FOLSOM — A veteran caregiver at Folsom Care Center is being recognized at the state level for decades of service and leadership in long-term care, earning one of California’s highest honors for skilled nursing professionals.
Rene Sgheiza, a licensed vocational nurse at Folsom Care Center, has been named a recipient of a Super Star Award from the California Association of Health Facilities. She is one of only 20 professionals selected statewide this year, chosen from a pool representing more than 1,000 long-term care facilities across California.
The honor was announced by Folsom Care Center, which highlighted Sgheiza’s long-standing commitment to resident care, staff development and clinical leadership.
According to the facility, Sgheiza has built a reputation among coworkers and residents alike as a dependable and highly knowledgeable nurse whose influence reaches across departments. Facility Administrator Calvin Callaway credited her experience and leadership as key factors in maintaining the center’s standards of care.
“She brings such a strong level of experience to what she does, whether it be overseeing infection prevention measures or providing staff education on multiple topics to all departments,” Callaway said in the release. “She is very knowledgeable and focused on doing her best and challenging others to do likewise. This facility has been in my family for 60 years, and much of that longevity comes from having people like Rene to give us a strong reputation for good care.”
Sgheiza’s healthcare career began at age 19, when she entered the field as a certified nursing assistant. She later attended Sacramento City College, earning her licensed vocational nurse credential in 1988. Over the years, she advanced into management roles within Alzheimer’s care and rehabilitation units, followed by broader leadership and education-focused positions as her career progressed.
Despite personal challenges, including becoming a widow early in life, Sgheiza continued her work in long-term care, remaining focused on supporting both residents and fellow staff members, according to the facility.
Her leadership became especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, when peers say she played a central role in guiding infection control efforts and helping staff and residents navigate the crisis. That level of dedication, the facility noted, has contributed to Folsom Care Center earning a five-star rating within the greater Sacramento region.
The Facility Super Star Awards recognize employees of CAHF member facilities who have devoted at least 10 years to long-term care and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their profession. Each year, the association’s board of directors selects 20 recipients statewide, who are formally recognized during CAHF’s annual conference in Palm Springs.
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