Published: March 26, 2008 09:24 am         

Roebuck, Rawson together again at VA home

For the second time in their careers, the paths of Sheri Roebuck and Gail Rawson are crossing at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Kosciusko.

The two Attala County natives worked in supervisory positions at the home in the late 1990s shortly after the home opened in 1997.

During the past several months, Mrs. Roebuck, as administrator, and Mrs. Rawson as director of nursing, have assumes their positions at the helm of the facility taking care of its residents.

In addition to seeing to the needs of the home’s residents, the two said they hope to achieve a strong knit team of department heads and administration in providing quality care for residents, making their days as happy as possible.

“Our veterans have made changes in their way of life, giving up their homes to come here. We hope to have a cohesive team in making a good home for those who deserve our honor,” said Roebuck.

Both administrators said they would like to see the community become more involved in the home’s activities. More visits by school groups, clubs and organizations are encouraged. Leadership Attala teams recently visited and a ROTC class from Kemper County and members of an American Legion Post visit on a regular basis.

Of the four veterans home in the state, both administrators said they are working to make the Kosciusko home the best in the care provided.

“The residents enjoy visitors and are always happy to see children,” said Rawson.

Mrs. Roebuck, daughter of Scott and Marilyn Scott of Kosciusko, received her associate degree from Holmes Community College, and a bachelor’s degree at Mississippi University for Women. She worked in critical care at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson for 14 years.

Mrs. Rawson is the daughter of Bennon Heffner and Theresa Cook. She has been in the nursing profession since 1979 doing nursing home, home health and hospice work. She received her nursing degree from Hinds Community College and is Hospice administrator certified.

Mrs. Roebuck recently attended a meeting of the National Association of State Veterans Homes in Washington and came home with ideas she said she hopes to implement.

Both praised the home’s staff which boasts of a registered nurse 24 hours. Others responsible for care of the home’s residents are a registered dietitian, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and an activity therapist.

Nurse Practitioner Linda Cockroft, serves as a liaison with all the physicians and makes a daily visit.

The administrators said they appreciate all those who come on a regular basis to provide church services and other programs.

The home has a resident council which serves as a means whereby residents have an input in all aspects of their care. Residents are invited to submit written suggestions and submit to the council in an attempt to provide the best care possible, they explained.