As National Nurses Week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate and honor the amazing nurses we are fortunate enough to have on the Commonwealth Senior Living team. Throughout history, nurses have played a major role in healing humanity, and our nurses at CSL have certainly done the same. Earl Parker, Chief Executive Officer offers, "We are extremely proud and thankful for their dedication and commitment, especially as we have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic together over the past 15 months. Our nurses are the backbone of our commitment to improve the lives of seniors, their families, and each other."
Below are some of their stories from more than 100 years of combined experience about their love of their meaningful careers:
Sonja Dotson, Executive Director at CSL Cedar Bluff - "This is me and Helen. Helen was my next-door neighbor growing up and now lives here at CSL Cedar Bluff. She has no children, so when we had family night, she was sad that no one would be there to take a picture with her. I told her I would love to have a picture with her and she keeps a copy in a frame on her bedside table. She is my resident, but most importantly, my friend. Being a nurse is so much more than just taking care of people when they are sick. It's providing them with joy. Being happy is the best medicine."
Sarah Delano, Executive Director at CSL Stafford - "It's hard to believe, but I've been a nurse for the past 23 years! I started out following my mother who was a nurse, carrying around her stethoscope & wearing her nurses cap as a small child. I was also always my dad's shadow, & as a pastor, he would take us to all of the church events. One of my favorite memories & past times has been working with our seniors at church! I am so glad I was shown at a young age how to care for & serve others by my parents! The last 10 years of my nursing career have been with seniors specifically, and each day is a special gift! As I have seen with my own two grandmothers having Alzheimer's, each moment counts, & being able to help families & share in their journey has been amazing. I could not ask for a more perfect job. I love to serve & love on our residents & their families!"
Nicole Garrettson, Resident Care Director at CSL Radford - "I have been a nurse since June, 2005 and have been with CSL since February, 2019. I started as a Resident Care Director at CSL Hillsville, then went to PRN to teach Direct Care and RMA classes, but quickly missed the role at CSL and landed back at CSL Radford. I absolutely love my role as I have found my heart desires to be with the elderly. I love the the teaching aspect this role entails as well. My favorite part of my day is seeing my residents excel when a new goal has been met, or a new transition has been overcome."
Marvin Crump, Executive Director at CSL South Boston - "I have been a nurse for 11 amazing years. Nursing has always been my calling, however serving our seniors is my passion. I am inspired to work in senior living every day because I know that I improve the lives of seniors daily. I consider all my residents family; we laugh, cry, and always make time to have fun. My favorite part of my day is arriving at the community. I look forward to greeting my team, residents, and families."
Kim Hurt, CSL Hampton Roads Regional Vice President - "I have been a nurse for 37 years. My passion has always been in senior care. Knowing that I make a difference each day gives me purpose."
Kelly Comer, Resident Care Director at CSL South Boston - "I have been a nurse for over 21 years and have worked in different areas of healthcare. I've worked in the assisted living industry for a year and half. My reason for being a nurse would be helping people to feel better. I love being a nurse!"
Jody Snyder, Resident Care Director at CSL Bel Air - "I have been in my current role as Resident Care Director for 10 years. What inspires me is helping my associates and residents to have the best day possible. I feel so empowered giving peace of mind to our residents and families. My favorite part of my day is the morning when I am greeting my associates and giving the updates on their residents. I try to get them excited and wanting to make it a good day!"
Jennifer Kelley, Resident Care Director at CSL Kilmarnock - "I have been a nurse for almost 14 years. I am inspired to work in senior living everyday because I know I can make a difference every day. I can make someone smile. Other than coffee, I would have to say the best part of my day is greeting my residents at breakfast and talking to them!"
Amanda Lehto, Executive Director at CSL Gloucester House - "I have been a nurse for 21 years - the last 10 in senior living management. I was originally drawn to senior living due to my mother's lifelong struggles with an autoimmune disease. I wanted a better environment for residents and pursued and obtained my Executive Director license to manage my own building. My favorite part of the day is when a family struggling with placing their loved one in senior living thanks me for doing what I do and expresses how much it has helped them and their family."
Alicia Cosby, Resident Care Director at CSL Gloucester House - "I met Cathy, Chastity, Stacey, Fredrina, and other members of the team while working at CSL Gloucester House. We have become like sisters. I started as an LPN with medication management, then moved one to LPN supervisor and scheduler. Now becoming the Resident Care Director has been one of my best accomplishments, and I plan to go as far as I can with the company."
Lary Hulsey, Allen Flores Consulting Group's Nurse Support Manager, and Josh Allen, RN & Principal, Clinical & Resident Care Leader shared, "Happy National Nurses Week ‘Pineapple Heroes!' Words can not express the heartfelt appreciation experienced by all of those that you have cared for and touched as you have endured the relentless pressure put upon you through this past year. Your never-ending dedication, personal sacrifices, tireless efforts, an comforting spirits provided the necessary strength to so many affected by this terrible pandemic. Hold your heads high and know that you are loved for what you do each and every day. You truly are ‘Pineapple Heroes.'" Thank you for all that you do!
We seek kind-hearted individuals to bring joy and offer support in the everyday lives of seniors in ever aspect of our communities. We invite you to apply to the opportunities that inspire you, so that you may not only build your career, but you may also make a difference in the lives of others. Click here to view opportunities at Commonwealth Senior Living.