Golden View scholarships help care staff grow their careers

MEREDITH — Golden View Health Care Center will celebrate their staff and the residents they care for this National Skilled Nursing Care Week, which occurs Sunday through Saturday, May 8-14. This year’s NSNCW theme “Creating and Nurturing Connections” especially resonates with the staff at Golden View.

Throughout the pandemic, Golden View’s staff have provided a steadfast commitment to caring for their residents around the clock during a time of limited visitation and social distancing. During the past two years, staff formed close bonds with their residents, ensuring they had the essential social connections they needed. Residents became like family to the staff at Golden View.

During the pandemic, the need for healthcare staff increased across the country. Golden View faced this challenge by offering staff the ability to grow their healthcare careers at Golden View, so they could continue to care for the residents they considered family while advancing their careers. Through paid training opportunities and Golden View’s two scholarship programs, The Ben Sanders Scholarship and the Employee Scholarship Fund, resident service providers were given the opportunity to become licensed nursing assistants. Licensed nursing assistants trained to become medication nursing assistants, therapists, and licensed practical nurses.

Employees in Golden View’s dining services department were also able to grow their careers. Dining services employee Kristinna first began working at Golden View as a dietary aide before receiving her certification as a certified dietary manager and a certified food protection professional with the help of Golden View’s Employee Scholarship Fund.

“It was really nice to be able to advance my career while still working for Golden View,” Kristinna said. “They were able to work my schedule around my schooling and family life. Golden View has always been a second home to me, and I love working with our residents, who are like second grandparents to me.”

Another employee who advanced her career at Golden View is Michelle. Michelle began working at Golden View as a resident service provider. Through Golden View’s paid training opportunities, she became a licensed nursing assistant, as well as a medication nursing assistant. During the pandemic, Michelle enrolled in nursing school to become a licensed practical nurse with the help of Golden View’s scholarship program.

“Throughout my time at Golden View, I’ve made strong connections with my residents and my coworkers,” Michelle said. “I love that I was able to grow my career at Golden View and still keep those close connections.”

Nicola is another LNA who grew her career at Golden View. Nicola, a recipient of one of Golden View’s scholarships, is enrolled in the LPN Training Program through LNA Health Careers, which Golden View partners with.

“It’s great that Golden View offers scholarship opportunities for staff who are looking to go to school,” Nicola said. “They’re also very flexible at accommodating your schedule while in school so you can attend classes while still working.”

Each employee at Golden View contributes to improving the quality of life of their residents by providing a home away from home that allows them to have the essential connections they need to thrive. By assisting employees who have demonstrated dedicated service to their residents and a commitment to the long-term care profession, Golden View strives to keep nurturing these important staff and resident connections.

During this year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week, Golden View residents will gather together to enjoy a variety of celebratory events, including cooking activities, a concert and a celebration BBQ.

For more information about Golden View and how to join their team of dedicated, caring professionals, call 603-279-8111, email information@goldenview.org, or visit www.GoldenView.org.