We are IH: Care aide recognizes value of mentors and colleagues

Niomi feels that she wouldn't be where she is today without the support of the care aides, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses that mentored her when she started in her journey as a health-care professional.

“They showed me what my standard for patient care should be,” she says. “I thank them for helping me be the worker I am today.”

Most days, Niomi wakes up early, drinks a good cup of coffee, and looks out to see whether the sunrise will reveal beautiful pink clouds. She’ll spend some time with her husband, Garrett, and their many pets, including two dogs, Molly and Bernadette, and two cats, Lucy and Oz. They also have two fish tanks, and a crested gecko named Russell.

On a typical workday, Niomi helps residents with tasks like getting ready for supper, bathing and getting ready for bed.

She also enjoys socializing with them. “What I enjoy the most is interacting with our ‘cheeky’ residents,” says Niomi. “They always have something witty to say that makes me laugh and keeps me on my toes!”

While there are occasionally stressful moments—as in any job—Niomi says that coming into work and being able to have good times and good laughs with her coworkers makes everything manageable and very worthwhile.

Outside of work, Niomi loves to plan activities and events that get her friends and family together. “Spending time with others and being social is a huge part of who I am,” she shares.

Niomi adores taking in her natural surroundings with an adventurous spirit—hiking, kayaking, camping, exploring and waterfall hunting—especially when it’s alongside the people that are most important in her life.

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