SPIRIT of Excellence Award: Manager or Director of the Year
Each year, Spirit of Excellence Awards are presented by our parent company, Amedisys, to select employees who demonstrate exceptional caregiving support to the field and display Amedisys’ core values, which include service, passion, integrity, respect, innovation and talent.
Our 2024 Manager or Director of the Year award was presented to Christina Atwood-Lee, RN, a Clinical Manager supporting our models of care in the home as part of our Virtual Care Unit (VCU). Here are some of the wonderful things Christina’s colleagues said about her in their nominations in support of her:
We are proud to spotlight Christina’s achievements in this role, and we asked her to share a little more about herself and her day-to-day work as a Clinical Manager.
Can you share a little about your professional background?
I have been in healthcare for the last 29 years. I was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for 17 years before returning to school to obtain my RN degree. I have held roles in critical care and management since becoming an RN.
Can you describe your role at Contessa, and what drew you to this job?
As a Clinical Manager in the VCU, I oversee the daily processes of the virtual Recovery Care Coordinators (RCCs) and Recovery Partners (RPs). I work closely with the directors of Recovery Care at Home to ensure that our patients are receiving quality care at home utilizing best practices, as well as hosting interdisciplinary team meetings to ensure we are reaching the goals specific to each patient.
I was drawn to this role during a time when COVID-19 was ramping up and my previous position required routine travel. I knew a previous employee who spoke very highly of the company. Being in management was very appealing to me. I also liked the healthcare model that Contessa was pioneering.
What is your patient care philosophy?
I always believe in caring for people and talking with my staff with respect and dignity. Connecting with people where they are is essential in healthcare and life in general. We have no idea what people are going through and need to have a healthy respect for that. Typically, in healthcare, we are caring for people during some of the worst times in their life, and they don’t feel well. We need to have compassion for that.
Tell us about life outside of work!
I am married to my best friend Chris. We got married on Leap Day so I could remember the date. I have a beautiful bonus daughter Aren, who is on the home stretch before starting high school. We have three rescue dogs Mando, Cassie and Lil-bit. I have three beautiful sisters and five amazing brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, six nephews, six nieces and two great-nieces. And a wonderful mother-in-law that I get along with very well.
I love having dinner at the table with my family every night. It’s our chance to disconnect from all electronics and catch up on everyone’s day. This is especially helpful when you have a teenager in the house.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had a chance to yet?
I have seen the Grand Canyon but would like to hike it and see the other six natural wonders of the world. I also want to be in the 4th of July parade in Bristol, RI.
What are some words of wisdom that you live by?
Give yourself and others some grace. It goes back to not knowing what other people are going through. This is also true with learning a new role or expectations with any change that happens. Everyone learns and completes things differently and at different paces. It’s important to keep that in perspective and lead in an altruistic manner.
Thanks, Christina, for sharing your talents and passion for caregiving with your patients, their families and the Contessa team! We are grateful for the care and attention you and other Clinical Managers like you contribute to advancing healthcare at home.