Susan Maina, LPN Named Allies’ “2021 Nurse of the Year”

National Nurses Week has been extended to the entire month of May for a second year in a row. Allies, Inc. applauds this decision, understanding how critical nurses are to the health and well-being of those whose lives they touch. To kick off the month, the agency announced their first annual “Nurse of the Year” award.

Michael Haggerty, President and CEO of Allies, remarked, “All of our nurses shine, but we wanted to give special recognition to a nurse on our team that has shown an extraordinary level of care and compassion to her clients. We are proud to name Susan Maina as our “2021 Nurse of the Year.”

Susan was nominated by Allies Executive Committee and her nursing peers. As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), she works in Allies’ Old Bridge Medical Group Home. In addition to providing extensive medical care to individuals in the home, she also provides support with activities of daily living (ADL) such as cleaning and grooming, oversees their diets, and is a strong advocate for them in the community and in medical settings.

Susan Maina, LPN, of Allies’ Old Bridge Medical Group Home was named “2021 Nurse of the Year.”

Before joining Allies, Susan was an elementary school teacher in Kenya for a decade. She greatly enjoyed interacting with her students, and often organized volunteer opportunities for them and the children in her church. Assisting the elderly and the sick in her town was very fulfilling to her. Her passion to help those in need lead her to the United States where she worked as a direct support professional for 4 years; before enrolling in a nursing program at Somerset Vocational School in 2006. Once graduated, she joined Allies, where she has been providing steadfast nursing care for the last 14 years.

Susan goes above and beyond for those she serves, and is known for her kindness, empathy, and compassion. Through the tone of her voice, and her gentle touch, one can feel how much she cares. She also places a high importance on individuals’ mental and emotional well-being. Susan constantly strives to keep those she serves happy, busy, and fulfilled. She takes the time to connect with them, find out what their interests are, and assists them in pursuing their hobbies. She has taught clients to knit, and accompanies them to various volunteer opportunities, such as at the local library.

Staff have also recognized Susan for her strong leadership and training skills, and she is looked up to by many of her colleagues. Her passion for her job builds morale for those around her and inspires others daily. She truly enjoys being part of the Allies family and the Old Bridge home.

Susan said, “My prayer every day is that I will give my services to individuals I serve without any knowledge resolved, be a team player, be purposeful, and go home at the end of the day knowing I did my best. It gives me a wonderful satisfaction to know that my clients are happy and well taken care of.”

Marge Conner-Levin, Senior Vice President of Health Services at Allies, added, “The COVID-19 pandemic has made this a very difficult year. But our nursing team worked through challenges, always showing up. They are deeply dedicated to their clients, and they want to be there for them. Susan is a wonderful example of this incredible commitment to care, and a desire to connect with those we serve to help them live a healthier and more fulfilling life.”

Susan will be honored at a luncheon at Allies headquarters on Wednesday May 12^th.

To learn more about Allies programs and services, call 609-689-0136 or visit www.alliesnj.org.

Allies, Inc. is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and recreational activities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice.  To learn more, visit www.alliesnj.org.