CHICAGO, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharon Rostoker has been named general manager of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care(R) of Chicagoland Northwest, assuming the responsibility for the overall operation of the program.
A 14-year veteran of VITAS, Rostoker most recently served as the general manager during the launch of the VITAS program serving the Greater Sacramento Valley and Foothills in California. In this role, Rostoker was responsible for obtaining the program’s initial licensure and certification, implementing the business plan, and interviewing, hiring and training employees. Prior to her position in Sacramento, Rostoker served as director of admissions for VITAS’ Chicagoland Northwest program, Chicagoland North program and San Gabriel Cities, California program. She also worked as the regional education and training coordinator for the San Gabriel Cities program. Rostoker began her career at VITAS in the Broward County, Florida, program as an admissions nurse.
“I’m excited to return to Chicago and reunite with the caring staff of VITAS’ Chicagoland Northwest program,” said Rostoker. “As general manager, I’ll ensure we continue efforts to educate the Chicago community about hospice care. I am particularly proud of the unique services we provide, including continuous care and music and massage therapy, to meet the individualized needs of our patients and families.”
Rostoker has received numerous awards for her achievements and dedication to bereavement and hospice care at VITAS, including being honored as a Leadership Council winner in 2001, 2003 and 2004. Rostoker was also selected as the national Outstanding Admissions Nurse of the Year in 1991. A member of the Oncology Nursing Society, Sharon earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from San Diego State University and a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Miami in Florida. Rostoker lives in Arlington Heights, Illinois with her husband.
About VITAS
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care(R), a pioneer and leader in the hospice movement since 1978, is the nation’s largest provider of end-of-life care. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) operates 39 hospice programs in 15 states (Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin). VITAS employs 7,853 professionals who care for terminally ill patients daily, primarily in the patients’ homes, but also in the company’s 24 inpatient hospice units as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities/residential care facilities for the elderly. At the conclusion of the second quarter of 2005, VITAS reported an average daily census of 9,913.
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
CONTACT: Mark Cohen, VP
