January 20, 2022
Amy Combs began her long-term care career early by working in the dietary department and becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at age 16. She is currently a registered nurse (RN) and the director of nursing at Accura Healthcare of Le Mars, where she enjoys making a positive impact in the lives of the residents she cares for.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I have worked in long-term care for 23 years, and I started in the dietary department. I became a CNA at 16 years old. I then went on for my licensed practical nursing (LPN) degree and then my RN degree. I guess it is something I’m meant to do!
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
I enjoy the residents. They all have a great story to tell.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
It is hard work. You will work nights, weekends, holidays and sometimes long hours. However, the reward you feel when a resident trusts you and a family member thanks you is more than worth it.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help you outside of work?
The residents have taught me how to look at things from someone else’s perspective. Taking the time to do something simple for someone else may not mean much to me, but it means the world to them. The staff have taught me perseverance.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I have four children at home, so my time off consists of a lot of running around to dance and drum practice, homework and just spending time together. I most enjoy “date night” with my husband.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“May you never forget all it took to get just to be here.” It is easy to fall out of gratitude and into complacency. Ungratefulness is the root of unhappiness. It could always be worse and there is always at least one thing to be grateful for at any given moment.
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