You might say Hayley Boutte is devoted to her job. In the few years since she has been administrator of Maison Teche Nursing Center, she elevated her southern Louisiana facility to 4-star status. She also organized the facility’s annual Gumbo Cook-Off to raise money for the Iberia Parish Council on Aging. And during the early, dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she initiated rapid testing and created a COVID unit.

“That’s how we stopped the spread,” she told me about a year ago. “We basically created our own POC [point-of-care] testing when there was none.”

Given her above-and-beyond commitment to her seniors and staff, it was hardly a surprise when in 2020 she became a McKnight’s Woman of Distinction.

As amazing as Hailey is, there are many more like her in long-term care. Do you identify with Hailey or know someone like her working in home care, senior living or long-term care? If so, now is your chance to nominate them (or you) to be a 2022 McKnight’s Woman of Distinction. The last day to enter the awards is Wednesday.

Here are the categories:

Hall of Honor candidates should be at the level of vice president (or equivalent) or higher and must have made a significant impact in their organizations.

Rising Star nominees should have fewer than 15 years of experience in the industry, be no more than 40 years old, and they must have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the industry.

Veteran VIP honorees will fall between the Hall of Honor inductees and Rising Stars. Veteran VIP nominees should have more than 15 years of experience in home care, senior living or skilled nursing but should be at a level lower than vice president (or equivalent.

This year, an additional award, the McKnight’s Spirit Award, will recognize inspiring women who provide care and services. A candidate must have demonstrated through a deed or series of actions how she went above and beyond to serve the profession. As many as five honorees will be chosen. Nominations for this award will be accepted at no charge.

For additional information about the awards, and to nominate someone for any of them, visit this website.

All honorees, including a Lifetime Achievement Award winner, will be celebrated at an in-person event on May 12 in Chicago. The event also will recognize winners from 2020 and 2021, when the awards ceremony was held virtually. Educational sessions will be offered the next day; details will be announced at a later date.

While the Women of Distinction event is in its fourth year, this is the first year that we are honoring women in home care. So what are you waiting for? Nominate an exceptional woman today.

Liza Berger is editor of McKnight’s Home Care. Email her at [email protected] and follow her @LizaBerger19.