Nursing award a surprise for Columbus woman

COLUMBUS -- Donna Birman is a certified medication assistant who has worked on the night shift with the elderly for the past 19 years.

Birman was recently recognized for her leadership and outstanding service to the residents at Golden LivingCenter with her reception of the Nebraska Assisted Living Association’s Annual Nursing Award.

Golden LivingCenter is located at 2855 40th Ave.

“I was completely surprised by the award,” Birman said. “It seems odd to me to get an award for a job you love to do when you’re working with people you love to be with,” Birman said. “I couldn’t believe it. They only give out one of these each year for the whole state. When they called my name, my director of nursing had to nudge me and tell me to go up there and get my award.”

Birman worked as a home health aide before training to be a certified nursing assistant and starting on the night shift at the facility which was the home of the Columbus Manor at the time.

She worked at the Manor for about four years and then received training as a certified medication assistant.

Birman plays an active part in leadership at the facility and in the community with her participation in various fundraising and charity events.

She says her regular duties in the assisted living area of the facility include helping with laundry, administering medications, completing rounds every two hours and serving meals.

“Donna always volunteers to go on activities with residents,” said Director of Nursing, Jeane Engle, of Golden LivingCenter. “She tries hard to increase their quality of life. Donna is the ‘bright spot’ on the night shift where she has worked for 19 years.”

Engle said Birman’s outgoing personality and cheerful disposition has led to her selection for leadership training and her participation on several committees at the facility.

Golden LivingCenter has a capacity for 181 residents with served in the skilled care unit, 35 residents in the assisted living apartments and 30 in Alzheimer’s unit.

The elder care facility offers physical, occupational and speech therapy on an in-patient or out-patient basis.

For more information, contact the facility at 564-8014.