Member Spotlight: Kyeli Orris of Riverview Terrace Assisted Living

December 10, 2020

Working in long-term care runs in Kyeli Orris’s family. As a personal service attendant at Riverview Terrace Assisted Living, she enjoys sharing her life with the tenants she serves and likes learning more about them as well.

How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I chose this career because my older sister and the rest of my family worked in long-term care. I always wanted to work in a nursing home or assisted living because I liked the idea of helping people.

What do you like most about working in long-term care?
I enjoy the relationships I build with the tenants and getting to share things with them going on in my life, such as my wedding and future goals. I also like hearing things about them and their own life.

What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
I would tell others that a career in long-term care is hard work but is the most rewarding job out there.

What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help you outside of work?
I’ve learned how to treat others with respect, and overall, it has made me a very caring person.

When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking and doing crafty things.

What is your favorite quote and why?
“Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Fall in love with the path of deep healing. Fall in love with becoming the best version of yourself, but with patience, with compassion and respect to your own journey.”

I have been through a lot of things in life – some things that made me stronger but could have made me bitter person. I only want to bring light to others because I know how it feels to be low and in a dark place. Always be kind because you never know who might need it. I’ve fallen in love with bettering myself and I’m always trying to be the best version of myself.

More about the Member Spotlight
Recognize your best employees! Select an employee to complete this form and return it to info@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.