Growing up with five siblings, Wanda Prince’s mother went to nursing school later in life. When her mother took the state nursing board exam, she scored the highest score in the state of Mississippi. It was a record she held for a very long time.
Inspired by her mother, Wanda decided to attend nursing school at the tender age of 18. Until then, she never had given much thought about people who were suffering, but her early experience as a nurse forever altered her course in life. She shared some of the keen insights she has gleaned about being a long-term care nurse over the years.
Providing Comfort
One of her first patients was a young girl who was delivering a child without any family support. Wanda recalled that she was having a difficult time in labor and could see the look of terror on the young girl’s face. When Wanda walked into the room, she offered a gentle touch, some words of encouragement and assured her that they were going to get through this. Providing comfort to this young girl solidified for Wanda that she could make a difference and helped shape her personal nursing philosophy. “The gentle touch of a nurse can bring calm in a time of crisis, comfort to the hurting and hopeless and really console people who have suffered some significant tragedy,” Wanda offered.
Preserving Dignity
The population served by Golden LivingCenters includes some of the most vulnerable and weak members of our society, and we have the honor and privilege to provide care to people in some of the most private, personal moments. “It’s very necessary for nurses to ensure that these individuals maintain their dignity,” Wanda said. She continued, “Preserving human dignity is one of our primary responsibilities.”
Offering Appreciation
When asked how local executive directors could inspire their nursing teams, Wanda recalled an early experience of her own. At that time, her facility was struggling to fill some open nursing positions, so the entire team was working overtime to cover the shifts. One day the executive director walked up to Wanda and handed her a small gift and said, “I really appreciate the extra time and effort you are putting in.” It made such an impression on Wanda at the time that she encourages her leaders to simply let the nurses know they are appreciated for the impact they make. “It goes a long way,” she said.
Welcoming the Surveyors
The survey process can be an intimidating one for many caregivers. Wanda offered a different perspective on it for her nursing teams. “Welcome the surveyors into your LivingCenter as this is your time to shine,” she championed. “Yes, you are being graded, but you already do it right every day. Show the surveyors what a great job you do.” She encourages nurses to keep their assessment skills sharp, to lead the nursing teams and be an active participant in the interdisciplinary teams at the LivingCenter. “Take the time to do what needs to be done – dot the ‘I’s’ and cross the ‘T’s’,” she said, “but above all, make a difference at bedside.”
Working with Seniors
While not in Wanda’s original vision for her nursing career, she took an opportunity with long-term care early in her career and fell in love with the residents. “I had a passion for making life better for that population” Wanda recalls. She said that the elder population generally is quite appreciative for what nurses do for them. While there can be exceptions, the elder population appreciate the interaction and the care they receive.
Above all, Wanda sees her work and the work of the nurses at Golden Living as an opportunity to touch lives and make a positive impact. “Even if we are caring for someone as they are preparing to leave this life, we need to do that with compassion, culturally congruent care and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.” It’s how Golden Living provides innovative healthcare one patient, one family and one community at a time.
InnerCircle 