Somerset Hills VNA Nurse Honored For Her Aid During Hurricane Irene

Somerville resident Rosalie Jasinski, a registered nurse who is part of the team at the in Basking Ridge, recently was honored for contributions to the community when she volunteered her nursing services at Red Cross shelters in Somerset County during and after Hurricane Irene.

County Freeholder Peter Palmer, from Bernardsville, presented Jasinski with the citation from the Somerset County Board of Freeholders during a ceremony at the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Somerset Hills headquarters.As a volunteer nurse with the Red Cross, Jasinski spent three days assisting residents displaced by Irene who were staying at the Bound Brook, Watchung Regional High School and Manville VFW shelters.

Jasinski has been working as a VNA home health care and hospice nurse for over ten years, according to the VNA. "She’s truly passionate about caring for and supporting her fellow community members," said Paula Some, a spokeswoman for the VNA.

While at the shelters from Aug. 28-30, Jasinski tended to the flooded-out residents' medical needs and provided emotional support to cope with the grief and loss suffered as a result of the storm, according to information in a news release from the VNA.

Jasinki was praised for her efforts and generosity by Ann Painter, president and CEO of the VNA of Somerset Hills.

"Rosalie’s personal and professional commitments to serve fellow community members during times of crisis exemplify her exceptional character and caring values," Painter said. "We are very proud that she is part of the VNA of Somerset Hills health care team."

For Jasinski, volunteering with the Red Cross helped fulfill her desire to serve and help others; the same passion that drove her to a career in nursing, according to information from the VNA.

Jasinki was motivated to join her local Somerset County Red Cross Chapter after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and has often helped since with flooding disasters in Bound Brook, Somerville and Manville.

She said she was especially touched by the kindness of others at the shelters, pointing out her experience caring for a man with cancer who, in turn, volunteered to serve breakfast to Red Cross workers and assist elderly evacuees at a shelter.

"It’s a blessing to see people come together at a time of crisis, uniting, caring and comforting each other," Jasinski said.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills and its subsidiaries provide individuals and families in Somerset and Morris counties with comprehensive home and community healthcare services, regardless of ability to pay, using partnerships where appropriate, according to the VNA. It is a charitable, tax-exempt home health agency and hospice certified by Medicare, accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. More information is at the VNA website.