Three Shelbyville Manor employees were recently recognized by the Illinois Health Care Association as employees of the year for 2006.

Julie Buhrmester was named Nurse of the Year, Karen Turner was named Housekeeper of the Year by the Long Term Care Nurses Association, and Michelle Cloe was named Activity Director of the Year.

“We feel privileged and honored to have the best workers in our facilities,” said Shelbyville Manor Director of Nursing Carol Schwenker. “This is the most awards we have had in one year.”

“We have corporate awards every year, but this was statewide,” Schwenker said.

Nominations for the awards are made by the administrator or Director of Nursing. Nominations include the history, performance, longevity, and work habits proving that the nominee goes “above and beyond,” according to Schwenker.

Buhrmester had been nominated before, but this was her first award. She has been at the Manor as an LPN for the past 11 years and has recently been named Service Director of Hawthorne Inn.

“It’s a team effort. I would not have shone as brightly if not for the people I work with,” Buhrmester said. “I work with a lot of great nurses.”

Cloe had won a corporate award last year. This is her first award at state level. She has worked at the Manor for the past 10 years, serving the past four years as activity director.

“I really enjoy what I do,” Cloe said.

Turner has been with Shelbyville Manor for five years and has been Housekeeping/Laundry Supervisor for the past two years. This was her first nomination for the award.

“This was a big surprise,” said Turner. “I like my job. I enjoy all the residents.”

Also nominated for awards were CNA Jim Watton and Social Services Director Becky Jones.

“They still do a great job and definitely deserve recognition,” Schwenker said.