NRHEG Star Eagle

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Wednesday, 20 April 2011 16:15

Warner happy to join NRCC team Featured

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HELLO BETTY — Melissa Warner, left, the new Director of Nursing at New Richland Care Center, shares a moment with resident Betty Borge. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)



By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

Maybe it is in her genes. Maybe it is God-given talent. In any case, she embraced the Florence Nightingale within her at only 12 years old, so as to take care of her Hodgkin’s-inflicted aunt.

Now the new Director of Nursing at the New Richland Care Center, Melissa Warner remains in her element, working alongside the elderly.

 “I have been in the nursing field for 17 years,” Warner said. “I started out working in long-term care, and did that for several years. I then moved to Arizona for two years, working in a post acute rehab unit for people that required therapies, IV treatment, wound care, etc.”

After that two-year hiatus, Warner moved back to Minnesota, where she began work in an assisted living and memory care environment. Seven years and many miles later on her car’s odometer, she needed a change.

“I started looking on the MN Works Web site for a job that was closer to home, as my last position had me driving 74 miles one way to work,” Warner said.

Saying yes to this opportunity at NRCC didn’t involve much mulling on her part. In fact, the first time she stepped foot inside the care center, her decision became almost crystal clear.

“When I went to interview at NRCC, everyone was very friendly and the residents seemed very happy,” Warner said. “The interaction that I saw between the staff and residents was very genuine. That was a team that I want to be part of.”

Only a month in, she has settled into the administrative duties wonderfully. She makes sure there is adequate staffing on the floor, and that everything is running smoothly to maintain a healthy living and working environment for everyone.

“This position is great because it allows me to be the one that can help solve issues and make a difference in the way things operate, so that everyone’s job becomes a little easier,” Warner said.

At present, she is surrounded by happy staff, residents and families, and she will do her best to keep it that way. But most importantly, the residents must receive the finest care around.

“Actually, my last three jobs were administrative, but I always make a point to stay involved on the floor, and know my residents,” Warner said. “Seeing happy residents makes me feel great.”

Those who come to visit her office will usually find an open door. Anyone is welcome to stop by, as this policy creates a very cohesive working environment.

“I just make myself available,” Warner said. “Smiling is a big part of my day; making sure that there is a pleasant and happy environment is the key to a smooth operating team.”

She can’t do it alone though. The staff must all work together so that residents receive the care “they are so deserving of.”

“Taking care of seniors is very important,” Warner said. “If it wasn’t for them, we would not be here. The residents have lived their life and have provided a lot of things to people in their past. Now it is their turn to receive some special care.”

As with any other job, she knows there will be challenges. But, with her leader-like attitude, she has her game face on, ready for whatever comes.

“I will put my stamp on NRCC, by always being approachable to staff, families and residents,” Warner said. “That is how I operate.”

She knows NRCC is a very unique place, and will treasure every second she has in this “family-oriented small town.”

“I came from a job in Minneapolis, and you just don’t get that warm feeling in the big city,” Warner said. “Here I enjoy the people, the atmosphere, and the genuine caring that I see every day.”

Read 1900 times Last modified on Thursday, 05 May 2016 21:35

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