Never Forget Your Impact
From L to R: Bob Speelman, Alison WeikartFeburary 28, 2019
My STNA journey this week took me to Canterbury Villa of Alliance, our 92 bed facility in Alliance, Ohio. Bob Cameron is a new addition to our Foundations Family and has taken on the role of Administrator. I'm excited to see the great things he will bring to Canterbury. I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside Alison Weikart. Allison has been an STNA for 11 years and in November will be graduating from Nursing School. I asked Alison why she got into this field and she told me when her grandfather was in a nursing home, she was amazed at how kind, loving and caring the STNA’s were with her grandfather. That example of care and compassion touched a cord with her. She said she loves everything about one on one care and making a difference and that’s why she got into the field. Needless to say, I was smiling from ear to ear as she told this story.
I asked Allison what she plans on doing after she graduates from nursing school. She said she loves long term care so she wants to stay in it for a while. Ultimately, Alison said she wants to get her RN and possible help in a treatment center for people with Drug and Alcohol addiction. This young lady is making an impact in the lives she touches and her desire to help others is inspiring. She is our Culture of Care and we are lucky to have her!
Another thing I noticed about Alison was her naturally ability as a teacher. Everything we did, whether documentation, meal tickets, whatever, Alison explained what we were doing and why. It was extremely helpful and she showed me a lot of things I did not know. When I asked her a question that she didn’t know the answer to, rather than say "I don’t know" and leave it at that, she would say, “I’m not sure” and took the time to find someone who did to explain.
Alison – I want to thank you for taking the time you did with me the other day. I learned a lot and left Canterbury Villa feeling extremely fortunate to have a compassionate professional like you as part of our Foundations Team. Not only do you make a difference within our company, I’m confident you make a difference in every life you touch.
“Never forget that you are one of a kind. Never forget that if there weren't any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn't be here in the first place. And never forget, no matter how overwhelming life's challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world. In fact, it is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. So be that one person. ”
- R. Buckminster Fuller
Those nursing assistants caring for Alison’s grandfather made a difference to her. In turn, Alison is making a difference to many others every day. I’m certain because of Alison’s example as a caregiver and soon to be nurse, many others will be just as inspired and choose to not simply make a living, but make a difference.
Bob Speelman, STNA
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