Annual event honors staffer
FRANKLIN TWP — The Butler County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 23rd annual Employee Appreciation Day luncheon Wednesday and announced the winner of the Butler County Employee of the Year Award.
Darlene Christy, assistant director of nursing at Sunnyview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, was named the 2017 Butler County Employee of the Year at the event, which was held at The Atrium.
Christy has been with Sunnyview for 15 years as assistant director of nursing.
Tricia Kradel, Sunnyview administrator, nominated Christy for the award and said in her nomination letter that Christy is “an advocate for our residents and employees. She ensures quality care is provided and staff education is completed for the best outcomes to our center residents.” Kradel wrote that Christy works 10- to 12-hour days at Sunnyview, while still finding time to devote to the community.
“Darlene is a nurse aide and CPR instructor. She is actively involved with the Warming Shelter, where she spends many nights when not here at Sunnyview.”
“One of her greatest passions is when you hear her talk about the Alzheimer’s Association and her involvement on the committee and being a sponsor,” Kradel said.
Christy also was praised for ongoing commitment to teamwork.
“If there is anyone who I would want on my team, Darlene would be my choice. The staff and management team here at Sunnyview have the utmost respect for Darlene for her loyalty, dedication and pride she brings to our organization,” Kradel wrote.
After being presented with the award, Christy said, she was extremely surprised at the honor, but that other employees on the Sunnyview management team are equally hard working and dedicated to their jobs.
“Everybody on my management team would do the same thing. So I don’t feel like I’m any different than they are,” Christy said.
Before working at Sunnyview, Christy worked for 16 years as a nurse for Armco, now AK Steel.
Christy said she has always enjoyed nursing, but especially enjoys working with dementia patients.
“I love what I do. I would like to know that someday, if I need a facility, that the staff is well-trained and ready to take care of people with compassion. That’s what we work toward,” she said.
More than 125 people attended the All American Picnic-themed lunch and networking event. The luncheon was sponsored by The Atrium, Medure’s Catering and the Butler Eagle. The Employee of the Year Award was sponsored by Butler Memorial Hospital.
