This Nurses Week, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the more than 300 nurses across our healthcare system who embody our mission of "We Care for All". We're highlighting seven extraordinary nurses who provide compassionate care at our community health centers, Lakeside Medical Center, School Health, and our skilled nursing facility. Read their stories below.
Liliana Blankenship, RN, Health Care District Community Health Centers
Liliana
Blankenship, RN, is a registered nurse at the Health Care District of Palm
Beach County’s Jupiter Community Health Center where she compassionately cares
for adult patients. Before joining the Health Care District, Blankenship held various nursing positions, including six years at a public health
and immigration correctional facility, as well as roles in hospital settings. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Blankenship's
ability to communicate effectively bridges language barriers, enhancing patient
care. Blankenship earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia, and holds a Master of Business Administration from Santiago de Cali University in Colombia, South America. Blankenship is certified in basic life support (BLS) and chronic care management (CCM).
Dalina Aldas, RN, Health Care District Community Health Centers
Dalina Aldas is a registered nurse at the Health Care District of Palm
Beach County’s Lantana Community Health Center, providing primary nursing care
to pediatric patients. With nearly two decades of healthcare experience, Aldas’
journey underscores her commitment to healing. Originally trained as a general
doctor in Cuba, she extended her expertise globally, offering medical aid
following the 2005 Pakistan earthquake and providing essential services to
patients in Bolivia. Upon relocating to the United States, Aldas transitioned
through various healthcare roles, including certified nursing assistant (CNA),
licensed practical nurse (LPN), and case manager, before completing the
registered nursing program at the International Institute for Health Care
Professionals in Boca Raton, Florida.
Jennifer Crosby, RN, Health Care District School Health
Jennifer Crosby, RN, is a registered nurse at Elbridge Gale Elementary in Wellington, Florida, for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s School Health program. Crosby started her school health nursing career with the Health Care District in 2012 and recently returned after prioritizing time to raise her three sons. Her dedication shines through as she expertly manages a busy school health clinic, providing comprehensive care for students, including several with chronic health conditions. Crosby's wealth of knowledge and experience positions her as a trusted preceptor for new hires and nursing students. Crosby earned her nursing degree from Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia.
Zuzell McCarthy, RN, Health Care District Community Health Centers
Zuzel McCarthy, RN, has been a registered nurse at Liberty Park Elementary School with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s School Health program for 16 years. Prior to joining the Health Care District, McCarthy worked as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Miami Children’s Hospital. McCarthy's work ethic has fostered strong relationships with school staff, contributing to a collaborative environment. Additionally, she volunteers as a mentor and preceptor for new nurses, sharing her expertise and nurturing future healthcare professionals. She is fluent in Spanish and English, enhancing communication with the school’s diverse student population, parents, and guardians. McCarthy earned her nursing degree from Miami-Dade College in Miami, Florida.
Tracey Baker, RN, Health Care District Lakeside Medical Center
Tracey Baker, RN, is a clinical educator at Lakeside Medical Center, the
Health Care District’s acute-care teaching hospital in Belle Glade, FL. Baker
consistently goes above and beyond in this role, often adjusting her schedule
to support the nursing team and provide guidance whenever needed. Baker joined
the Lakeside Medical Center team in 2014 as a telemetry RN and worked as a
circulator nurse in the operating room before transitioning to her current
position. Prior to joining the Health Care District, she worked as an RN at the
former Glades General Hospital and as a vocational nurse educator for high
school students in the Glades, initially with the Palm Beach County School
District and later with the Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations. Baker
earned her nursing degree from the RN program at Palm Beach Community College
in Belle Glade, Florida, following a decade-long career as a licensed practical
nurse.
Sheila Heslop RN, Health Care District Skilled Nursing Facility
Sheila Heslop, RN, is the Restorative Nurse
Manager at the Health Care District’s skilled nursing facility, where she helps
residents live as safely and independently as possible. Since relocating from Jamaica to the United States,
Heslop has worked in nursing capacities for 30 years, providing compassionate
care at skilled nursing, assisted living and rehabilitation centers. Heslop
is dedicated to achieving exceptional patient outcomes, delivering quality
care, ensuring customer satisfaction, fostering staff camaraderie, and
obtaining stellar ACHA survey results. She is a skilled mentor to other nurses,
particularly those just entering the field, and her impact has inspired
numerous individuals to pursue nursing. Her ethos of "if you didn’t start,
you can’t finish" has empowered many to achieve their goals. Heslop
received her licensed practical nurse (LPN) degree from North Technical
Education Center and her registered nurse (RN) degree from Palm Beach State
College.
Sandra Lovett, RN, Health Care District Nursing Home
Sandra Lovett, RN, is a registered nurse at the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s skilled nursing facility. Lovett is a seasoned healthcare professional with 40 years of healthcare experience, having advanced from CNA to RN. She has compassionately cared for residents at the Healey Center for nearly 25 years. Lovett is an asset to the nursing team, offering medical expertise and a reassuring sense of familiarity and trust to those in her care. She is a team player among colleagues and maintains an excellent rapport with residents and their families, even in challenging times. Previously, Lovett was an RN at the former Columbia Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. She received her associate’s degree in nursing from Palm Beach Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix.