This year, Missie celebrates 40 years at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant. She began as an STNA while still in high school and, after attending nursing school, grew into her current role as director of assisted living.
In her position, Missie coordinates resident care to ensure needs are met with excellence and compassion. She oversees aides and nurses, manages staffing and scheduling, and works closely with families and physicians. She also helps guide appropriate placement across campus, so each resident receives the right level of support.
“Due to the many roles I've had at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant, I can relate to the staff when they feel overwhelmed or are struggling,” Missie explained. “I'm able to possibly provide alternate ways to complete tasks or talk through routines to help my team manage their time. I’m always telling my staff that I can't do my job without them…I need them!”
Missie believes healthcare is not just a job. It is emotional and deeply personal work. Over the years, she has worked as a floor nurse, infection control nurse, staff development coordinator, nurse aide trainer and activity/restorative coordinator.
Outside of work, Missie has been married to her husband Mark for 37 years. She is a proud mom of three sons and loves being a grandmother. Her family enjoys sports, and she attends Ohio State home games and Bengals games each season. When she can, she also loves traveling to sunny beach destinations.
“I would tell anyone entering the healthcare field that if you are thinking this is a 9-5 clock in/out job, then this isn't the field for you,” warned Missie. “You will get attached to residents and families. You will go home and think about the people you're caring for. There will be days that are so happy…and there will be days that you cry as well. The reward in working in healthcare is that you leave every day knowing you’re making a difference. It’s like the saying goes, ‘To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.’”