They are trained experts in
their chosen profession."
"I
am very proud to work at Oaknoll and I am thrilled with the work we have done
to achieve this designation. It is an
honor to be the first long-term care community in the country to receive this
designation," Bergen-Jackson, stated enthusiastically about the staff at
Oaknoll.
"I'm
very proud of Kim (Bergen-Jackson, Director of Health Service) and our staff
for receiving this prestigious designation.
Oaknoll has always strived to give our residents the highest quality of care. We absolutely believe a professional work
environment and best practices contribute significantly toward this goal,"
said Patricia Heiden , Executive
Director at Oaknoll Retirement Residence.
"Kim's
leadership style encourages and empowers nurses and CNA's to grow and develop
professionally. By providing these opportunities
for leadership, Kim has assembled a staff that is invested and engaged in all
aspects of resident care."
"The
Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care designation affirms the professional
satisfaction of Oaknoll's nurses.
Indeed, Oaknoll is not only a wonderful retirement community for our
residents it is also a wonderful place to work," commented Heiden.
The
Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care designation is granted based on the
confirmed presence of characteristics known as “The Pathway to Excellence
Criteria.” For an organization to earn
the Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care distinction, it must successfully
undergo a thorough review process that documents foundational quality
initiatives in creating a positive work environment — as defined by nurses and
supported by research. These initiatives must be present in the facility’s
practices, policies, and culture. Nurses in the organization verify the
presence of the criteria in the organization through participation in a
completely confidential online survey.
As a Pathway to Excellence in Long
Term Care™ designated organization, Oaknoll Retirement Residence is committed
to nurses, to what nurses identify as important to their practice, and to
valuing nurses’ contributions in the workplace. This designation confirms to
the public that nurses working at Oaknoll know their efforts are supported. The
honor encourages other nurses to join their colleagues in this desirable and
nurturing environment.
The Pathway to Excellence in Long
Term Care™ designation is perfectly suited to small and medium-sized long term
care organizations, and is attainable by healthcare facilities around the
world.
Oaknoll
Retirement Residence is a member of Leading Age Iowa, a statewide association for
nursing homes and senior housing communities.
Leading Age Iowa members are dedicated to promoting excellence and
innovation in older adult services.
Oaknoll Retirement Residents has
been an active LifeCare retirement community since 1966 and is one of only
seven LifeCare communities in the state.
About ANCC:
The American Nurses
Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association
(ANA), provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession
with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC's
internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty
practice areas; recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive
work environments through the Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care™ and
Pathway to Excellence® programs; and accredit providers of continuing nursing
education. In addition, ANCC provides leading-edge information and education
services and products to support its core credentialing programs. www.nursecredentialing.org
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Oaknoll
by Dorothy Vestal
From here and afar we come,
apprehensively,
Moving into this "refuge for
the elderly"- this last earthly address.
Oaknoll living is beyond
their ken.
A refuge for the elderly- Yes,
But what elderly! What a refuge!
From here and afar we come,
apprehensively,
Moving into this "refuge for
the elderly"- this last earthly address.
Oaknoll living is beyond
their ken.
A refuge for the elderly- Yes,
But what elderly! What a refuge!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Oaknoll Computer Class Review
A photo essay by Oaknoll resident Bob Heffernen
Throughout last fall and winter, several Oaknoll residents completed basic computer, internet and email classes. Last month, some of the graduates of the class gathered in the recreation room for a reunion/review. Below are some images from the classes and the review session, captured by computer basics graduate, Bob Heffernen.
Throughout last fall and winter, several Oaknoll residents completed basic computer, internet and email classes. Last month, some of the graduates of the class gathered in the recreation room for a reunion/review. Below are some images from the classes and the review session, captured by computer basics graduate, Bob Heffernen.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Coming Spring
by Loren N. Horton
Today it seems
That spring is here
With all the joy it brings
Delight in watching
Rebirth of leaves
And new carpet of grass
Warmer winds
Sigh across the earth
The sun shines stronger
Grey remnants of snow
Melt in shaded areas
First daffodils
Show their green points
All outdoors
Becomes the canvas
For nature's art
Today it seems
That spring is here
With all the joy it brings
Delight in watching
Rebirth of leaves
And new carpet of grass
Warmer winds
Sigh across the earth
The sun shines stronger
Grey remnants of snow
Melt in shaded areas
First daffodils
Show their green points
All outdoors
Becomes the canvas
For nature's art
Monday, February 20, 2012
Income Tax Time Again
by Willa Jones
Working on it,
Till my eyes wore out
And my tail bone, too.
I don't organize as well
as I used to do.
It seems as though
The powers that be
Could give us an age limit.
I suggest, eighty three.
That many years
Should be long enough
To wrestle with forms
And all that tax stuff.
If we all had incomes
Of a million or two,
Lawyers could find loopholes
For us to jump through.
But we, the aging Middle Class,
Carefully keep all "Important Tax
Information Mail."
For fear of missing something
And be threatened with jail.
Or at least an audit
Yuck, it's income tax time.
Working on it,
Till my eyes wore out
And my tail bone, too.
I don't organize as well
as I used to do.
It seems as though
The powers that be
Could give us an age limit.
I suggest, eighty three.
That many years
Should be long enough
To wrestle with forms
And all that tax stuff.
If we all had incomes
Of a million or two,
Lawyers could find loopholes
For us to jump through.
But we, the aging Middle Class,
Carefully keep all "Important Tax
Information Mail."
For fear of missing something
And be threatened with jail.
Or at least an audit
Yuck, it's income tax time.
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