A commitment to exceptional care earns Gateway Vista the highest overall rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Lincoln, Nebraska – Gateway Vista, a Nye Health Services community in Lincoln, Nebraska, is proud to announce that it has earned a Five-Star Overall Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in its October 2026 nursing home ratings. This achievement represents the highest overall rating available through CMS’s Five-Star Quality Rating System and reflects Gateway Vista’s commitment to providing quality care and a supportive environment for residents.
How Does CMS Determine Nursing Home Ratings?
CMS evaluates nursing homes in three key areas that contribute to the facility’s overall rating.
Health Inspections: State health inspectors evaluate nursing homes to determine whether they meet federal health and safety requirements. These inspections examine important aspects of resident care, safety, and facility operations. CMS considers findings from routine inspections, complaint investigations, and other relevant inspections when determining this rating.
Quality Measures: Quality Measures help evaluate how well nursing homes are meeting certain healthcare needs of their residents and patients. These measures examine important aspects of care, such as falls resulting in major injuries, hospitalizations, changes in mobility, and other health-related outcomes. CMS evaluates measures for both short-term rehabilitation patients and long-term nursing home residents.
Staffing: CMS evaluates nursing staffing levels and staff turnover to help families understand the nursing resources available to care for residents. This includes information about registered nurses, licensed nursing staff, and nursing assistants, along with staffing hours relative to residents’ care needs.
What Does a Five-Star CMS Rating Mean?
When choosing a nursing home or rehabilitation center for yourself or a loved one, understanding the quality of care a community provides is an important part of the decision. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal government agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs and establishes quality and safety standards for participating healthcare providers. To help individuals and families compare nursing homes, CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System. This system evaluates Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes using a combination of health inspection results, nursing staffing information, and measures of resident care. Much like a five-star rating system you may be familiar with, nursing homes receive a rating from one to five stars. However, unlike online customer reviews, CMS ratings are based on inspections and healthcare performance data.
A Five-Star Overall Quality Rating is the highest rating a nursing home can receive through this system.
Why do CMS Ratings Matter?
CMS ratings provide families with an independent, standardized way to compare nursing homes and better understand their performance in important areas of care. While a Five-Star Rating is a valuable indicator of quality, families should also consider their loved one’s individual needs, visit communities, meet team members, and ask questions when making care decisions. For Gateway Vista, earning a Five-Star Overall Quality Rating in October 2026 is a meaningful recognition of the community’s performance and ongoing commitment to providing quality skilled nursing care. Families can learn more about the rating system and compare nursing homes through Medicare’s Care Compare website.
Recognized for Quality Care
CMS evaluates nursing homes nationwide using a Five-Star Quality Rating System designed to help individuals and families make informed decisions about skilled nursing care. In the October 2026 report, Gateway Vista received the following ratings:
The Five-Star Overall Rating is especially meaningful because it provides families with a comprehensive snapshot of a nursing home’s performance across multiple areas of care. Gateway Vista’s Five-Star Quality Measures rating also reflects strong performance on clinical measures used by CMS to evaluate resident care outcomes.
A Reflection of Our Dedicated Team
Behind every quality rating are the team members who make a difference in residents’ lives each day. From nursing and rehabilitation to dining, activities, and support services, Gateway Vista’s team members share a commitment to creating a community where residents receive compassionate, individualized care. “Our team members are the heart of Gateway Vista,” said Tonya Noack, Executive Director of Gateway Vista. “This recognition reflects their hard work, compassion, and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to those we serve. We are incredibly proud of this achievement.”
Experience the Gateway Vista Difference
At Gateway Vista, quality care is more than a rating. It’s a commitment to the residents, patients, and families who place their trust in our team. As part of the Nye Health Services family, Gateway Vista offers a continuum of senior living and healthcare services designed to meet individuals’ changing needs while promoting independence, comfort, and quality of life. Our services include:
Short-Term Skilled Rehabilitation: Personalized nursing care and rehabilitation services to help individuals recover and regain independence following an illness, injury, or hospitalization.
Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care: Around-the-clock nursing care and individualized support for those with ongoing healthcare needs.
Outpatient Therapy: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy services designed to help individuals improve mobility, rebuild strength, and maintain independence.
Assisted Living: Personalized assistance with daily activities while encouraging independence, meaningful connections, and an active lifestyle.
Independent Living Apartments: Comfortable, maintenance-free living for older adults seeking an independent lifestyle with opportunities for social engagement and community connection.
Whether you’re recovering from a hospital stay, exploring senior living options, or seeking ongoing nursing care, Gateway Vista provides a variety of services to support you or your loved one through different stages of life.
Fremont, NE – Nye Health Services announces that Kristin Harris, RN, BSN, has been named President of the family-owned senior healthcare organization, effective September 30, 2026. Harris, who most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience within Nye Health Services to the role.
Nye Health Services’ strategy is to build on the organization’s success, strengthen support for its campuses and services, and align capacity for future growth.
“As Nye continues to grow, we have to make sure our leadership structure is positioned for that growth,” said Russ Peterson, Founder and CEO of Nye Health Services. “Kristin understands this organization from nearly every level, and there is no one more committed to our mission, values, and the people we serve. I have complete confidence in Kristin’s leadership, and in the direction we are heading.”
Harris has spent more than two decades serving Nye Health Services in clinical, campus, and executive leadership positions. A registered nurse and licensed nursing home and assisted living administrator, Harris began her Nye career in nursing before serving as Director of Nursing and Executive Director at Nye Square and later Executive Director at Nye Legacy.
In 2018, Harris joined Nye’s Home Office leadership team as Vice President of Operations. She was named Chief Operating Officer in 2022, where she has helped lead Nye’s campuses, services, and Home Office teams while advancing organizational strategy and operational performance.
“I’ve had the privilege of providing leadership in various capacities for Nye for more than 20 years, and am incredibly honored to step into the role of President,” Harris said. “We have an exceptional group of leaders and Team Members who care deeply about the people we serve. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead of us—to strengthen the support we provide to our campuses, continue developing our people, grow our services and bring the Nye experience to even more individuals and families.”
As President, Harris will focus on company leadership, strategic growth, and the overall success of Nye Health Services. The transition provides greater focus on Nye’s long-term strategic priorities while maintaining a strong commitment to the success of its campuses and service lines.
Peterson will continue serving as Founder and Chief Executive Officer, with an increased focus on growth opportunities and long-term organizational development.
The transition comes as Nye Health Services continues to pursue an ambitious long-term growth strategy centered on expanding the number of people it serves through exceptional services. While the organization looks toward new opportunities, its leaders say growth will remain grounded in the culture and purpose that have guided Nye since its founding in 1989.
“Nye has always been a family-owned and family-oriented company built around people,” Peterson said. “Our residents, families, and Team Members deserve to be known, valued, and treated with dignity. ‘Celebrate Life’ is our heartbeat. We do not simply manage aging—we create moments of meaning. We do not just provide care—we elevate dignity. We do not just house residents—we create belonging. The soul of Nye Health Services is not found in our buildings or services—it is found in the way people experience life within them.”
The leadership transition does not change leadership at Nye’s campuses or service lines.
“Our future is about growing our impact while protecting what has made Nye special,” Harris said. “As we grow, our commitment to our residents, families, Team Members and communities will remain at the center of every decision we make.”
About Nye Health Services
Founded in 1989, Nye Health Services is a family-owned senior healthcare organization serving communities across Nebraska. Nye provides a continuum of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, respite care, outpatient therapy, and home health care. Guided by the vision “People Live Happy Here” and “People Work Happy Here”, Nye Health Services is committed to creating helpful and delightful experiences for the residents, patients, families, and Team Members it serves.
A Better Way to Think About Health Benefits: How ICHRA Is Giving Nye Employees More Choice, More Savings, and Better Coverage
Hilary and Mary, nurses at Nye Legacy, experienced firsthand how Nye’s transition to ICHRA created more affordable healthcare options. We’re proud to offer benefits that give our team members the flexibility to choose coverage that fits their needs—and their budget.
At Nye Health Services, we believe that caring for our team is just as important as caring for the residents and patients we serve. That’s why we continually look for innovative ways to provide meaningful benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. When we decided to transition from a traditional self-funded health insurance plan to an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA), we knew it was a significant change. We also knew that change often brings questions. Our goal wasn’t simply to offer a different insurance option—it was to create a better benefits experience built around flexibility, personal choice, and affordability. Now that our first open enrollment under ICHRA is complete, we’re excited to share the results.
More Team Members Have Health Coverage
One of the biggest successes of the transition is that more employees now have access to health insurance. Enrollment increased from 195 employees under our previous plan to 235 employees through ICHRA, meaning 40 additional team members now have health coverage. For us, that’s more than a statistic. It represents more people and families with access to preventive care, medical services, and the peace of mind that comes with having health insurance.
Significant Savings for Employees
Affordability was one of our primary goals, and the results have been encouraging. Today, 187 Nye employees are paying less for health insurance than they were before. Depending on their coverage needs, many employees are saving hundreds of dollars every month. Average monthly savings include:
Employee Only: $144 per month
Employee + Spouse: $323 per month
Employee + Child(ren): $306 per month
Family Coverage: $486 per month
Over just six months, those savings can add up to nearly $3,000 for a family. Across our entire organization, our employees are projected to save nearly $800,000 annually on health insurance costs. That’s money our team members can put toward their families, their homes, retirement savings, education, or whatever matters most to them.
Why ICHRA Works Differently
Traditional employer-sponsored health plans often ask every employee to fit into the same plan, regardless of their unique healthcare needs. An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) takes a different approach. Instead of selecting from a limited group plan, employees can choose the Marketplace health insurance plan that best fits their situation. That means they have the flexibility to consider:
Their preferred doctors and healthcare providers
Prescription coverage
Monthly premium costs
Deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses
Their family’s unique healthcare needs
Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, employees have the opportunity to select coverage that’s personalized for them.
Every Employee’s Needs Are Different
We recognize that healthcare decisions are personal, and no single solution is perfect for everyone. Some employees intentionally selected plans with higher premiums because those plans better matched their preferred providers, offered broader coverage, or reflected changing family circumstances. Even with those individual choices, the overall results demonstrate that ICHRA has created meaningful value for the vast majority of participating employees through increased flexibility, expanded coverage, and substantial cost savings.
Investing in Our People
At Nye Health Services, our mission has always centered on people. By providing affordable, flexible healthcare options, we’re investing in the well-being of the employees who dedicate themselves to caring for others every day. This transition represents more than a new insurance model. It reflects our commitment to listening, innovating, and continually improving the employee experience. We’re grateful to our team members for embracing this new approach, asking thoughtful questions, and partnering with us throughout the transition. Together, we’ve created a benefits program that offers more choice, better coverage, and real savings—and we’re excited to continue building benefits that help our people thrive. Because when our employees are supported, everyone benefits.
Fremont, NE – Nye Health Services is pleased to announce an exciting update to the nursing leadership structure at Nye Legacy. Following a thoughtful interview process with highly qualified internal candidates, the organization has made the decision to welcome two individuals into Director of Nursing roles, creating a Co-Director of Nursing leadership model. Under this structure, Loreann Gallatin, RN will serve as the Traditional Director of Nursing, while Rachel Engdahl, RN will serve as the Rehab Director of Nursing. Loreann most recently served as the Director of Clinical Education at Nye Legacy, and Rachel previously served as the Director of Nursing at Nye Square. Both bring extensive nursing leadership experience and a shared commitment to providing high-quality care. Together, they will collaborate closely to support residents, families, and staff through strong communication and clinical excellence.
“This new leadership structure allows us to leverage the strengths of two experienced leaders while continuing to provide exceptional care to our residents,” said Brooke Belina, Executive Director of Nye Legacy. “Loreann and Rachel both have deep knowledge of our organization and a genuine passion for serving others. Their collaboration will strengthen our nursing team and help ensure our residents continue to receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.”
As part of this transition, Sarah Wiese has moved from her role as Director of Nursing into the position of Rehab Clinical Coordinator. In this role, Sarah will focus on supporting rehabilitation services and clinical coordination for residents. Nye Legacy is grateful for Sarah’s leadership and dedication and appreciates the support she has provided throughout this transition.
In addition to strong nursing leadership, Nye Legacy provides a comprehensive care model that includes a full-time, in-house medical provider. Taylor Harding, Nurse Practitioner, is on-site Monday through Friday and available on-call during weekends, allowing residents to receive consistent and timely medical care. Taylor visits residents multiple times throughout the week—and sometimes daily for those with complex medical needs—ensuring a high level of personalized care and accessibility that is uncommon in many long-term care settings.
By combining innovative leadership, dedicated clinical teams, and on-site medical care, Nye Legacy continues to prioritize the health, comfort, and well-being of every resident.
About Nye Legacy
Nye Legacy is part of Nye Health Services, a trusted provider of senior living and healthcare services in Nebraska. Nye Legacy offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, and personalized care designed to support residents’ health, independence, and quality of life.
At Nye Health Services, excellence isn’t just something we strive for—it’s something we live every day through the care we provide, the connections we build, and the values we uphold. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our new Culture of Excellence Awards—a unified, company-wide recognition program designed to celebrate the teammates who bring our mission and values to life. As we continue to grow, this new program brings together our existing recognition efforts into a more meaningful, values-based structure—one that ensures every act of compassion, teamwork, and innovation has the opportunity to be seen and celebrated.
Built Around Our Core Values
The Culture of Excellence Awards are rooted in the five values that define who we are as an organization. Each quarter, we’ll shine a spotlight of one of these values:
Q1: Purposeful
Q2: Passionate
Q3: United
Q4: Responsive & Innovative
These quarterly themes help us intentionally recognize the many ways our teammates make a difference – whether it’s through purposal care, pssionate service, strong teamwork, or forward-thinking solutions.
How the Program Works
Open Nominations
Recognition starts with you. Any teammates, resident, or family member can submit a nomination to recognize a Nye colleague who is living out our core values. This ensures that those cloest to the impact – our teams and those we servce – have a voice in celebrating excellence.
Campus-Level Review
Each campus reviews its nomiantions and selects one standout nominee to represent their location. This step ensure every campus has a voice and that recognition reflects the unique strengths of each team.
Company-Wide Recognition
From there, nominations move to a committee for final review. Each quarter, one teammate is selected as Employee of the Quarter, representing the very best of Nye. ecipients of the ‘Of the Year’ awards will be honored with a monetary award in recognition of their exceptional impact and dedication.
Celebrating Excellence All Year Long
While quarterly recognition highlights outstanding indiviudals throughout the year, our annual banquet brings everything together in one meaningful celebration. This event will honor:
All quarterly honorees
The Employee of the Year, selected from quarterly winners
Recipients of our annual awards
Milestone anniversaries
Retirements across the organization
Annual Awards That Tell Our Story
Caregiver of the Year: The Virginia Peterson Award
Named in honor of Virigina Peterson, a dedicated nurse and lifelong advocate for compassionate care, this award recognizes a teammate who truly embodies the heart of caregiving. This invidual:
Demonstrates exceptional compassion and resident care.
Upholds the highest standards of quality and safety.
Treats others with empathy and respect.
Consistenctly goes above and beyond.
Leader of the Year
The award honors a leader who exemplifies all five of our core values while making a measureable impact on their team. They:
Inspire growth, engagement, and recognition.
Strengthen morale and rentention.
Lead with collobaration and integrity across campuses.
Perfect Attendance Award
Reliability matters – and this award recognizes teammates who show up every day for those who depend on them. All employees with perfect attendance (no unscheduled adsences) will be entered into a drawing, with one winner selected annually.
Milestone Anniversaries
We are proud to celebrate teammates who have dedicated years of service to Nye. Milestones at 5, 10, 15, and 20+ years will be recognitzed at the banquet, with a special corsage to honor their commitment.
Retirement Recognition
Retirement marks the close of an incredible chapter. All retiring teammates will be honored for their eyars of service and lastin gimpact, reciving a commemorative plaque and keepsake centerpiece.
A Culture Worth Celebrating
Every award recipient will receive a certificate, and winners will be announced company-wide – because excellence deserves to be recognized and shared. The Culture of Excellence Awards are more than a program – they are a reflection of who we are, what we value, and how we care for one another. Because at Nue, excellence isn’t ocassional – it’s culture.
Nye Health Services proudly welcomes Tina McCarter as the Vice President of Clinical Operations. With an extensive background in healthcare management and a commitment to excellence in patient care, Tina brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team.
Tina McCarter, Vice President of Clinical Operations
Tina McCarter holds a nursing degree from Northeast Community College and has pursued advanced studies, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the University of Phoenix. Tina is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and a Certified Dementia Practitioner, reflecting her dedication to specialized care and leadership.
Tina McCarter’s passion for delivering exceptional patient care and her ability to lead high-performing teams align perfectly with Nye Health Services’ mission and values. She expressed her excitement about her new role, stating, “I’m passionate about providing top-notch patient care, improving efficiency, and promoting teamwork. I’m thrilled to join Nye Health Services and use my experience to lead and develop skilled teams, ensuring ongoing professional growth and excellence.”
Kristin Harris, Chief Operating Officer of Nye Health Services, enthusiastically welcomed Tina to the team, highlighting her outstanding leadership qualities and proven track record of success. “Tina brings the perfect blend of passion and expertise to Nye Health Services. Her hands-on leadership style has consistently led to strong team retention and clinical outcome improvements. We’re thrilled to welcome her as our new Vice President of Clinical Operations,” remarked Kristin Harris.
With Tina’s leadership, we look forward to furthering our mission of providing exceptional care and support to our residents.
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live life to the fullest!
For additional information about Nye Home Health Care visit us at nyehomehealthcare.com.
Contact us to learn more about what sets Nye apart. Schedule a tour of a community near you today! View our locations.
Kathy Kirby has been an occupational therapist with Nye Health Services for more than 25 years, providing care across our Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Independent Living, outpatient, and home health settings. Today, she focuses on bringing wellness initiatives to our campuses to enhance the quality of life for residents. Kathy is especially passionate about working with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and leads our Parkinson’s Support Group.
