Rachel Meunier, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Youville Home, a Covenant Health centre in St. Albert, enjoys coming to work each morning. She cares about the residents and her colleagues, and she makes a point of being there for them when they need her.
“There was a resident a few years ago who told me I was a very good nurse,” says Rachel, reflecting on a proud memory. “He said, ‘You’re a good nurse because you care deeply about us and make sure we’re comfortable and our needs are met, and I want to thank you for that.’ When I think of this, I feel like I’m doing something good.”
Rachel’s kindness toward others has led to her being nominated for Covenant’s 2024 Mission Award for Compassion. This award recognizes staff, physicians and volunteers who show empathy and caring and put themselves in other’s shoes to creatively consider how they can best meet them and lift them up.
When asked how she feels about being nominated, Rachel says, “It is a happy surprise. It shows that people see me and what I do. I really like the people I take care of. I work on a dementia unit, and I feel like I can attend to them more because they rely on us more than other residents who are more independent.”
Rachel has worked for Covenant Health as an LPN at Youville Home since 2015.
“I applied when I saw the position at Youville Home because Covenant is a faith-based organization and I thought it would align with my faith and values.”
Residents can say and do funny things, which helps make work fun, and she and her colleagues work well together, Rachel says. But what she likes best about her job is feeling like she’s needed.
Rachel’s advice to people thinking about becoming an LPN is that it offers a range of opportunities. It is very different working in a long-term care facility than in a hospital, she says. “In long-term care, you get to be with the residents longer, and you can get to know them and their history. It’s humbling to have this opportunity to be part of people’s lives.”
Read more about Rachel, and be sure to watch the 2024 Mission Awards celebration on May 1 at 12 p.m.
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