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June 6, 2022
Cypress Living Announces Addition of Vice President, Financial Services
June 22, 2022Cypress Cove Nursing Director Receives Multiple Recognitions
Kim Scott honored for excellence and workforce development
FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 13, 2022) Cypress Cove’s Director of Nursing Kim Scott, RN received two outstanding recognitions at the beginning of June, one a state-wide award for excellence in nursing administration and the other a local recognition for healthcare career development.
On June 3, 2022, she was named Nurse Administrator of the Year at Florida Health Care Association’s annual Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards program during their conference at The Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach. With over 600 member organizations competing, this is a highly coveted award indicating the very best of the best in nursing.
On June 8, 2022, she was recognized by Dr. Lisa Wright with Lee County School District, who recognized her work with students throughout Covid. Without the valuable clinical experience Scott facilitated, 150 students would not have met eligibility requirements for state licensure. (View a video of the presentation at https://youtu.be/jZXzdSHcVJs.)
Both recognitions were a surprise for Scott, with key staff and family members “in the know” and able to attend.
“We are so proud to help grow the next generation of healthcare professionals in our community under Kim Scott’s expert tutelage,” said Executive Director Mary Franklin.
During Covid, many healthcare facilities shut their doors to students. While enforcing strict safety precautions, Cypress Cove welcomed and continues to welcome healthcare students from six different schools (high school/college/university) to continue gaining valuable clinical experience in The Lodge, a 64-bed skilled nursing facility (short-term and long-term rehab) located on the beautiful Cypress Cove life plan retirement community campus.
Scott is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served four years in Operation Desert Storm. She has been with Cypress Cove for nearly 10 years, utilizing the robust employee scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs to advance her education and career.
Under her leadership, The Lodge has maintained a five-star rating with exceptional clinical outcomes. Scott oversees 40 CNAs and 25 nurses comprised of LPNs, RNs, and RN supervisors, as well as several other staff members in The Lodge.
With a passion for teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals, Scott maintains the schedule of students for three local practical nursing programs, six CNA programs and three registered nursing programs, sometimes scheduling nearly 80 students a week.
One of the many successful initiatives she has implemented is a student intern program for RNs, LPNs and CNAs. New graduates are paired with a mentor until they pass their state exams and learn how to become a nurse or CNA, all while getting paid and reimbursed by Cypress Cove, ensuring nursing retention is at its best and the nurses feel comfortable and confident with their skills.
Kim Scott, Dr. Lisa Wright and students are available to participate in interviews. Please schedule through Jennifer Benton, Public Relations Manager, 239-349-3207.
Read more about Kim Scott on our blog: https://cypresscoveliving.org/cypress-cove-director-of-nursing-receives-nurse-administrator-of-the-year-award/.
About Cypress Cove
Cypress Cove, a not-for-profit organization opened in 1999, is a well-established, highly respected, life plan community (formerly known as a continuing care retirement community) recognized nationally for innovation in senior living. Located on a beautiful 60-acre campus at HealthPark Florida in South Fort Myers, Cypress Cove is home to more than 650 residents and offers a full complement of quality living options—independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care assisted living, rehabilitative care, and home health.