Colleen is a Licenced Practical Nurse (LPN) in an urban long-term care facility.
She describes working through the COVID-19 pandemic as a marathon. Each day has had its own challenges and rewards. Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, she and her team have seen so many changes, which at times have come at them so fast they could hardly keep up. They’ve seen loss, heartbreak and loneliness beyond measure. She has seen her colleagues struggle.
When families were no longer allowed into her facility as supports, Colleen's work intensified. She held residents’ hands as they took their last breaths. She ensures that a special blouse gets hand washed. She learned new technologies like Zoom, keeping residents and their loved ones connected every way she knew how, and then some.
Colleen has also seen her work family pull together through all of the hard times. She has noticed how they have learned to value each other and see strengths in each other during hard times. They’ve seen the community stand behind them and support them, as they support the seniors at her facility.
Colleen has been an LPN for the past five years and has a diploma in Practical Nursing and a bachelor's degree in education. In her typical day, she does medication administration, bedside care, case planning and assessment for seniors, communication with families, admissions and discharges and collaborates with other professionals.
In her career, she has loved being able to make a difference in seniors’ lives. Seeing them regain a sense of independence and return to a life that is safe and fulfilling has been rewarding.
Colleen, we applaud you for the work that you do. You make a difference in the lives of the people you support and your passion for your work can only be described as inspiring. Thank you so much for all that you do.