Celebrating the Heart of Care: National Nurses Week at Sherwood Park Manor
It’s not easy to catch our nursing team sitting still long enough for an interview. Between managing medications, providing essential treatments, attending care meetings, and being there for our residents at a moment’s notice, their days are a masterclass in dedication and fluid teamwork.
In honour of National Nurses Week, we managed to steal a few precious moments with some of the incredible faces behind the care here at the Manor. We met with with Joanne Blaszczyk RN, Jayoti Chandel RN, Jesse Crowder RPN, Joanne Elks RN, Daryl Fortier RPN and a few others to look past the scrubs and learn more about their journeys, their inspirations, and what calls them to the nursing profession every single day.
We started by asking what their inspiration was to become a nurse, and how they found their path. For many of our nurses, the calling was sparked early on by family traditions, unexpected life shifts, or simple moments of mentorship.
Joanne B shared, “I actually have a diploma in Dairy Cattle Production and Management. I was working in a lab, but it was moving, so I decided to switch career paths. I had three aunts who worked as nurses and I saw the opportunity for growth.”
For Jayoti, it was a natural calling, “I always wanted to work in health care, but it was my dad who suggested nursing. Although it was his idea, it is now my passion. I love serving others and working with people.”
In long-term care, “health” goes far beyond clinical boxes—it’s deeply rooted in the proactive, holistic relationships built with the people who call our community home. So, we asked the team, what do you love most about being a nurse in long-term care?
Daryl said, “I enjoy caring for people. The routine and making connections with people in long-term care is special.”
Joanne E added, “I have worked in Med Surge, Maternity, Mental health, and when I tried to retire – the Medical Director of BGH called me to ask me to do the Resident Assessment Instrument role. I tried to retire again, but after a week I told my husband I was bored. I was happy to come to Sherwood Park Manor and work as the Behavioral Supports Ontario Lead. I love challenges. I worked at a home in my 20s and learned that I enjoyed working with people with mental health challenges.”
For Jesse, it came down to being able to serve and provide care to the people who built our community. “I reap the benefits of their hard work, building businesses, homes, etc., so, as a nurse, I have the opportunity to give back and create bonds with members of my community.”
Interim Director of Care Tammy Van Der Kloet has dedicated most of her life to caring for the residents of Sherwood Park Manor.
In Grade 8, she knew she wanted to help people, so she decided to volunteer in health care. The hospital was not accepting candy stripers at the time, so she came up with a new idea – to help at the new(ish) long-term care home in the area. She arranged to have the school bus drop her off at the Manor and would spend her evenings assisting and getting to know residents. She hit it off with many of the residents right away and loved getting to know them and their unique stories.
Her first paying job in the home was as a Life Enrichment student. She worked as a PSW, then pursued her registered nurse course, and has since worked in various nursing roles at the Manor, with the Red Cross, Fulford Home, and St. Lawrence College. She obtained her IPAC designation and took on the IPAC lead role, then later implemented the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) program. After several years leading both IPAC and RAI, she accepted the role of Associate Director of Care.
Today, Tammy leads nursing as the Interim Director of Care. She leads fairly and with grace, knowing how difficult a job it is to be a PSW and a nurse.
One of Sherwood Park Manor’s residents, Florine, graciously shared her story of working in health care to celebrate Nurses Week.
When prompted about her career, she expressed “It was the most rewarding experience.”
Florine went to work at Providence Manor in Kingston at 16 as a health care aide, assisting the nuns, working for $2.50/hour. She remained in the profession for 14 years before taking the PSW course. She took care of many people in geriatrics over the years, building bonds and learning their histories.
While taking care of others, Florine’s body suffered the consequences. When she was injured, she went back to school to pursue the Registered Practical Nurse program. She completed her consolidation at Kingston General Hospital, but her heart was in geriatrics, so she went to work in long-term care again.
While working as an RPN, her mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease. Florine resigned from her position to provide care for her mother. Florine shared that when her mother was at the end of her life, she had not had a lucid moment in some time, but right before she passed, she looked at her and said “Florine Catherine, Mommy loves you so much.” That touching moment demonstrates the impact that health care workers have – family or not – on those who depend on them.
Florine asked to share a message with the people reading her story. “If you have a feeling that you want to do something, just do it. You never know when things will change and you won’t be able to.”
Florine explained that she never expected to be a resident in a long-term care home. She spent most of her life taking care of others, and that meant giving up things that she wanted to do. Florine smiled briefly after sharing this thought and said to me, “But you know one thing I did get to do? I went to Las Vegas!”
