Kerry Jay

Kerry is the quintessential nurse; ethical, confident, dependable, and compassionate. When the seas of the pandemic got choppy staff looked to her for guidance and direction. For nearly a year, Kerry and her co-workers have stared bravely into the face of a global enemy. She has shown up, stepped up, and given in unparalleled ways.

Working on the front lines, she has played an essential role in integrating new and unique services that have become game-changers in the fight against COVID-19. This has included the transformation of Harris Hill Nursing Facility into a specialized COVID-only facility designed to accept positive patients from hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities throughout the Western New York area. She has worked tirelessly to integrate sophisticated COVID-focused treatment plans and establish new protocols to ensure the health and safety of those in her care.

One of the new initiatives included Harris Hill being the first nursing home in the area to offer monoclonal antibody infusions for the treatment of high-risk COVID-19 patients. The antibodies are made with proteins created in a laboratory and are designed to mimic the antibodies created in the body’s immune system to ward off the virus and fight infection. Kerry and the team worked closely with local physicians on developing protocols for administration and aftercare. The results were so impressive that the infusions were rolled out at two other McGuire Group facilities.

Harris Hill’s designation as a dedicated COVID treatment center meant Kerry and her team admitted a record number of patients during 2020. Even under the most challenging of circumstances, she was able to assist the team in maintaining the facility’s five-star government rating for quality and care.