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“The Licensed Caregiver of the Year Award recognizes a licensed staff member who provides excellent clinical care while also demonstrating professionalism and leadership.”
When you think of this description by LeadingAge PA, there is one name that should come to mind. That name? Len Hoolahan.
Leonard Hoolahan, better known as Len to his colleagues and residents, is the definition of a dedicated worker. Hoolahan has worked as a nurse for over 18 years, and his coworkers and patients alike over at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network are glad he chose that profession. It is a job that suits him well, as he cares so much about everyone, and he has a particular fondness for taking care of his elders.
“Len Hoolahan is a remarkable nurse to have on the team,” Long Term Care Administrator Gerald Radaker said. “Len has been a dedicated nurse with the network for over 18 years, and I have had the pleasure of working alongside him the last three, seeing the tremendous amounts of hard work he has put in to be where he is today.”
For Hoolahan, his heart is on his sleeve. He gives it his all day in and day out, and he has a way of connecting with his patients that they feel more than comfortable being around them. He gets to know them on a personal level, and that is because he truly cares.
Hoolahan is a very genuine person, and you can see it in the way he interacts with his coworkers and his residents. Everyone who knows him looks up to him, and deservedly so.
Hoolahan started in the long-term care neighborhoods, taking care of patients in that sector, but throughout the course of the COVID pandemic he made his presence felt even more. He stepped into a charge nurse role, and he has certainly succeeded in that role.
In fact, Radaker even mentioned that Hoolahan has become something of a resource to a lot of people, and that is because he is a self-starter who dedicates himself to his craft and always puts others first.
“While my view of Len is limited to his time in the community, he embodies so many qualities that make him stand out from the crowd,” Trey Coffman, NHA, said. “Len’s kind and patient tone helps him work with many different types of individuals, making them feel comforted in knowing their care is being supervised by Len.”
One of the many things people agree on when it comes to Hoolahan’s personality is his calamity. He has a calm, almost soothing, nature about him, which makes him the ideal fit for a nurse. He can have the tough conversations when need be, as well as the positive conversations, and they are all done with the same demeanor.
At the same time, almost every patient actually looks forward to having Hoolahan walk into the room. While most people are not a fan of nurses no matter how nice or good they are, things are different with Hoolahan. He knows how to not only command a room but make things feel peaceful and comfortable, which is just part of what makes him a solid charge nurse.
On top of everything else, Hoolahan is a great leader in every aspect. He does not sit on the sidelines telling people what to do, but instead gets his hands dirty and leads by example. He also leads with heart and care, showing residents and colleagues alike that he wants what is best for them.
“In the role as charge nurse, Lenny has shown our residents compassion and empathy,” Administrative Services Coordinator Robyn McCullough said. “His calm demeanor has given many resident families comfort upon admission to The Willows. Lenny always shows patience and support when discharging residents. He ensures the families feel comfortable with their discharge instructions before leaving. His daily performance has enhanced the lives of our residents.”
An environment is only as good as the people in charge, and with Hoolahan at the helm of the nursing staff, there is nothing to worry about there. He is careful and considerate day in and day out, and he passes his compassionate mindset down to his employees.
Hoolahan does everything with a smile on his face as well. He is constantly happy and upbeat, which is something you want to help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. He has always been able to do that wherever he goes, and that is part of the reason he receives constant high praise.
“During his time on Oakvilla as the desk charge nurse he was efficient, eager to complete tasks and optimistic about the day’s outcome,” Neighborhood Manager Debbie Scoggins said. “He always presented with a smile no matter how busy of a day he was having and spoke with a kind and gentle demeanor.”
It’s one thing to leave a legacy at one workplace, but to do it twice is something that only the best of the best can do. Hoolahan is one of these people who is the best of the best. He is someone who is irreplaceable and is leaving a mark, and people appreciate him for that.
And now, all the hard work and dedication is starting to really pay off for Hoolahan. Not only is he the LeadingAge PA 2023 Licensed Caregiver of the Year Award winner, but he is continuing to do what he loves at a high level and in a high position. He is seeing the fruits of his labor pay off, and he is getting the recognition he may not want but certainly deserves.
“Len spent the early parts of his career in the community working in the long-term care neighborhoods, but early into the pandemic, an opportunity arose to take on the charge nurse for our skilled rehabilitation neighborhood,” Radaker said. “Let me just say, he thrived, taking everything new as an opportunity to learn, quickly becoming someone everyone sought out as a resource. If someone is in need, Len is there to support them.”
Hoolahan is a quick study and someone who absorbs a lot of information, which makes him not only great at his job, but in the way he is able to communicate with people. He remembers a lot of what everyone says, and that helps him be more personable.
For Presbyterian SeniorCare Network and LeadingAge PA, they could not think of someone who fits the bill of being the top licensed caregiver in the nonprofit sector in Pennsylvania than Hoolahan, and that is why he is being recognized for such.
