Nurse’s aide encourages others to consider long-term care work
Monday September 10, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
If you enjoy working with people and have a genuine desire to help others, then long-term care is a career you should consider, says Patsy Rodgers.

Rodgers, a nurse’s aide at Pleasant Meadow Manor, says high school, college or university students who are thinking about trying their hand at long-term care “should most definitely go for it.”

“(Long-term care) is a rewarding career and a good job to get into,” says Rodgers, a longtime Norwood resident.

It also gives people the opportunity to make people happy. And having worked at the Norwood long-term care home for 18 years, Rodgers has made a lot of residents happy.

The work, she says, is also fulfilling.

“I like working with elderly people, and they need our support and (care),” says Rodgers.

Rodgers received her training on the job when she started working at the home in 1989. She took a nurse’s aide course which was offered by the home’s staff. This training resulted in Rodgers becoming a certified nurse’s aide.

There are many times in a day when Rodgers says she reflects upon her work and what it means to her, as well as to the residents.

“I think about that all the time,” she says. “I’m so glad I’m here and so glad I can work with them it’s just something I like to do.”

As a nurse’s aide, Rodgers tends to residents’ needs. She helps them get out of bed in the morning; she helps feed them and aids them with their day-to-day activities.

“I do everything possible for the residents,” she says.

Karen Coulter, the home’s life enrichment co-ordinator, says Rodgers is well-suited to her work. Her ability to work with residents and her kind nature are attributes which help make her an excellent nurse’s aide, she says.

“She’s just always happy and smiling with the residents and she’s very compassionate.”