AUSTIN, Texas-Four employees of TRISUN Healthcare were recently recognized by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) for their outstanding work, and one employee was elected to the THCA Nurse Council for a two-year term. The THCA represents a broad spectrum of long-term care providers and professionals offering long-term, rehabilitative and specialized healthcare services.

Lois McDaniel, a nurse at Trinity Care Center in Round Rock, was named THCA's Outstanding Nurse of the Year. She was selected from a group of nurses nominated from around the state of Texas. McDaniel has worked as the Unit Supervisor at Trinity Care Center for five years and was nominated based on her hard work and dedication to the residents, staff and families.

Regional awards were also announced. Joy Davis, who is a nurse at TRISUN Care Center Wurzbach in San Antonio, was awarded a $500 scholarship for nursing school. Davis is currently assistant director of nursing and is studying to become a Registered Nurse. She always puts the needs of the residents first and will go to visit them in the hospital or after they have gone home, even when she is off duty.

Angelique Gasana, a nurse aide at TRISUN Care Center Wurzbach in San Antonio, was awarded a $500 gift and recognized as the Outstanding Nurse Aide in THCA's region 3. Gasana was nominated because she consistently goes beyond the call of duty and helps out when and wherever she's needed.

Lillie Rorie, a nurse aide at Temple Living Center East in Temple, was also awarded a $500 gift and was named the Outstanding Nurse Aide in THCA's region 5. Rorie has worked at the facility for twenty years, and is currently in charge of the Team Leader and Mentor programs. She is also a long-time "Guardian Angel." This program was developed by staff to ensure that residents without families receive quality time with personal visits, cards and gifts.

Robin Hayes, vice president of professional services for TRISUN Healthcare, was elected chair of the THCA Nurse Council and will serve on the THCA board of directors for a two-year term.In her position at TRISUN, Hayes oversees all areas of the company pertaining to nursing, dietary and pharmacy services. In addition, she is responsible for company policies and procedures development.

"I am so very proud of each employee that was recognized by the THCA," said Mark Fritz, vice chairman of TRISUN Healthcare. "Each of them exemplifies the character, leadership and compassion that are vital in this industry."

Other TRISUN employees nominated for THCA awards include: Larry Stephens, Rebecca Moore, Helen Gilmore and Lanette Blizzard, Weston Inn Health Center (Temple); Lee Grote, Gracy Woods II Nursing Center (Austin); Genette Rash and Helen Zamaripa, Altenheim Assisted Living (Round Rock); Beth Winiger, Park Place Assisted Living (Georgetown); Courtney Schiaffo, Park Place Care Center (Georgetown); Onetta Richard, Temple Living Center East (Temple); Jamie Smothers, Gracy Woods I Nursing Center (Austin); Sara Botello, Trinity Care Center (Round Rock); Samantha Smith, Temple Living Center Western Hills (Temple), and Debbie Vincent Terry, TRISUN Care Center Corpus Christi.