For Oak Hammock MDS Coordinator, Alisun Propes, caring for older adults in a skilled nursing facility is more than a profession, it is a calling rooted in compassion, connection and a desire to make a difference every day. She has a sweet, endearing smile and understanding nature which helps residents and other team members immediately feel at ease.

In her position, Propes conducts assessments, develops and updates resident care plans and helps ensure Oak Hammock remains in compliance with Medicare, insurance and regulatory requirements. While much of her work involves detailed assessments and regulations, she sees the purpose behind every form, interview and care plan; understanding each individual resident and helping the team provide the best possible care.

Propes spent 18 years working with older adults in a variety of nursing and care roles. Today, she serves as Oak Hammock’s MDS Coordinator and RN Assessment Coordinator, where she helps to ensure residents receive individualized care based on their unique needs.

Originally from Bell, Florida, Propes now lives in Chiefland with her husband, Alan, and together they have three children, Brayden, age 14, Gabby, age 12, and Alexandra age 29. They also have a wonderful granddaughter, Aria, who is 4 years old.

She and Alan met in Chiefland at a golf tournament through mutual friends and were married last year. Alan is a retired Navy command master chief who now works as a submarine strategic weapons contractor for the U.S Navy.

Propes’ career in nursing originally included working in skilled nursing in Trenton, Florida as an assistant director of nursing, as well as serving as a registered nurse assessment coordinator. She joined Oak Hammock four and a half years ago as an assistant director of nursing before moving into her current role.

“Each person has a different story, and we must meet their needs,” Propes says. Whether she is developing a care plan, helping a colleague, creating communication plans or simply taking time to listen to a resident, Propes brings the same philosophy to her work each day; go beyond what you hear to show someone you care.

Her own family experiences have helped shape that perspective. When her father suffered a stroke at age 68, Propes gained a deeper understanding of what patients and their families experience. The experience taught her the importance of listening, showing respect and recognizing that every resident and their family has their own concerns and needs.

Propes is well respected by Oak Hammock administration as well as her peers. As Director of Nursing Michelle Parker said, “Alisun is an incredibly valuable member of our team. She has excellent critical-thinking skills and the ability to see the whole picture as a nurse. She never hesitates to jump in and help wherever she is needed, not because she has to, but because she genuinely cares about our residents and her teammates. She is someone I have tremendous confidence in and know I can always count on. I am truly thankful she chooses to be part of our team.”

Recently, Propes reflected on her role at Oak Hammock.

What do you like most about your job?

One of the most rewarding parts of working at Oak Hammock is the residents themselves. I love the residents! Everyone is connected and supportive of each other.

I appreciate the many ways our residents look out for one another, from Independent Living residents bringing cookies to share with their Skilled Nursing neighbors or stopping by simply to visit. That spirit of generosity and community is one of the things I value most about Oak Hammock.

I also credit my colleagues for creating an environment where people support one another. For example, Director of Nursing Michele Parker, was instrumental in helping me become acclimated to Oak Hammock and has always encouraged me to find solutions. I also appreciate Medical Records Clerk Donna Pridgen for jumping in and helping me whenever needed.

I have frequently noticed that one thing which makes us unique among the nursing home industry is that there are many coworkers who pitch in when someone needs help. It is that type of environment.

How do you apply the WeCare values to what you do?

The WeCare values of welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic are what we strive to achieve every day.

My philosophy is we must meet the needs of every individual, which is at the heart of how Oak Hammock’s WeCare values are put into practice. I strive to make everyone feel welcome, communicate respectfully with the nursing home residents, families and colleagues and pay close attention to both the physical and emotional needs of each resident.

I’m empathetic because I’ve been on both sides of health care and know how our residents’ families feel.

My role may involve assessments, care plans and regulatory requirements, but at its core, it is about planning quality daily living for our aging residents.

We have a tough job; when we find problems, we try to fix them right away.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am committed to growing professionally. Oak Hammock’s scholarship committee has supported my educational goals, helping me continue my studies while working. I am proud I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree in nursing next summer.

I plan to continue my education, pursue additional certifications, including advanced resident assessment coordinator credentials and build on my nursing expertise.

My goals extend beyond my career, too. I would like to improve my golf game and make more time for exercise.

And when I’m not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my family. We attend our daughter Gabby’s softball games, visit Disney and explore Florida’s springs.

I love watching the Food Network. I confess my husband is a better cook, though!

I have a KitchenAid mixer sitting on our counter and my goal is to one day learn to use it, especially to make pasta.

My life is full of family, career, education, golf, home projects and most importantly, relationships with the people around me.

“Alisun amazes me every day with her dedication, knowledge, compassion and hard work. As the MDS Coordinator, she ensures that every resident’s care needs are thoroughly documented so our team can provide exceptional care. She coordinates the start of care for each resident and continues to oversee their needs every day.

Alisun is also an amazing RN. She supports our residents, nurses and CNAs, and is always willing to lend a helping hand, teach and encourage others. Through her guidance and support, she has helped me grow and become successful in my role. Despite her many responsibilities at work, she is also a wife and mother who somehow manages to balance it all. I am in awe of everything she does and feel truly blessed and thankful to have Alisun in my life.” – Donna Pridgen, medical records clerk

“Alisun brings a wealth of experience in skilled nursing and long-term care, making her an invaluable asset to Oak Hammock. She holds one of the most important and demanding roles within skilled nursing, yet she handles her responsibilities with remarkable ease, professionalism and dedication. Alisun is consistently kind, compassionate and thorough in every interaction with residents. She works closely with the interdisciplinary team to promote strong communication, collaboration and continuity of care, ensuring that every resident receives the highest quality of care possible.” – Goldie Gollihue, RN supervisor

“Alisun is a leader, and has attention to detail, often behind the scenes working with the team for the best outcomes of the residents, and there to answer questions for the staff.  Her continued education and RAC-CT certification has been instrumental in the financial success of Oak Hammock Skilled Nursing.” – Sonja Donlin, Chief Operating Officer