The Editor,
I recently retired from health care after working 40 years as a registered nurse, with over 30 of those years being at the Estevan Regional Nursing Home.
I'm proud of my career, however it is with a sense of sadness that I'm leaving ERNH under the dark cloud that is currently hanging over our nursing home and our caregivers.
Our caregivers and in-house supervisors are awesome, caring and compassionate people who work diligently and very hard with both residents and their family in making ERNH a safe and caring environment to call home.
In the past when one of our residents was turning 105 and could not have family present for her special day, it was her caregivers that stepped up and donated money to give her that that special day with roses, pictures and taking the extra time to make her "all pretty" for her pictures. Resident couples who have had special anniversaries have also received a party due to caregivers monetary contributions. There are many more related stories such as this where caregivers go beyond what is expected of them. This is done from the heart, pure and simple. It's certainly not part of our job description.
When we work 12-hour shifts, we spend many hours with our residents, sometimes more than with our own family, so of course we become very close to them. Hugs, hand-holding, words of comfort and encouragement, laughter, tears, teasing, grieving are all part of our care package.
It's not easy being a caregiver and it takes a special person. It's hard physically and emotionally. Our residents are also special, and it's our privileged duty to surround them with a loving and compassionate home.
Stand tall my fellow workers and have pride in the good care you give to the residents. Be proud to say you work at ERNH. You're good people. Remember - be a ray of sunshine in this dark time.
In concluding, I would like to remind Estevan and surrounding area to be generous in the present campaign that is raising funds for a new nursing home. It is so needed. The committee is working very hard towards this goal, please help them make it a reality. Remember, you and I could easily end up in a nursing home. Let's help build a new one.
Linda Wysminity,
A proud ERNH worker, now happily retired,
Bienfait
