Thorough work earns DHSS employee recognition

A health facilities nursing consultant with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has been selected as the July State Employee of the Month.

Fern Dewert, of Union, has worked for the department for more than 26 years.

Lisa Coots, Dewert’s supervisor, nominated her for the award. Coots said Dewert has conducted surveys of home health agencies, hospices and outpatient physical therapy facilities working to ensure they comply with state and federal regulations.

Three years ago, Dewert agreed to become the trainer/mentor in the department’s Bureau of Home Care and Rehabilitative Standards. She took charge of developing a comprehensive orientation of the bureau’s health facilities nursing consultants. She also researched, gathered and produced information to develop several manuals and provided both classroom and on-site training at agencies with each health care agency surveyor.

She also provided training to all bureau staff on new federal home regulations that became effective in January. Dewert did this despite last-minute guideline changes by federal officials. Those involved in the training all noted Dewert was methodical and organized and that they were able to get a handle on the new directives.

“The surveyors who have started with the bureau during the past several years have given positive feedback regarding the comprehensive orientation they have received and the knowledge and skills of Fern,” Coots wrote in her nomination letter.