Shining stars, talent recognized at OMNI
Streamway clincial care co-ordinator says education sets OMNI apart from other organizations
Thursday November 8, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
In her 16 years since joining the OMNI family, Kerrie Chapple has worked at one home but has held three different positions.

A major benefit of being a part of the OMNI team, says Chapple, is the countless opportunities for improvement the company offers staff members.

“I always had the opportunities for the education, training and in-services that were provided,” she tells the OMNIway.

Chapple, the clinical care co-ordinator at Streamway Villa, began her career in October 1991 when she took a position as a registered practical nurse (RPN) at the Cobourg long-term care home.

After working the nightshift for a few years, Chapple changed jobs and became a personal support worker (PSW) because more hours were available in that department. During this time she continued to work off and on as an RPN when needed.

The educational opportunity that would impact Chapple’s career the most was OMNI’s manager development program, which provides employees with the training needed to become a manager.

This would pay off in 2004, when Chapple was made the home’s clinical care co-ordinator.

OMNI’s promotion from within, she says, allows employees to grow and develop within the organization.

“I think (internal promotion) is excellent,” says Chapple. “I believe that we have a lot of shining stars and we have a lot of great talent within our OMNI homes . . . I think it’s great that OMNI does recognize that.

“I think it’s great that they allow the empowerment of the PSWs. We encourage them to take the courses and we allow them to utilize their skills using their training.”

The educational programs offered by OMNI, coupled with their quality, is one of the biggest things setting OMNI apart from other organizations, says Chapple.

“I think we’re one of the better corporations out there, because we do offer a variety of different education. We try to stay ahead of the game. The opportunities are always there and it’s always offered to every department out there. . . . We want everybody to be on board.”