Nicole Keefer says her biggest passion has always been helping people.
Though she had worked as a nurse, virtual care manager and care coordinator, it wasn’t until she started with VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden that her career path became clear.
As a clinical liaison, she found people who needed not only “hospice and palliative care, but comforting, companionship, faith and presence,” she explained. “I realized then that I wanted to be the person who gets out in the community and helps educate individuals on health and wellness, and preventive measures.”
That role led to Keefer’s next step as VITALity’s director of parish nursing, where she helped dedicated nursing ministers bring emotional, spiritual and physical wellness to those across South Jersey. At the same time, she served as a wellness nurse at two of the Diocese’s housing facilities: North Cape May’s Haven House and Village of Saint Peter’s in Pleasantville.
Now, six years later, Keefer is executive director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, having been appointed by Bishop Dennis Sullivan in June upon the retirement of Deacon Jerry Jablonowski.
With its exemplary diocesan model of parish and community-based care systems, VITALity, “this beautiful organization, is such a rarity, and there wasn’t anywhere else I saw myself being,” she said.
She now leads a dedicated team that provides an array of services: to seniors; the deaf and those with disabilities; hospital chaplaincy; care coordination; parish nursing, and the Stephen Ministry, trained individuals who help others through loss or difficulties.
“I am humbled to work with such a gifted group of individuals who put others before themselves and are the working hands of Jesus Christ in the community,” she said.
Growing up in a Catholic household in Washington Township, Keefer was a parishioner of Church of the Holy Family, where she found her first job helping people. During the day, she was a freshman at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, and twice a week in the evenings, she answered phones in the parish office.
A disciplined dancer as a youth, Keefer initially wanted to make a career in exercise physiology, but instead found it more fruitful to pursue nursing. She earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Gloucester County College in 1999.
She began her career as a nurse at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, and diversified her skillset with roles such as clinical research coordinator (Temple University Children’s Medical Center); health care case manager (UMDNJ’s Division of Youth and Family Services); and nurse (AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Galloway).
She began working as a care coordinator with VITALity in March 2017. It was here, she said, that she found appreciation in the uniqueness of a ministry “that helps people navigate their health, free of charge. Our main goal is to serve those thirsting for help who are unable and unknowing of where to turn.”
As executive director, Keefer said she hopes “to continue to grow VITALity’s presence and let people know we’re here.”
Keefer, her husband, son and two daughters are members of Saint Joseph Parish, Sea Isle City. In addition to communing, Keefer’s past two months have included visits to parish senior centers and meetings with hospital administrators and chaplains about the role of the Diocese’s hospital chaplaincy program.
“Networking is a huge component of the work,” explained Keefer. “VITALity meets people spiritually and mentally. Sometimes, it’s just needing someone to sit with you and listen, and sometimes it’s just having care shown to you in a cold, cruel world.”
Keefer has also been spending time listening to the needs of the VITALity staff to ensure they have the tools needed to continue the critical work they do.
“We can’t replicate their talent, heart and dedication,” Keefer said.
From answering phones at Holy Family Parish to answering emergency calls as a nurse, Keefer knows her mission has always been the same.
“I’ve always had the Catholic identity. I’ve always wanted to help people,” she said.
Nicole Keefer was a guest on the Diocese of Camden’s “Talking Catholic” podcast Aug. 26. Give it a listen and learn more about Keefer and VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services at talking.catholicstarherald.org.
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