SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Irene Palomo of Gering was awarded the Direct Care Staff Award, Western District, at the spring meeting of the Nebraska Assisted Living Association. Palomo was recognized for her leadership, involvement in special projects, and for the excellent care she provides to residents at The Village at Regional West.

Palomo joined the food service staff at The Village when she was a 15-year-old student at Gering High School. She has continued to work at The Village while attending Western Nebraska Community College, where she is pursuing an ADN degree in nursing. As a nurse, she hopes to be involved in geriatric or long-term care.

Karen Vorse, administrator of The Village at Regional West, who submitted Irene’s nomination for the state award, said “Irene is a gem! She views each day as an opportunity to make a difference in the residents’ day and looks forward to sharing the simple things in life with them.

A celebration will be held in Palomo’s honor on Tuesday, May 29th at 2 p.m. in the Assisted Living commons at The Village at Regional West. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.