Abbie Anderson got her first job as a caregiver when she was 14. She has not wavered since then in understanding that taking care of people is what she should be doing.
As a licensed practical nurse at Good Samaritan Society – Sioux Falls Center, Anderson has not veered from that passion. She started out as a teenager helping with activities for those in long-term care in her hometown of Emery, South Dakota. She has since then advanced in the profession to where she is now set to become a registered nurse this fall.
Anderson was a local travel nurse who worked at several long-term care locations in the area before deciding Sioux Falls Center was where she wanted to remain. As such she serves as a good source of information in appreciating the satisfaction involved in a long-term care setting.
“There’s just something about the place as a whole that I really like,” Anderson said. “All the residents are great, and the staff is great. It makes you feel like you’re at home. Everybody is just one big family.”
Her enthusiasm for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others comes through clearly in a conversation. At this Good Samaritan location, her spirit often translates to a conspicuous willingness to help wherever help is needed.
“Abbie provides a high level of care in every aspect of her day,” said Luke Wanous, Good Samaritan administrator at Sioux Falls Center. “She cares for the residents like they’re her family. She doesn’t get overwhelmed by any responsibility, and she shows up every day with a positive attitude. She is one of our cornerstones of our nursing department.”
Why she chose long-term care
She has become an example of how to gracefully address the challenges of working in long-term care and how much this career choice has to offer. She started out in a nursing support role and as she progressed, in a sense, her career followed her along.
“Nursing is a never-ending learning experience,” she said. “You learn something new every day. You never know everything. You learn from every single thing that you do.”
What she has learned is that developing relationships with residents is a huge plus in her job and career satisfaction. Being part of a compassionate culture has great personal value.
“They really grow to be like grandparents to you,” Anderson said. “You really just grow to be like family to all of them.”
Wanous credits Anderson with creating a team atmosphere at Sioux Falls Center that provides a great example to new nurses. She embodies the role of a long-term care provider in the way she has made it a gratifying career.
“There’s nothing more rewarding at the end of the day. You’re tired, but you feel so fulfilled,” Wanous said. “You get to know the residents, their likes, their dislikes and their routines. That’s what makes long-term care so enjoyable.”
Occasionally Anderson will get a chance to explain to others why she likes her job. In doing so she is in her own way encouraging others to view it as a career option.
“You walk in, see the smiles on their faces and know they know you,” Anderson said. “They’re saying they want to see you. They know you’re here to take care of them and they know you’re going to follow through with them.”
Learn more
- Solving worker shortages in nursing homes
- Sanford Health recognized among Becker’s Best Workplaces
- How to thrive in long-term care
…
Posted In Nursing and Nursing Support, Sanford Stories, Senior Services, Sioux Falls
