Celebrating National Nursing Week: Changing Lives, Shaping Tomorrow
This week, May 6-12, we’re celebrating National Nursing Week! At Circle of Care, our RNs and RPNs play vital roles, often starting as Client Service Supervisors (CSS) and later branching into various roles throughout the organization.
Below, we’ve shared stories from our RNs and RPNs about meaningful experiences that they’ve had in their roles at Circle of Care, and how their nursing background has helped them to make a difference in our community.
Muna, Client Services Professional Practice Lead
Being a part of the Client Services team has taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, adaptability, advocacy and commitment to helping clients maintain their independence and dignity.
One person who I’ll always remember is Mr. T. He was a resilient man but had a tough life. He lived alone, bed-bound due to a debilitating condition. He didn’t have much money or family to help him. Every day, he had to crawl around his house just to do simple things. He did not have proper equipment or support to live a safe and well-managed life at home. I was deeply moved by his strength and tenacity, but I also knew he deserved better. I knew I had to advocate for him.
I tirelessly worked with the Home and Community Care Coordinator and his Social Worker to find a solution that would ensure Mr. T’s safety and well-being. After countless meetings and assessments, we secured a crisis placement for him in a facility equipped to meet his needs. It wasn’t an easy decision for him to make, but deep down, he knew it was the best option for his health and safety.
Being in this position can be tough, but it’s also really rewarding. Mr. T’s strength inspired me, and his journey reminded me of the importance of advocacy in nursing.
Divya, Client Services Supervisor (CSS)
In the heart of our vibrant community lived Mrs. Smith, a senior lady in need of support. I was connected with Mrs. Smith after we received a referral from the Home and Community Care Support Services for PSW services for her.
Mrs. Smith had recently experienced a hip fracture. As a Client Service Supervisor, I understood the importance of addressing both her physical needs and emotional well-being.
Conducting a thorough assessment, I collaborated closely with the Home and Community Care Support Services coordinator to develop a personalized care plan for her. Understanding the significance of fall prevention, I facilitated an assessment with an occupational therapist, resulting in the provision of essential equipment such as grab bars, a bath bench, a walker, and a saska pole (a pole attached from the ground to the ceiling, to assist with better mobility).
I knew it was important for Mrs. Smith to gain the knowledge she needed to use her equipment correctly, and to help her prevent future falls. I facilitated referrals for physical therapy and occupational therapy, which helped her to regain her strength and independence.
I also arranged for her to receive Meals on Wheels and coordinated transportation for her, as well as and ensured that her PSWs diligently provided her with personal care assistance.
As weeks turned into months, I witnessed a beautiful transformation. Mrs. Smith, who had once felt isolated, began to flourish under the dedicated care and attention she received. Through it all, I stood by Mrs. Smith’s side, guiding her through challenges and celebrating triumphs.
In serving others, I discovered the power of compassion and the joy of making a positive impact in their lives.
Thanuja, Client Services Supervisor (CSS)
As a Client Service Supervisor, every day is shaped differently with new challenges. One specific day will forever be etched into my memory, reminding me of the profound impact health care workers have on those that are in need.
It was a busy day at work, and I was preparing to leave my home for an in interim assessment. I received a call from a PSW stating she was with a client who has made a concerning statement. The client stated to the PSW, “I want someone to kill me now.”
Understandably, the PSW called for my assistance immediately. At first, I wanted to ensure the safety of the PSW and client. I requested the PSW to scan the room and remove anything sharp or hazardous to the client. Then, I requested the PSW to hand the phone to the client. I introduced myself to the client and asked the client some mental health questions to better understand the gravity of the statement. Simultaneously, I was able to analyze the client’s file and notice that the client had a history of psychotic episodes.
To ensure I was making the right decision, I contacted my PPL to reflect on my next steps for the client. After my discussion with the PPL, we decided it was best to call 911. In the past, the PSW had stated the family had not supported the client sufficiently and had noticed signs of neglect. I decided that the best course of action for the client was to transfer them out of the home to a safe institution that will provide them with the right resources, care and support.
When I look back on my time at Circle of Care thus far, this experience has stuck with me. This experience is a testament to the transformative power health care givers have in guiding others in the path of healing.
Tara, Quality & Risk Specialist
Nursing isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling fueled by compassion, empathy, and the profound joy of making a positive difference in someone’s life every single day. This reaches beyond my clients to include the quality of work life for my coworkers.
We all want our clients to feel well looked-after and we all feel so much satisfaction when we know we’ve improved life for our clients by doing what we do every day. Many times that means working together to create a meaningful change for our clients. We do this well.
Jennifer, Client Services & Professional Practice Manager
What inspires me is seeing the look of relief on clients’ and their family’s faces. We’ll walk into the home and come up with a plan on how we’re going to meet the client’s needs, and how we’re going to keep them at home and independent as long as possible, then they’ll have this look of relief. That look is what inspires me.
