Geraldine Kauffman Wins 2022 ESPRIT Award!

“Nursing is my life, not just my career.”

A nurse by training, Geraldine has an unwavering commitment to patient care. In her current role, which involves overseeing corrective action plans (CAPs) and regulatory implementation for Provider Services, she approaches every task as an opportunity for continuous improvement and partners with many teams—a perfect embodiment of the “One VNS Health” ethos. She works closely with Personal Care and Home Care.

Known for her collaborative spirit, Geraldine always aims to find more efficient processes and to correct areas of non-compliance, leading that charge with patience, understanding, and consideration for the business’s perspective. “The best part of my job is working with a very caring, resourceful team, some of whom I have worked with for the past 15 years,” she says. From the onset of the pandemic, she volunteered to assist with the Clinical Emergency Response Team (CERT), taking hundreds of calls and assisting team members in determining the appropriate actions to safeguard patients and members, themselves, and their colleagues.

“I feel that my life experience makes me particularly suited to my work as an Associate Director in Compliance,” she says. “I am a devoted nurse by trade for 39 years, the mother of five sons, and the 11th child of 13, which greatly helps my agility, and my ability to work closely with my team members and collaborate effectively with colleagues in other programs and teams across the organization. Nursing is my life, not just my career; and throughout my life I have always tried to be truthful and honorable with any role I have had. Because our work can be stressful at times, I also like to bring humor and energy to the day.”