New D.O.N. at Manor brings 20 years experience

There’s a new Director of Nursing for Imperial Manor and Parkview-Heights who has been working in long-term health care for 20 years.
Kelly Simeon of Haigler has been commuting to Imperial a couple of times a week since Feb. 2, working and familiarizing herself with Imperial Manor before officially taking the helm as D.O.N. on Monday.
At age 14, she helped in the care of her grandmother who had Alzheimer’s, but she began her work in health care in earnest at age 16 as a CNA.
In 2006, Simeon became certified as an LPN through McCook Community College, followed by the participation in the Bridge to Success program through Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte where she became an RN.
“I just received my BSN in July through the ACE American College of Education,” she added.
During over two decades working in long-term care, she worked mostly in nursing homes with five of those years in Hospice care.
“I did work for about a year  in a hospital setting as well,” she said.
She said one of her goals is building staff and staff retention.
One improvement to the facility here is a new computer system that went online  Tuesday.
She explained there are many components within the entire facility in connection with caring for its residents physically, emotionally and legally.
Accurate and up-to-date information on every level is vital, she said.
One of the improvements with the new system allows aides to chart at the resident’s bedside as well as anywhere else in the facility.
“Right now, aides mostly record everything about a resident’s care and interaction on paper for charting at a later time,” said Simeon.
“With the new computer system, they will carry Android phones in their pockets for making instant notations of all activities or interactions with residents—live charting will be a big improvement,” she added.
The new computer system will streamline the whole process of sharing information with various entities, and staff will have access to information quicker and be able to see the “big picture” in a timely manner, she continued.
Another one of Simeon’s goals is to have a smooth transition with the new system so as not to cause any disruptions in the residents’ world, as well as with staff.
“I don’t want to overwhelm staff due to the changes,” Simeon said.
Facility safety protocols
Currently, safety protocols are in place similar to most health and long term care facilities.
Staff and visitors are required to wear a mask and stop at the screening kiosk when entering the building.
“As in line with most places these days, if anyone is experiencing any illness or has been exposed to someone with or suspected of having COVID, they should not come to the facility,” Simeon said.
Residents are not mandated to wear masks at this time, but they are encouraged to wear masks outside of their rooms.
“The choice is theirs. After all, this is the residents’ home,” she added.
“We encourage family and friends to visit residents freely, but we do ask that they go straight to the resident’s room once screened. We will bring the resident to them if they are somewhere else in the facility,” Simeon said.
Although Simeon lives in Haigler now, she is originally  from the St. Francis/Bird City, Kansas area.
She said she has a number of relatives living in the Haigler area including her mom and dad.
“I might mention that my sister is currently the D.O.N. at the nursing home in Benkelman,” she added.
Simeon is mother of two children­—Makayla, who is a senior at Dundy County Stratton High School, and Colin, age 13, who is home-schooled by a friend.