Carol Hulgan, chief nursing officer for Life Care Centers of America, is being inducted into the McKnight’s Long-Term Care News’ Women of Distinction Hall of Honor for 2020.
 
Beecher Hunter, Life Care president, presented her an award on July 8 symbolizing her selection for this prestigious national honor, which goes to executive-level women who have made significant contributions to the senior living and skilled nursing fields. In her role with Life Care, Ms. Hulgan oversees the clinical functions and systems of Life Care’s 208 skilled nursing facilities.
 
“It means a lot to me to be honored by my peers and especially by one of the leading publications in our industry,” said Ms. Hulgan. “None of us knew going into this year the challenges that we would be facing, especially as clinicians. We have been facing an enemy unlike anything we have seen before, and it has called on all our strength in this fight. Our Clinical Services team members have been true heroes in supporting our facilities and, ultimately, our residents, and I am proud to lead them.”
 
Ms. Hulgan will be formally recognized during the McKnight’s Women of Distinction Awards and Forum, which this year will be virtual event on July 28.
 
“Carol Hulgan is the best example you will ever meet of a servant leader,” Mr. Hunter said. “She truly leads by example, and there is nothing she will not do for her team. Her motivation is simple: to love those she serves and those she leads.”
 
Ms. Hulgan was nominated for her availability to associates, taking calls from the East Coast to Hawaii at any time of day, as well as her support in rolling out changes in charting systems throughout the company. She has left her home and family at a moment’s notice to drive through the night to offer onsite assistance to nursing facilities in Florida during a hurricane.
 
Even outside of work, Ms. Hulgan demonstrates the compassion of a true nurse – providing emergency care while on vacation at Disney World several times, including helping a woman who was having a seizure coming off the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
 
Ms. Hulgan has been with Life Care for 21 years, beginning her career with the company as director of nursing at Life Care Center of Red Bank.