Compassionate pair
Two residential care workers share excellence award
Nancy Rattray Smith loves being a resident care worker but wishes she started her career of caring for others much earlier.
She spent 14 years working in the warehouse at Canadian Tire before getting the courage to leave that comfortable job for a more compassionate one.
Looking after her ill parents – first her father and later her mother – left her wanting to provide good care to many others.
She has embraced her work at Prince Edward Home since starting in March 2016.
“It’s been awesome,’’ she says.
“I love all the residents…I try to do the best I can.’’
Smith’s best, it would appear, is quite marvelous.
She was named the corecipient, along with Crystal Dumville, of the provincial Shelley L. Woods Excellence in Person Centred Care Award.
They have both been described by colleagues as amazing and reliable care givers and tireless advocates for resident well-being.
One co-worker describes Smith as one of the kindest and most devoted people to work with – a woman who looks after each individual as family.
She is also known to come into the Prince Edward Home on her days off just to check in on residents and their families.
“It just gives me so much pleasure knowing I can help people,’’ says Smith.
She adds people seem incredulous with just how much she loves her job.
Smith, 49, of Clyde River may have found her chosen career later than many, but she sees many years ahead for her as a resident care worker.
“I don’t plan on stopping until I can’t walk,’’ she says.
“My work is my everything.’’ While Dumville, 46, of Brackley Beach has worked for 21 years at Beach Grove Home, she, too, is in no hurry to stop providing personal and professional care to residents.
“I love what I do,’’ she says.
“I love my job. I love the people I work with. I’m pretty blessed.’’
Residents, too, are blessed to fall under her care.
Her colleagues call her a gentle, kind, compassionate worker with a wonderful sense of humour.
One co-worker praised Dumville for far exceeding the daily goal of ensuring resident needs are met.
She is shy and soft-spoken but is truly in her comfort zone interacting with residents.
“I think it’s important to know their story… to be present in their moment,’’ she says.
Dumville cherishes the touching letters people have sent to acknowledge the special care she provided to a loved one.
“It’s very rewarding,’’ she says.