Amber Brady RN, BSN Acting Administrator, Hillcrest Living

-Interviewed By Beth Diers

Amber, you have graciously taken on the role of provisional administrator here at Hillcrest.  Can you tell us a little about what makes you qualified for this role?

Amber, “Qualified….well to be a provisional administrator you must have a bachelor's degree. I have a bachelor's degree in nursing.  The Hillcrest Board of Directors appointed me as the provisional administrator.  I then went through the process of applying for a provisional administrator's license through the Iowa board of administrators and notified DIA.”  (DIA is the acronym for Department of Inspections and Appeals.) 

“I never imagined that I would be a provisional administrator, being a nurse is who I am, yet when it came down to what is best for Hillcrest residents and employees there was no hesitation to take on this role.  I have always been dedicated to my work, co-workers, and residents.  Like many who work in long-term care, we spend more waking hours with our co-workers and resident, which makes them my family and I will do anything needed for family. “

“I have a good relationship with staff because they know that I am here for them, that I care about them as individuals, not just that they are employees.  They know that my door is always open to bounce ideas, voice concerns, ask for help, and to be someone to lean on when needed.” 

Can you tell us how you are making sure that the duties of the Director of Nursing are being fulfilled while you are the Provisional Administrator?

Amber, ”So, I am not able to be the Director of Nursing and Provisional Administrator.  Thankfully Kim Willbee, RN, accepted the Interim DON position. Kim and I work very closely to ensure that DON duties are being fulfilled.   Kim and I have always worked well together to ensure that our residents are well taken care of.” 

In your opinion how are your peers (department leaders) handling you being the Provisional Administrator?

Amber, “I believe that they are handling it well.  We have a fantastic team here at Hillcrest.  Everyone has been more than willing to jump in and help with anything that needs to be done.  Department Leaders know that this is a change for all of us and are giving me some grace and understanding that it is going to take a little time for me to figure out. “ 

“I started at Hillcrest in December of 2020, which has given me time to build relationships with the department leaders and I feel that they all trust me.  They know that everything that has changed in the nursing department has been to provide excellent care and not burn out the staff. Of course, healthcare is forever changing, and changes need to happen.”

What types of support are you receiving from the Board of Directors?

Amber, ”The Board of Directors has been very supportive of the transition of me to Provisional Administrator.  They have asked if I will go back to school for Administration.  I kindly told them that being the DON is where my heart is. “

“The board hired a consultant with 35 years of experience being an Administrator, not only was she an Administrator she also went into facilities when they no longer had an administrator, did interim administrator, and trained new Administrators.  Her name is Deb Schaefer, she has agreed to come on-site 2-3 days per week to help me learn what all needs to be done.”

How are your direct staff feeling during this time? Have they brought you any concerns?

Amber, “I feel that staff are doing well with this change.  All employees have always known that they can come to me for anything.  They obviously have concerns and questions about Hillcrest's future and how I am handling the new position. “

“I think that I am struggling more with this change than direct staff.  I tend to feel guilty that I am not as available to help as much as I typically do.” 

What is your hope for the future of Hillcrest and where do you see yourself in the future?

Amber, “My hope for the future is that Hillcrest once again becomes “the place” where people in the community want their loved ones to live.  We have a great team here and everyone works so hard to ensure that residents and families are happy.  Hillcrest has gone through many changes in the past 5 years and health care itself has changed dramatically. “

“I see myself returning to the Director of Nursing position as that is where my passion is. Being a nurse is who I am.  I think that I would have a hard time with someone else doing my job long-term.  I am a hands-on person and enjoy the relationships I have made with residents and staff.”

First vaccine clinic date and time scheduled

January 20, 2021
After many trying months facing the COVID-19 pandemic, we are so excited to announce the date of our first vaccine clinic. On Monday, January 25, 2021 residents and tenants of the nursing home, assisted living and independent living, along with staff, will receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The second dose is recommended to be administered approximately 21 days later and we will be looking forward to confirmation of the official date of the second clinic in the near future.

Iowa doctors explain how COVID-19 vaccines work

By Rochelle Kane • December 10, 2020
We all have questions about the new vaccines for COVID-19. These doctors do a great job explaining it so we can all understand. Take a few minutes to listen and learn.

Visits resume after outbreak ends

By Rochelle Kane • December 10, 2020
We're happy to report it's been 20 days since a resident tested positive for COVID-19. Now that the positivity rate in Bremer County is also going down, we can safely resume booth visits in the chapel next week (week of December 13). Please call Sherry or Karen to set up a visit with your loved one. We look forward to seeing our residents reconnect in person with their families. Thank you for your patience and support during the outbreak.

COVID-19 Recoveries Increase

December 2, 2020
As many of you are aware, Hillcrest had their first COVID-19 positive on November 9. Despite our best and hardest efforts, Hillcrest went into outbreak status on November 12. We are thankful to now see an increase in the recovery rate in both residents and staff. We haven't had a positive resident in three days, an encouraging sign. At this time, we will continue to pause open visits and appointments at the beauty shop until Bremer County and the surrounding areas have a lower percent positivity rate. We will keep you updated on further developments. Thank you for your support.

Updates on Phased Reopening

June 12, 2020
We're all eagerly anticipating the reopening of our nursing and assisted living buildings. We are currently in Phase 1 of the phased reopening approach given by the Iowa Dept. of Public Health and are working diligently through the mandates given to ensure we can continue moving forward safely. All assisted living buildings and nursing homes statewide are in Phase 1 of the plan through June 18. June 19 is the soonest any Iowa communities can move into Phase 2. We plan to contact families to schedule visits beginning at the end of next week and could begin these visits by June 22. We appreciate your patience as we work through contacting everyone. The Iowa Dept. of Public Health has outlined some key points in the phased approach that many have been curious about, including salon reopenings and dining. The below graphic outlines the next steps for these areas in each phase:

Staff & Residents Test Negative for COVID-19

June 2, 2020

First Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19

May 26, 2020
A recently admitted resident at Hillcrest Manor has tested positive for COVID-19.

May 20, 2020 COVID updates

May 20, 2020
On May 20th, Gov. Reynolds lifted restrictions throughout the State. However, nursing homes restrictions have not changed. Per Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA), Hillcrest continues to be unable to allow visitors and the salon will remain closed. We will keep you posted on any changes! Thank you for your patience during this challenging time!

Hillcrest Living takes extensive precautions against COVID-19

May 8, 2020
In light of continual concerns regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to keep you informed of the proactive measures we are undertaking to protect our residents, tenants and staff from exposure and prepare for the possible spread of the illness. Our priority is the health and safety of our residents, tenants and staff. Accordingly, we are closely monitoring announcements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and following agency guidance in addition to consulting industry resources. Please note that we are constantly evaluating our policies and protocols in view of new information and they are subject to change. We will do our best to keep you apprised of changes by updating this notice. STEPS HILLCREST LIVING CAMPUS IS TAKING: Prior to concerns about COVID-19, we had infection prevention and control procedures in place to maximize the health and safety of the vulnerable population we serve. We have enhanced our existing protocols to minimize the risk of exposure and to provide clinical and operational personnel the information and tools necessary to address the situation as it evolves. The following is a summary of measures undertaken to date consistent with regulatory guidance: Interdisciplinary Task Force Led by our Medical Director, Administrator and Director of Nursing our interdisciplinary team is in constant communication working together to develop efficient and effective procedures and protocols to minimize the risk of exposure and prepare for possible spread. We monitor IDPH and other regulators as well as trade associations and other health care providers to obtain the most up to date information to allow us to evaluate and implement the most effective prevention and control protocols. Resident Monitoring Our nursing staff are vigilantly monitoring resident health. Our trained staff will identify residents who might be at risk of COVID-19 and are prepared to institute precautions for these residents if the need arises. Employee and Contractor Screening We are screening employees and contractors for symptoms or potential exposure to COVID-19 to prevent the introduction of the COVID-19 infection. This screening occurs at the beginning and ending of their shift. Environmental We have increased the frequency of cleaning on high touch surfaces and high trafficked public areas with hospital-grade bleach disinfectant. This is done around the clock, just not during the day shift. Personal Protective Equipment All staff are required to wear disposable face masks throughout their shift. All staff that provide direct care are required to wear disposable face masks and a full-face shield. We have made hand sanitizer readily available for residents, tenants and staff. We have also set up our breakrooms to accommodate the 6 feet social distancing guidance.