CAREERS IN NURSING: MAKING IT HAPPEN – CONCORDIA LIFE CARE COMMUNITY

CAREERS IN NURSING
MAKING IT HAPPEN: CONCORDIA LIFE CARE COMMUNITY

by Vickie Jenkins – Writer/Photographer

Concordia Life Care Community is where you will find the beginning of a whole new lifestyle. This is where you can feel enlightened and inspired every day.
Concordia is where you will be a part of a neighborhood filled with residents who are active and engaged. You will also have the comfort of knowing, if you need it, you will be guaranteed access to assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care and long-term care.
Meet MeLissa Wilson, MSHM, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing. MeLissa has been a nurse for seven years and has been at Concordia for about a year. “This is actually my second career. I worked at Microsoft, IT but decided to change careers. I wanted to be a nurse; attending Oklahoma Baptist University,” MeLissa said.
Asking MeLissa what qualities a nurse should have, she said, “I think listening is one of the better skills that a nurse needs. You have to really listen to what the resident or patient is telling you in order to provide appropriate care, whether it is physical or spiritual,” she replied.
“My favorite part of my job is interacting with everybody. I love the interaction with residents. One thing that I do all day long is SING! Here, we have assisted living, independent living, memory care and long term care. I go around to all of the areas and each unit and sing to them and with them. I see the residents faces light up and see the smiles on their faces. They like the interaction between us too,” she stated.
What is your biggest challenge? I ask. “I think I would say ‘time.’ You know how we seem to run out of time? We seem to be engrossed with one thing or another but at the end; it all seems to work out. I am very blessed to work in such a great community.”
When describing herself, Melissa had a big smile. “I am definitely a leader and not a follower,” she said. “I am very outgoing and I am a very strong faith oriented person. I am compassionate, loving and really enjoy caring for others.”
I asked MeLissa if there was anyone that influenced her about going into nursing. “Yes, it was my mother. At one time, my mother was suffering from terminal Pulmonary Fibrosis. That was a rough time. I do believe that it was my mother that had such an influence on me. I remember caring for her as much as I could. She was a very strong woman, handling the toughest situations. Also, my grandmother had a big influence on my life and other lives. My mother and grandmother inspired me,” she replied.
“Asking MeLissa what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said, “Oh, that’s easy, I wanted to be a singer. When I was little, my dad was a pastor in the church we attended. As soon as I was big enough to sing a few words, I had a microphone in my hand, SINGING! I’m still singing in the church,” she laughed. “In fact, my whole family sings,” she added.
MeLissa has four daughters and a granddaughter and a new grandson. “I like to spend time with my family and I’ve been spending a lot of time crocheting quite a bit for my grandbabies,” MeLissa said. “I also like to paint.”
When I asked MeLissa if she had any pets, she laughed and said, “Yes, I have five dogs; two Corgis, two Chihuahua and one I-don’t-know.” Why so many dogs? I asked. “Well, I have four daughters, a dog for each one and then an extra. Actually, two daughters moved out and their dogs stayed behind. That is why I have five dogs.”
When asking MeLissa if she had any advice for someone going into the medical field, she said, “You would have to have a servant’s heart, stop and listen to the actual needs, and continue studying, never giving up. Always remember, the award after a hard day’s work is all worth it,” she replied.
MeLissa’s mantra, let’s make it happen and we can do it and all things work together for his good.
To learn more about Concordia, either for yourself or your loved one, visit their website, or call to schedule a tour. Discover a life of doing, in a place you will want to call home.