Parents Dream Comes Full Circle

NOTE: This story was taken from the blog of Foundations Health leader Bob Speelman. Each week Bob works at one of his facilities in different roles such as housekeeping, or as a nursing assistant, to bring A Culture of Care.

My STNA journey this week took me to Claymont Health and Rehabilitation, our 60-bed, 5-star facility in Uhrichville, Ohio. Nina Colvin is the administrator there and she is a fantastic leader and we are blessed to have her on our team. I had the opportunity to work with one of the STNA's that helps to make Claymont a 5-star facility, Michelle Myers. Michelle is 36 years old, has three children, and has been an STNA at Claymont for sixteen years. Besides being an STNA, Michelle also does the day shift STNA scheduling and Nikki Gold, the director of nursing, said that since Michelle has been doing the schedule, there is rarely a call off. She credits Michelle to working with the staff to give them set schedules so they can plan and when things come up, she works with them to figure out coverage.

Michelle and the other STNA's had an "assigned" hall, but they all jumped in constantly to help assist with resident care, answer call lights and pass trays. The nurses supported with resident care and their communication between all departments was impressive. They are truly a team and the atmosphere in the building was one of mutual respect throughout all departments. You could see that the reason each and every employee was there was not primarily for a paycheck; it was for the residents.

I had the privilege of meeting one of the residents, Kandi. Kandi's parents had this nursing home built in 1976. Kandi told me that "it was my parents' dream to have a facility for people who needed physical help as well as long-term care." Kandi went on to tell me that her dad got sick and they had to sell the nursing home before its completion. Kandi said, "I never dreamed that one day I would be a patient here" after injuring herself at home and needing rehabilitation.

Kandi told me that the past weeks "have been like visiting family. It's so enjoyable to see how the staff works together. They are there when you need them. My parents would be very happy to know that the dream has come full circle. They planted the seed, but this company has gotten to see the harvest."

Kandi – You will never know what your words meant to me. I am so proud of our staff and our Culture of Care.

Michelle – I so enjoyed my time with you. Thank you for being a large part of making Kandi's parents dream come full circle.

Nina, Nikki, and the whole team at Claymont – Keep planting and harvesting! The fruits of your labor are evident with stories like Kandi's.

Bob Speelman, STNA

Bob's Blog