story and photo by James Coburn, Staff Writer
Patients always have a story. So, a nurse needs to be an empathetic people-person to be at their best in skilled nursing, said Yvonn Harris, a licensed practical nurse serving Bradford Village Healthcare Center.
Bradford Village offers long-term care, skilled nursing, and therapy to young and older patients from Edmond and beyond.
“A lot of times they will say, ‘I just want someone to listen to me,’” Harris said.
Patients come from all different backgrounds and lifestyles. Something happened to them to bring them to skilled nursing. So, nurses need to listen to their patients’ stories to better serve them. And most patients don’t leave their sense of humor at home.
“We actually have a skilled nursing patient now that has us laughing every day,” Harris said. “She just tells jokes all the time. You go into her room and it’s like, ‘Good morning. How are you?’” Harris continued. “She’s like a people person, always a joy to be around. She’s always smiling with the things she says and how she says it.”
Harris has become a well-seasoned LPN ever since she graduated from Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City in 2015. She has served Bradford Village residents and skilled nursing clients for a year after previously working there as a CMA and CNA.
Her primary focus is skilled nursing but works in long-term care if needed. About 15-20 patients fill the skilled nursing unit. The difference is that skilled nursing has a quicker pace than long-term care. There is also a higher turnover of patients. But she likes the learning challenges that both long-term care and skilled nursing offer.
“I guess you get to know those patients a little bit more because you’re seeing them every day in long-term care,” she explained.
Harris continues her nursing career at Bradford Village because she likes the synchronized flow of teamwork among the staff and upper management.
“They seem to care about the employees, and I like that. They’ll come and help. They’re very friendly,” Harris said.
The certified nurse aides are the backbone of care, she continued. She credits nurse aides for often being the first to sense changes in long-term care residents’ health.
“I really admire their hard work and dedication to the patient by showing up every day,” Harris said.
Harris brings a positive voice when advocating for patients.
LPNs across the US are skilled in monitoring vital signs and administering insulin or other medication. They also provide wound care for simple cases when the wound care nurse is not available. They assist patients with eating, dressing, and bathing.
They communicate changes in patient behavior or health status to nurses, physicians, and family members. And they assist in maintaining accurate patient records.
Harris’ diligence and caring spirit does not go unanswered as patients express their gratitude.
“We just had a lady that left about a week ago. She came back and was like, ‘I love all you guys here. You’re so friendly.’ She brought little mittens for everybody and told everybody thank you,” Harris said. “They do that often, like bring cookies or little trinkets, or bring gifts of appreciation.”
Harris has always felt a need to take care of people. She was built to help people endure. As a youngster, she would help her great aunt by cleaning her house.
“I just loved hearing those stories. Same thing here. I just love it when patients come and they tell us what they did when they were younger,” she said.
Harris recalls when a woman came to the skilled nursing and therapy unit. She was always wanting to deal with the phone. So, Harris asked the woman’s family about her history. Harris was intrigued when learning that her patient was a former telephone operator.
“She was always fidgeting with the phone in her room. When she was out at the nurses’ station, she was fidgeting with the phone dials,” Harris said.
Being a nurse has made Harris more patient. There is an underlying subtext in people’s lives that others are not aware of, she said.
“We’re all trying to come together and make it a good day, basically,” Harris said. “So, it takes patience. I could come to work and maybe not had the best morning or whatever. Well, maybe they have had a bad night. So, I just have to take a deep breath and be patient. Listen to know what they’re going through.”
Nurses feel enriched by knowing they are helping others become their personal best. Nurses who endure have an open heart and want to be a friendly face, Harris said.
She wants those considering a nursing career to know they can be a positive voice benefiting humanity.
For more information about Bradford Village Healthcare Center, visit https://www.bradfordok.com/.
