Front-line staff member finds great reward in meeting residents' needs

Rosebridge's strong team approach makes the job a joy, says Frances Dolgowicz

July 29, 2010 -- Michelle Strutzenberger

When a newly admitted resident was in pain, personal support worker (PSW) Frances Dolgowicz spent as much time as she could with her, reassuring her and trying to keep her comfortable until she could receive interventions.

Administration at Rosebridge Manor arranged for treatment as soon as they could, and the resident and her family were grateful when their loved one was finally at ease.

"It was nice to see that (management) involved the whole place with doing their part to make this lady more comfortable, and I was able to talk to her husband at the end of the day and they were so grateful," says Dolgowicz.

The PSW says experiences like these are the main reason she finds her work so rewarding.

She adds she truly feels likes the front-line staff are the voice of the residents, as they work directly with them every day and see first-hand what they need.

As she and her co-workers speak up about these needs, the Rosebridge management team and nursing staff are very good about responding quickly, she adds.

"If it concerns us front-line workers, (management) seems to deal with it really well," says Dolgowicz, noting there is a strong team approach throughout the entire home that helps makes each work day productive and pleasant.

"There is such good teamwork here at Rosebridge, all the way from the cleaners and anybody who is involved in the place. . . . Everyone helps everyone else out. We don't feel like it's all on one person."

Dolgowicz, who has been working at the Jasper long-term care home for six years, says she continues to be passionate about her job, her only complaint being that some days she wishes she could have done a little more to meet the emotional needs of residents.

"I just love the residents. I love the people that work there," says Dolgowicz, noting that she came home the other day and told her husband she'd had the best day ever.

While she's considered taking training to be a registered nurse in the past, the PSW says she's decided she prefers the more hands-on approach that her current position offers.

"I don't think I'll change my field by any means. I love what I do, and in the future I think I'll just continue this as long as they keep me here and as long as I'm able."

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