September 3, 2019
After experiencing how moving to a small town Iowa nursing facility increased the quality of care that her grandmother received, Kellie Jimerson knew she wanted to devote her career to making life better for her community’s elderly. Kellie serves as the administrator of Atlantic Specialty Care.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I started my career as an accounts payable and payroll assistant in Anita, Iowa. At that time, I had a grandmother who was living in a nursing facility in Omaha. She had a feeding tube and pressure ulcers. It was decided to send her to the facility in Anita so that I could be there with her. I realized then that the difference in Iowa and its hometown values made a difference in the quality of care that was received by its residents. My grandmother passed away the morning I was to leave for my first class as a nursing home administrator. I was with her at the time, and then I went to my class knowing that I was going to do something to make a difference in the lives of seniors in my community, just like that small town facility made a difference in the life of my grandmother and my family.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
I enjoy doing something different every day – working with the people, the residents and staff. Each person has their own story and I enjoy being able to make a difference in their stories.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
If you want to make a difference, and if you want a career that is different every day but allows a little light to shine upon others – this is the career for you! The smiles, hugs and ability to assist someone as they are going through the transitions of life are what makes my job not a job, but a career. I love what I do!
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help you outside of work?
Breathe. Take a deep breath and know that tomorrow will be a different day. Will it matter tomorrow? Will it matter next year? Ten years from now? One hundred years from now? Also, as one of my residents told me when I was having a birthday and voicing my dissatisfaction at getting older, “Honey, it’s better than the alternative.” (Point taken.)
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with my family and my grandkids. Traveling, golfing and just enjoying my friends.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Today is just another day, but tomorrow could have endless possibilities.” I like this quote because it is all about the idea that the future holds everything you could possibly believe. Without dreams and potential hopes of the future, where would we be? Hold your loved ones tight and cherish the memories because tomorrow is never promised. As my son and I say, spend each day making memories for tomorrow.
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