“Never say or think never,” encouraged Tina, a lead charge nurse at Ohio Living Quaker Heights. For more than 11 years, she has taken care of residents in a variety of care settings and different roles at the Waynesville community, but her original career aspirations were not to pursue nursing.
“I didn’t think I would become a nurse,” Tina said. “Candidly, I didn’t have any interest in it, because I was around hospitals and surgeries a lot growing up. However, circumstances change, and desires change, and nursing is the path I followed. My family is full of nurses, and this includes both of my sisters and a lot of extended family too. I started my healthcare career late in life also, so know that if you are passionate about helping others, it’s never too late.”
Day-to-day, Tina works in the long-term care unit with 28 wonderful residents. She enjoys getting to know them and their families on a personal level and considers it an honor to care for older adults in the town she calls home. “Ohio Living Quaker Heights is a huge part of Waynesville’s history,” she commented. “I am a Waynesville resident, and I’m always advocating for and laughing with my patients.”
Tina continued, “It’s a real team effort, and involves more than just me. Our certified nursing assistants are all wonderful, and they work with and excellently care for the residents.”
Outside of work, Tina is a single mother and grandma. Her son is a senior in high school, and her daughter is grown, with two children of her own. Originally from Florida, Tina loves the sun and warm weather, as well as crafting. Her family brings her incredible joy, and she notes that her sisters are her best friends.