"I just love being able to talk to the patients, getting to know about them and their history and their stories; getting to build that relationship with them and also then getting to see them get the therapy they need. Many of them get better, have a positive outcome and go back home to keep on living their life. It's very rewarding."

"I’ve always enjoyed helping others … The more I became engaged in healthcare, I realized how long-term care would give me the opportunity to help others in need as they aged. Also, the security and stability a career in healthcare would guarantee."

My passion for seniors came from my mother working in healthcare. Seeing the residents' smiles and hearing them say how much they enjoyed a program makes my heart happy. They thank me, but I thank them for showing up and continuing to experience life. I learn so much from them. They drive my creativity to bring them quality programming.

"I like what I do. I like working with the elderly in healthcare. It’s important to give residents good, balanced, home-cooked meals. You want them to have the best meal they can have."

"It takes a lot of patience, compassion, empathy, and a love for people (to be a nurse). I love the geriatric population and feel we have so much to learn from them. To see a resident make progress after an unfortunate event and the smiles on their faces makes my heart happy."

"My time at VHS has led me to develop a passion for working with and making a difference in an expanding, but often overlooked, aging population. I am able to fulfill my purpose as a social worker, whether I’ve been working alongside our nursing and therapy teams to ensure a resident reaches their goal to safely discharge home or simply chatting with a long-term resident who needed a friendly face and listening ear."

"Helping my patients get back home and to stay safe is what inspires me. Also, the therapy team is like a big family. We learn so much from each other to help us be better in our roles. … Whether it’s helping patients use the restroom or being emotional support, we wear many hats and end up building lifelong relationships with our patients."

"This role takes a well-rounded person. You are hit with so many different things throughout the day with residents, staff, residents’ families, facility issues — you have to be able to think on your feet. … In this role you become the voice of reason and at times their comforter, helping people in the most vulnerable times in their lives."