August 15, 2022
Ellen Lamkey of Hillcrest Healthcare has been named director of nursing of the year by the Tennessee Directors of Nursing Association (TDONA), an affiliate organization of Tennessee Health Care Association (THCA).
Lamkey serves as director of nursing at the Island Home community, one of three skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities operated by Hillcrest Healthcare. Hillcrest Healthcare is the largest provider of skilled nursing care in Knoxville and recently has added Hillcrest at Home, which offers basic care and assistance at a patient’s residence.
“Ellen is passionate about her job, managing with skill and grace and creating an environment of quality, compassionate care for the patients and residents,” said Barry Davis, president and CEO of Hillcrest Healthcare. “She develops her team and always has an encouraging word while ensuring clinical systems and nursing teams run smoothly. We are thrilled that she has received this prestigious recognition among all the great nursing directors across Tennessee.”
Lamkey joined the organization as assistant director of nursing in 2011 and quickly moved into the director role. She manages a team of 70 associates at the 95-bed facility in South Knoxville. She was honored in a ceremony on Aug. 11 during the Tennessee Health Care Association Annual Convention and Trade Show in Knoxville.
“This award is the culmination of hard work by the entire Island Home team, and I’m so grateful to them,” Lamkey shared. “I would not have this recognition without the associates who genuinely care about the patients and residents and go out of their way to provide that extra love and assistance. I’m humbled and thankful to receive and share this celebration with my coworkers.”
Lamkey earned a Bachelor of Science (BSN) from The University of Tennessee and is involved in multiple community service organizations. She serves as regent for the Bonny Kate Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR); troop leader for the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians; senior vice president for Children of the American Revolution, James White chapter; and mentor for tnAchieves.
She is a mother to daughters Victoria and Caroline and cat Ollie, as well as 10 chickens and three ducks. Lamkey resides in Seymour and enjoys spending time with family and visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hillcrest Healthcare provides benefits, including paid vacation and sick time, immersive onboarding, industry-leading employer match for 403(b) retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employee discount program and a commitment to provide benefits desired by associates. Visit hillcresthc.com/careers/ for more information.
About Hillcrest Healthcare Communities, Inc.
Hillcrest Healthcare Communities, Inc. operates three skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, and the newly established Hillcrest at Home division in Knoxville, Tennessee. With 560 beds and more than 500 employees, Hillcrest Healthcare is the largest provider of skilled nursing care in Knoxville, with locations in the north, south and west communities. Chartered in 1960 as a 501(c)(3) organization, Hillcrest Healthcare continues its mission to provide long-term care and skilled nursing home beds to the citizens of Knox and surrounding counties. For more information, hillcresthc.com.
About the Tennessee Health Care Association
THCA is a nonprofit organization whose members include long-term care facilities located throughout the state of Tennessee. For more information about nursing homes, visit thca.org.
