Member Spotlight: Dawn Lyon of Accura HealthCare of Spirit Lake
Dawn Lyon’s favorite part of her job is brightening the days of residents and helping them find solutions. As the office manager at Accura HealthCare of Spirit Lake, she also enjoys working alongside the kind and hard-working staff and interacting with residents.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I started doing accounts payable for the corporation when that position relocated to Des Moines. I then transferred to the care center as the office manager.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
I enjoy the staff – they are some of the kindest, funniest, hard-working and caring people I know. I also enjoy the residents – they never fail to make me smile. It’s impossible to stay in a bad mood. There is always someone to cheer you up. I most enjoy being able to cheer a resident up who is having a bad day. I also enjoy helping them find solutions to things that frustrate them.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
I would tell them to accept the daily challenges, as there are many, so they can feel the thrill of victory. The work is hard but the rewards of a job well done are plentiful.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also helps you outside of work?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that time is shorter than you think. Enjoy life while you can. Also, even in dire circumstances there is always something to be happy about.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“You can never do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. It’s a reminder to be kind always, as tomorrow is never guaranteed.
More about the Member Spotlight
Recognize your best employees! Select an employee to complete this form and return it to communications@iowahealthcare.org. Photos of the selected employee are also encouraged, but not required. The photo release form can be found here.
We will feature the Member Spotlights in the Weekly Bulletin, the IHCA Facebook page and the IHCA website.