Earlier this school year, the Nurse Aide classes went to Kendal at Lexington to complete their clinicals to earn their nursing certification. While at the nursing home, they made connections and formed bonds with some of the residents while also practicing nursing skills.
Many of these students have returned to Kendal to see residents they had met at clinicals. Recently, junior Maisen McKemy, junior Hayley Higgins, and junior Mackenzie McCormick, three of the nursing students, made a visit to see two residents in particular. Compared to when they were there for clinicals, they were happy to see that their health had improved.
When arriving, the residents’ spirits were lifted and they were eager to share about their kids and the holidays with their families. McKemy shares a sweet detail about their visit.
“When we walked into their rooms, they immediately recognized us and their faces lit up. The nurses working there even stopped by and told us that the particular resident we were visiting hadn’t been that perky and happy in weeks,” McKemy said.
Senior Sierra Bowles, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Kendal, includes why these visits are important.
“Sometimes residents don’t have families nearby or don’t get regular visits. People coming to catch up with them can help boost their spirits and make their day,” Bowles said.
The impact of their visits is huge and since nursing homes can be a lonely place to some, the nursing students can help make the elderly very happy. McKemy lastly shares what she looks forward to doing with the residents.
“I’m hoping that next time we visit we will be able to do different hands-on activities with the residents,” McKemy said.
They plan to keep checking in and regularly making visits to Kendal. Their willingness to love and care for the residents can be inspiring and encouraging for other students looking to contribute to their community.
