[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 19, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S5796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SISTER GERALDINE BERNARDS

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I am proud to pay tribute today to a 
remarkable woman who is one of Oregon's true health care heroes. For 
the past 40 years, Sister Geraldine Bernards has devoted herself to the 
work of Maryville Nursing Home in Beaverton, OR. First as a nurse, then 
as director of nurses, and for the last 10 years as Administrator, 
Sister Geraldine has made a positive difference in the lives of 
countless Oregonians. Sister Geraldine will be retiring this summer, 
and before she does, I wanted to take the opportunity to share her 
inspiring story.
  Founded in 1963, Maryville Nursing Home is owned and operated by the 
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, and offers ``service with love'' to the 
elderly. During the four decades of Sister Geraldine's service, 
Maryville has expanded to include an Alzheimer's unit, a physical 
therapy unit, an eye clinic, a dental clinic, an activities center, and 
a multi-purpose gathering center.
  In her 10 years as Maryville's administrator, Sister Geraldine has 
initiated many valuable programs to guarantee quality health care and 
safety for the residents. Two courtyards have been enclosed, making 
them attractive and safe places for the residents to enjoy the outdoors 
with their families. A wireless phone system was introduced which 
enables nurses to be contacted immediately anywhere in the facility. A 
security system has been installed. New patient lifts were purchased. 
The volunteer program has seen a tripling in the number of 
participants, and a full time director of volunteers has been hired.
  Some of the most inspiring words about Sister Geraldine come from 
those who know her best. Activity Director Hilee Jackson says that 
Sister Geraldine is ``consumed by making sure that others' needs are 
met.'' Terry Shrum, Quality Assurance Director, says ``Sister Geraldine 
would do anything for anyone.''
  It is a fitting tribute to her lifetime of service that a Sister 
Geraldine Bernards Continuing Education Fund is being established to 
provide financial resources for on-going career education in the fields 
of health care and early childhood development.
  I am proud to join with many other Oregonians in saluting the work of 
this true health care hero, and I wish her many more years of health 
and happiness.

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