January 8, 2020
Liz Teel has cared and advocated for the senior population since she was in high school. As a restorative supervisor/palliative liaison at Great River Klein Center in West Burlington, Liz works with residents and family members to develop goals of care that contribute to a better quality of life.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
My long-term care profession started in high school when I worked as a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home. I worked as a CNA for seven years before achieving my BSN, RN at Iowa Wesleyan University. My current role as restorative supervisor/palliative liaison has strengthened my passion to enhance the quality of life for our elders. My hope as a long-term care professional is to greatly influence the care and commitment we give our elders each and every day.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
What I like most about long-term care is having the privilege to be a part of our elders lives and fulfilling their needs that contribute to a better quality of life. My role gives me the opportunity to advocate for our elders and family members to develop goals of care that are meaningful and elder-based.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
Long-term care is developing relationships with our elders that are bound by nursing skills, friendships and understanding. The long-term care profession is a service to others at a sacred time in their lives. This profession will pull at your heart strings and fulfill your purpose.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help you outside of work?
The greatest lesson I have learned working in long-term care that I use outside of work is simply kindness. Over the years I have had to opportunity to care for many special elders and they each left a piece of kindness with me.
What is your favorite quote and why?
My favorite quote is “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” by Mahatma Gandi. This is one of my favorite quotes because I believe this is a significant understanding of the nursing profession.
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.