Michele Lawson earns Care Initiatives’ Employee of the Year

Michele Lawson, Director of Nursing at Manly Specialty Care, has received the Employee of the Year Award at Care Initiatives’ annual award brunch Friday, Dec. 6 in West Des Moines.

The Employee of the Year Award is given to a nominated employee who best demonstrates the company’s Mission Statement: Improving quality of life for Iowans and their families during life’s health transitions through compassionate, individualized care.

Lawson joined Manly Specialty Care in 2007 and has been a consistent leader and team player ever since. “Her nurse’s hat never comes off…even when she’s on vacation, she’s always checking to make sure that each and every nursing issue is resolved quickly,” said Administrator Kimber Kleven. “When there’s an open shift, she’ll fill it to demonstrate her approach to team work.”

Through her leadership the facility has received the federal government’s coveted 5-star status and American Health Care Association Bronze Quality Award. Just this past year, Lawson was named to the 100 Great Iowa Nurses roster

“She’s always kind, finding ways to help each individual resident maintain as much independence as possible,” Kleven added. “She is always seeking innovative methods to improve the lives of our staff and residents.”

Lawson handles all doctors’ visits personally. She uses this time to learn and educate herself about each residents’ health issues.

“She is dedicated to the nursing profession and particularly our residents,” Kleven said.