Nominating staff for an award by the Indiana Assisted Living Association (INALA) is a set up for competition among others in their particular field of expertise state-wide. Out of the 366 assisted living communities in Indiana, our Director of Resident Services for Residences at Coffee Creek in Chesterton, Sue Aimone, brought home the honors as the 2024 Nurse Leadership Award.
Nurse leadership is especially vital in today’s competitive environment for healthcare staff. More than ever the responsibilities of the role include building relationships –with physicians, other healthcare providers such as home health, lab and mobile x-ray services, pharmacists, and, never last or least, our residents and their families. The nurse leader has to make the time to build other relationships throughout our communities and know where to recruit the best of the best nurses and CNA’s to constantly grow the very best team of compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated care staff.
The nurse leader is the chief educator and mentor for the care team, always upholding the highest of quality standards and serving as that role model that is respected in the nursing profession. We are so proud of our Nurse Leaders—Frances Guyton, at Residences at Deer Creek Senior Living in Schererville, and Sue Aimone, Residences at Coffee Creek in Chesterton, the 2024 Indiana Assisted Living Association’s Nurse Leadership Award winner.
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“Sue is one of the most caring and compassionate persons you will ever meet” say her team members, residents and families. “We’re not surprised she was selected for the INALA award!”
She’s the one that gives residents that feeling of calm and comfort just knowing she’s there for you whenever you feel anxious or ill. Perhaps you just need someone to talk with—Sue will make time for you. She brings over 20 years of nursing experience to our residents, with special interest in geriatrics, rehabilitative, and dementia care. As a youngster she would spend time with the older ladies who worked in the kitchen where she attended school. She knew, by the age of 17, that she had a passion for relating to older adults and helping others. Our residents’ families share that same peace of mind that Sue provides to their loved ones.
“Sue leads a team of nurses and caregivers who admire and respect her,” says Kaitlynn Redmon, Executive Director, Residences at Coffee Creek Senior Living. She also describes Sue’s qualities that endear her professionally as well as personally. “Her demeanor is calm, quiet, mature, and focused. She is known among her team and in fact, all of Residences, as a leader of integrity and someone who isn’t afraid to roll her sleeves on any given day and work wherever there is a need. She is able to put herself in the shoes of her team because she has served as a floor nurse and as a unit manager for so many years. The staff regards Sue as a compassionate and honest friend as well. She is known for stopping by after her work day or on an off day or holiday to bring treats to her staff or to check on and reassure a new member of the team.
When commended for going above and beyond, she will simply smile and tell you she is just doing her job. Her modest and kind spirit is acknowledged and appreciated by everyone, including the other managers of our Leadership Team.
Sue enjoys talking with families on move-in day and any and every time they are visiting. She is gracious in extending her expertise and reassurance when they are concerned or have questions about loved ones. Sue also wears the shoes of families. She, too, is a daughter and caregiver for her mother, who is a resident of our community.
She has suffered sudden loss; her husband’s heart attack without warning turned her life upside down some ten years ago, leaving her with her daughters and pouring even more energy into work and her career.
Sue was promoted to unit manager of our Memory Care and then promoted to Director of Nursing right before the global pandemic in 2020. Carrying us through the haze of Covid days, staffing challenges, boxes of personal protective equipment, hundreds of rapid Covid tests, numerous family phone calls, and long days and nights, Sue was there, ready to serve our seniors. We are forever grateful and cannot thank her enough for her service to community.”
Sue is revered as “one of the good ones” you want on your team; a real MVP and friend. While we are so proud of the distinction she brings as Outstanding Nurse Leader of the Year, the best description of Sue remains “She’s the one you want to take care of your Mom or Dad.” Thanks, Sue and congratulations again for your most worthy accolades and well-deserved distinction!
