October 5, 2023
Stephanie Hennings, director of nursing (DON) at Eastern Star Masonic Home, describes long-term care (LTC) to be a rewarding career each and every day. She enjoys enriching the quality of life and building relationships with residents and their families. Additionally, Stephanie is a recent recipient of the 2023 IHCA Foundation Care Initiatives DON Scholarship.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I started my nursing career here at Eastern Star ten years ago as an overnight nurse. I have always been a caregiver by nature.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
The best part is learning about our residents and building relationships with them and their families.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
Although nursing tends to be a very thankless job, LTC is so personally rewarding each day! There are so many opportunities to enrich the quality of life of our residents.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help you outside of work?
Life is most certainly not about the quantity of years that we are granted, but about the quality of life we live! Enjoy every moment!
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy traveling and attending my kids’ sporting events, mostly cheerleading and baseball.
What is your favorite quote?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” because we really are capable of changing things! One small act of kindness has such a huge ripple effect.
More about the Member Spotlight
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