Elizabeth Tracy, RN, wins McHugh leadership award

Elizabeth (Liz) Tracy, RN, a nursing unit manager at John Knox Village, Pompano Beach, Fla., is the recipient of LeadingAge’s 2014 Joan Anne McHugh Nurse Leadership Award.

The national award, named for Joan Anne McHugh, recognizes “aspiring leaders who provide excellent clinical care to their residents while demonstrating leadership in long-term care nursing and a commitment to the profession,” according to LeadingAge. One award is given each year.

Tracy started out studying recreation therapy but quickly realized her passion was nursing. As an RN, she has served the residents of John Knox Village for the past three years. “What a joy it is to not only care for our residents’ physical needs, but also their psychological, social and overall wellness,” she said.

Her colleagues agree: “Liz epitomizes the term teamwork and humbly serves our residents and families while motivating the team on a daily basis. Her passion and hard work are being recognized on a national level, and it is another testament to the wonderful things that happen at JKV,” said Mark Rayner, director of health facilities, in a press release.

Among her other leadership accomplishments, Tracy championed efforts to eliminate the audible alarms from falls management systems at John Knox Village, a not-for-profit continuing care community that includes a 177-bed skilled nursing unit. “Liz and the staff understood the system was difficult on our residents, their families and staff, adversely affecting the dignity of the residents,” said Wendy Bednarcik, director of human resources at John Knox.

Tracy will be honored at the LeadingAge annual meeting, Oct. 19 to 22 in Nashville, Tenn.

Pamela Tabar

Pamela Tabar was editor-in-chief of I Advance Senior Care from 2013-2018. She has worked as a writer and editor for healthcare business media since 1998, including as News Editor of Healthcare Informatics. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and a master’s degree in English from the University of York, England.