May 20, 2021
Bonnie Kester is a registered nurse (RN) and holds a Master of Science degree in nursing. She entered the long-term care profession after working in hospital administration for years. As a delegating RN at Murphy Place Assisted Living in Corydon, she has enjoyed the chance to reconnect with residents.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I have worked administration in hospitals for many years and then this opportunity came up. It has allowed me to reconnect with residents and develop those relationships once again. The timing was perfect due to COVID-19, as I needed the residents and I hope they needed me.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
My favorite thing about working in long-term care is building relationships with residents.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
The long-term care population deserves caring and clinical competent individuals.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help outside of work?
When comparing non-health care settings and hospitals, I’ve learned there are differences but also similarities in why we entered health care to begin with.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
During my free time I enjoy reading, spending time with my grandchildren and camping in our RV.
What is your favorite quote and why?
I read so much it is hard to pick one quote, but a book I am currently reading entitled, “The Invisible Life of Addie Lerue,” states, “You learn how to read a person. To ease them open like a book, some passages underlined and others hidden between the lines.”
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