Kingston Nurse Connects with the People in Her Care

Because miracles happen every day, it is best when nurses don’t give up on anybody, especially themselves.

Speaking from Helen Henderson Care Centre, a retirement lodge and long-term care home, Registered Nurse Andrea Schwartz admits she was ready to leave nursing until she found a job that reconnected her with the people in her care.

“I love it,” says the 51-year-old mother of two about her role as charge nurse for the past year at the family owned and operated nursing home in Amherstview. “Coming here from the hospital was the best decision I ever made. Before I arrived, I wasn’t enjoying my career. I was ready to leave nursing, to be honest.”

Grateful for the slower pace that allows her to provide a more holistic approach to the 104 residents in her care, Andrea has never looked back at the hospital job that nearly burned her out.

“You don’t have enough time with the people who are sick,” says the friendly Kingston woman about her old job. “I lost that connection. Coming to long-term care was the best move I ever made. I didn’t know this other world even existed; it’s like working in someone’s home. I’m even enjoying my role as Lead for the Pain and Palliative Care. As busy as it is here, it’s still better than acute care because it’s a different kind of stress. Even the arthritis in my hands has cleared up. I feel very welcomed and accepted here.”

Speaking on behalf of the home, Director of Care Sue Reynolds notes, “Andrea is a kind and compassionate nurse who brings calmness and clarity to our home. Her passion for health care is shown in all aspects of what she does, whether it is interacting with residents, family or staff. Her knowledge and thirst for finding solutions for pain management, and how to navigate end-of-life care, is endless. We feel fortunate to have Andrea as part of our team and I invite other registered nurses to consider the job satisfaction in long-term care.”

When Andrea is not at work, she can be found volunteering with her daughter and husband at McBrien Stables in Westbrook which is home to the family’s new foal.

“I love family time; I’m very much about my family,” she adds. “We do game nights with the kids.”

Interestingly, Andrea’s daughter works in the same home as her mother as a student dishwasher.

“It’s her first real job,” Andrea says with a smile. “It’s very special here and I’m glad Sofia gets to experience that.”

Questions for Andrea

If you weren’t at your current job, what would you be doing?

“I probably would not be nursing anymore. I was at my breaking point. If I wasn’t here, I’d probably be at the barn.”

If you could rule the world, what would you do on day one?

“I’d make sure everyone has a job because it improves a person’s self worth when they can support themselves.”

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“I would make everyone get along in the world. Nothing drives me crazier than bickering and negativity.”

Helen Henderson Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Andrea Schwartz. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-384-4585.