A Journey of Service and Innovation
Eileen Klimkowski, a native of New Jersey, embarked on an unexpected path when she joined the Navy, a decision that ultimately led her to Charlotte, North Carolina. Her journey included earning a degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s School of Nursing and establishing a groundbreaking career that significantly impacted home health care in the region.
Klimkowski, a 1979 graduate, credits her success to a blend of hard work and enjoyment in life. After serving at a naval hospital in Naples, Italy, she settled in Charlotte with her husband to raise their family. While caring for her young children, Klimkowski sought to advance her nursing education, utilizing GI Bill benefits to start at Central Piedmont Community College before enrolling in the RN-to-BSN program at UNC Charlotte.
During her time at UNC Charlotte, Klimkowski discovered a comprehensive approach to nursing that emphasized independent thinking and holistic patient assessments. These principles laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in home health care. The School of Nursing played a crucial role in her career, becoming a long-term partner by sending nursing students to gain practical training with her staff.
Founding a Home Health Care Agency
In 1979, Home Health Care of Gaston County, Inc. received a Certificate of Need and commenced operations. Initially serving 88 patients in its first year, Klimkowski envisioned a much broader mission, believing that many individuals could access quality medical care from their homes rather than hospitals.
Under her leadership, the agency grew to become one of North Carolina’s most innovative home health care providers, offering a diverse range of services, including nursing and various therapies. The agency expanded its reach to patients in Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland, and Mecklenburg counties, providing round-the-clock care.
Klimkowski’s philosophy centered on prioritizing patient needs, which led her to innovate in home health care. Her agency was among the first to deliver advanced treatments like intravenous therapies at home, enabling patients with complex medical conditions to remain outside of institutional settings. The agency also provided specialized care for jaundiced newborns and offered home visits for critical assessments.
Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Services
Despite its early successes, the agency faced significant challenges during the initial years of Medicare and Medicaid home health reimbursement. In 1984, payment issues nearly jeopardized its existence. Klimkowski responded by leveraging her savings, seeking legal counsel, and obtaining support from local churches and community leaders. Their backing proved essential in helping the agency not only survive but also thrive.
As the organization expanded, its influence grew. The workforce transitioned from contractors to full-time employees, and the staff count increased to over 140. In addition to direct patient care, the agency initiated community support groups and educational programs. Klimkowski maintained a commitment to education, allowing nursing students to gain valuable experience through home visits while encouraging her staff to pursue further training and certifications.
“I never viewed education as an expense. Education is an investment in patients and the profession,” Klimkowski emphasized.
In 1990, the organization transformed into Emerald Care, shifting from a nonprofit to a proprietary agency while continuing its mission of care. Funds from the nonprofit phase were allocated to support scholarships at the School of Nursing, fostering the development of future nursing professionals. The agency’s culture remained reflective of Klimkowski’s values—dedicated, inclusive, and community-oriented.
Legacy of Caring and Recognition
Klimkowski retired in 2005 after 25 years of dedicated service, having positively impacted thousands of patients and families. However, her commitment to care did not cease; she went on to help establish The Christian Prayer and Healing Center, focusing on spiritual support and healing.
Her legacy is evident in the communities she served, the nurses she mentored, and the patients who benefitted from her pioneering efforts in home health care. Recently, the School of Nursing awarded Klimkowski the Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Award, recognizing her substantial contributions to the field.
Klimkowski’s story embodies resilience, creativity, and dedication to service. From her beginnings in New Jersey to her impactful work in Charlotte, her journey is marked by a constant challenge to the status quo, exemplified by her question: “Why not?”
Source: UNC Charlotte
