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Sharon Swaby-Morgan is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, a Life Plan Community serving older in adults in Saint Johns with active, independent living, assisted living, nursing care and memory care. She joined Westminster in 2014 as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and in the last nine years has escalated her career and grown to love the community and the people.

“Those who know her characterize her as a bubbly, jovial, collaborative, knowledgeable, and fun team member,” said Amanda Birch, former Executive Director at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek and current Director of Culture and Mission Integration for Westminster Communities of Florida. She noted that Sharon and all she has to offer our organization are at the core of what we do – care for residents.

“I love what I do,” Sharon said. “I’ve been in healthcare for over 30 years and people keep saying, ‘Why don’t you try for the hospital?’ The hospital setting is not for everyone, and I don’t think it’s really for me. I like the nursing home setting, I like the seniors, I like working with the elderly. It’s my personal connection.”

“It didn’t take long for Sharon to stand out as such a caring, compassionate individual willing to go above and beyond for the residents she served,” Amanda reflected. “Sharon has been a role model for many on that campus.”

WESTMINSTER’S SUPPORT

During her time as a CNA, Sharon was motivated and decided to go back to school and approached the challenge with dedication.

“Through her years of experience at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, Sharon was encouraged to further pursue education to expand her nursing career,” Amanda said. “When she took the leap to do so, she was so excited and proud as she shared the news with me.”

“I found opportunities at Westminster to go back to school, so I took them,” Sharon said. “Even though I had a lot of sleepless nights, eventually I did it. I told myself I’m going to take the boards one time, so I took the boards and I passed.”

With help from Westminster’s Team Member Scholarship Fund and the Tuition Reimbursement Program, Sharon was able to get her LPN. The Tuition Reimbursement Program reimburses current team members for courses they take at an accredited institution, a benefit offered to team members seeking career ladder positions.

“It was a great help and a great benefit to me,” Sharon said.

Over the past five years, the Tuition Reimbursement Program has provided more than $115,000 in tuition reimbursement in amounts ranging from $415 to $9,900, all driving the opportunity for advancement.

When asked how Westminster has supported her personal growth, Sharon said, “Where do I begin?” Support from the organization spans all the way from offering financial support for career growth opportunities to things as simple as being flexible with her schedule to accommodate her attending classes.

“When I was going to my third and fourth semester in school, I had to make an adjustment to my days off,” Sharon reflected. “Westminster was there for me to make that adjustment with my schedule so I could finish school.”

“As it was common knowledge Sharon was pursuing a career path change to LPN, we conducted frequent check-ins to make sure she was on target with her aspirational goals,” Amanda said. “Each time I checked in with her, she was enthusiastic and even embraced what she thought were the most challenging of courses.”

After graduating from the LPN program, Sharon was promoted to an LPN position at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek in May of 2022.

INSPIRING FELLOW NURSES

Nursing is no easy job and Sharon recognized that it has a challenging reputation, but she continues to encourage team members at the beginning of their career to pursue the medical field.

“A lot of people look at it as a very hard field to go in, but if it’s something you really love, and want to become a nurse, I tell them, ’Go for it!’” Sharon said.

She encourages CNAs on her team to take advantage of the career growth opportunities Westminster offers like she did.

“I tell them to try and go back to school. We have the opportunity to do that because of the Tuition Reimbursement Program.”

Sharon noted that the educational opportunities also lie outside of the classroom at the community.
“At the job they will help you, and you will learn a lot!” Sharon encouraged. “You’re learning from other CNAs and the residents; you also learn from other nurses. I’m still learning!”

Sharon is taking her own advice and has signed up to go back to school and pursue becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).

“While nursing is a challenging career, Sharon realizes the rewards that come with the work,” Amanda said. “She oozes positivity and makes every day special for our residents.”

Nurses like Sharon are essential for providing quality care to the older adults in our communities and for helping to shape the future of healthcare. If you’re interested in joining the Westminster team and growing your career at one of our communities, check out the current opportunities at WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org/careers.

This week, we celebrate the nurses who are dedicated to caring for those who call our communities home. As we commemorate National Nurses Week, we recognize the hard work and sacrifice of these individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. We are proud to highlight the stories of nurses throughout our organization, and to show our appreciation for them and the care they provide to our seniors. From inspiring future nurses to showing how they celebrate National Nurses Week, we acknowledge the nurses in our organization.

Today we’re featuring Vicki Brown and Laure Zulkowski, who joined the organization in nursing roles, excelled and were promoted to leadership roles.

Vicki Brown joined Westminster Communities of Florida as the Director of Nursing in 2010 and is now the Assistant Executive Director at Westminster Oaks, our Life Plan Community located in Tallahassee. After joining the organization, Brown needed to relocate to Orlando, and was then approached by Chief Operating Officer Garry Hennis about staying with the organization in an administrator role. Brown later relocated to Texas, leaving Westminster Communities of Florida, but hated to leave, and sought out openings with the organization when she returned to Florida.

“I didn’t even know he realized who I was,” Brown said. “As a Director of Nursing, I had been at Westminster Oaks just under two years. I appreciated that they said there was another opportunity for me and took that leap of faith and gave me a chance. I felt I could trust this organization and I have always felt supported, and that’s the reason I wanted to come back to Westminster.”

Regional Director of Health Services Laure Zulkowski was also persuaded to take on new challenges by leaders in the organization. Zulkowski joined Westminster Communities of Florida in 2018 as the Director of Nursing at Westminster Winter Park, our Life Plan Community on the shore of Lake Berry, and was then influenced to apply for the Administrator in Training program. She began a year of training at Westminster Towers, and as her training came to an end, she was encouraged to apply for her current leadership position.

“I was fortunate enough to be offered opportunities and I hope other people are able to do that as well,” Zulkowski said.

INSPIRING FUTURE NURSES

After education and training, mentoring has been an effective way for nurses to pass on their knowledge and experience to aspiring nurses. By offering advice and guidance, nurses can help foster a desire within young people to pursue a career in nursing.

“I’ve always tried to mentor people whenever I can,” Zulkowski said. “If I see somebody that is really enjoying wounds or enjoying something, I’ve always tried to have a conversation with them or give them resources to help them grow.”

She noted that the nursing industry has a bad reputation for not being welcome to beginners. Reflecting on how more experienced nurses don’t want to take more time out of their day to work with a new nurse or train a new nurse given the demanding nature of the profession.

“Nurses are hard to find right now and good nurses are so hard to find right now,” Zulkowski said. “If each of the good nurses that I know would mentor at least one new nurse, we could help grow our own very quickly, and they would not be as burned out so fast.”

In addition, mentors can help provide necessary resources such as educational materials or job opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable or difficult to acquire.

“I’ve always felt when there’s opportunities, they’ve been shared with me,” Brown said. She noted that when giving orientation to new team members, she encourages them to look at new positions as they come available to seek out opportunities for growth.

“If they’re looking to advance their career, maybe they are a CNA and they want to become a nurse, that we have opportunities available for scholarships,” Brown said. “We also have tuition reimbursement, so I always let them know not to shy away from those opportunities. I also share my story to let them know that there are other things you can do if you want to.”

CELEBRATING NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

Zulkowski has celebrated National Nurses Week a few ways throughout her career, with the most memorable celebration being a lamplight walk with fellow nurses.

“The team gets together right when it’s starting to get dark out and we have lamps to emulate Florence Nightingale. We walk around a city block together, all the nurses all together in one place,” Zulkowski said. “At one of the hospitals in the area, the doctors and other disciplines would come together and clap for all of the nurses. They loved that sign of appreciation.”

National Nurses Week ends on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, as the pioneer of modern-day nursing. Her passion for helping others and improving medicine is an inspiration for many today, who were called to follow the same path.

“We just want them to know that they’re appreciated!” Brown said about her team’s plans for National Nurses Week. “We’re planning on lots of food and fun.”

Throughout this week, we’ll be learning more about our nurses, both team members and residents who are former nurses, and their paths into the nursing profession and growth with the organization. Be sure to check back to follow the series.

Are you interested in joining the Westminster team and serving seniors throughout the state? To find out more, go to www.WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org/careers.

Self-Care Strategies (Part 2)

More Self-Care tips to support taking care of YOU:

Set boundaries: We often feel guilty for setting boundaries, but there is nothing selfish about taking care of yourself so you can show up well for others. “No,” is a complete sentence, and I can allow others the dignity of dealing with their own feelings about what I am and am not able to do. If I push further than I really want or need to, I do not get to be resentful of others since my boundaries are mine to set and hold. When I find I have given too much, it is a chance for me to learn more about my limits and to own and honor them, so I am less likely to put myself in that situation again.

Finish the circle: Because it can be far easier to recall the negative in my life, my mentor regularly reminds me to “Finish the circle” by also naming the good around me. This does not negate the things that feel or seem bad — that would be false positivity — but it also does not deny the good around me. If I feel so stressed that I cannot think of such things, I go through the alphabet and name something I’m grateful for that begins with each letter. By the time I get to X, Y, and Z, I am more relaxed and have a more balanced perspective about whatever I am facing.

More to follow…

Resource: 10 Self-Care Strategies for Professional Caregivers, Dr. Carla Cheatham, MA, MDiv, PhD, TRT

Dear Westminster nursing team members,

I am sharing my heartfelt gratitude for every nurse. This year’s theme for National Nurses Week is “Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, Anywhere – Always.” This honors your unwavering commitment to residents and your personal mission of service. I have witnessed this service within my own family – nurses like you who have given countless hours to caring for others.

The long-standing tradition of honoring nurses began in 1954, recognizing the contributions made by nurses during World War II and the Korean War, and acknowledging how special nurses are. The nursing profession is special, and over the decades, former Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon and Reagan all played a role in creating this week’s special celebration of nurses. It ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, commemorating the founder of the modern nursing profession.

While the COVID-19 pandemic was not a war, it was certainly an event that will be remembered as a historic one, everywhere. Nurses within Westminster’s communities and throughout the world stepped up to serve others in the hour of need, when others chose to stay home and be safe. 

As an organization Westminster Communities of Florida is grateful to each of you. We are grateful for your commitment to your profession, and to all the residents we serve, regardless of whether your role is at the bedside, in a clinic, as a supervisor or in management, or leading our nursing services team.  

Being a nurse is often physically demanding and almost always emotionally taxing, but your ongoing commitment affords residents to experience a quality of life others take for granted.

Your personal mission as a nurse makes a difference and we celebrate you. Know that your work in this profession makes a difference in countless lives, from the residents themselves, to the extended families you touch, to the communities in which you serve and the betterment of society, simply by showing up and caring for another soul to nurse them on their journey.  

It didn’t take a pandemic for Westminster to know how special each of you are because we have been thankful for you not just during the tough times, but each and every day.   

We celebrate all of you. Happy National Nurses Week.

Sincerely, Garry

Mother’s Day is a special time of year to show our moms how much we appreciate them, but that can be hard to do if you live far away. If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for your Mom, we have some great ideas to help you show your love and appreciation from afar. Read on for some great Mother’s Day gift ideas that will bridge the distance between you and your Mom this year.

A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

Whether your mom loves books, flowers, beauty products or wine, there are a variety of subscription boxes available that can help bring her joy each month. If your mom loves to read then why not get her a book subscription? Find a package that includes monthly selections tailored to suit your mom’s tastes. If your mom loves flowers, set up a delivery every month so she can enjoy fresh blooms all year round. And for those Mom’s who love a glass of wine after a long day, a monthly service can share samples along with pairing recommendations and recipes – perfect for a night in! No matter what interests or hobbies your Mom has, there is a subscription box that will fit her lifestyle perfectly. By signing up you can ensure that even when you’re far apart on Mother’s Day, you’ll be able to give her something special each month throughout the year.

SHARE YOUR RECENT PHOTOS

If you’re constantly snapping photos of your family, but struggle to share them with Mom in a timely manner, this might be the gift for mom. If she’s not on social media, she may not be up-to-date with all your family developments and milestones like the rest of your followers. Share them with her using a digital frame. Simply use the app to upload your latest images for mom to view instantly. Share it with your siblings so they can contribute, too! She’ll feel connected to you no matter how far away you are.

But what if your mom prefers a physical copy? Create a book of photos using Chatbooks, Mixbook or Shutterfly to share your recent images. Build it right from your phone and send mom a bound album she can flip through any time.

SAFEGUARD FAMILY RECIPES

If your mom is the best cook you know, a great way to show your love and appreciation might be to safeguard her favorite family recipes. Whether it’s a casserole you enjoyed as a family during the holidays or a homemade bread recipe your grandmother made when the zucchinis were ripe, these treasured recipes are often passed down through generations. To keep them around for many more years, consider creating an heirloom-quality recipe tin, cutting board, or tea towel using the recipe that can be displayed in her kitchen. No matter how far away she may be, sending one of these thoughtful gifts will show how much you appreciate the time spent making cherished family recipes together.

CLOSE THE DISTANCE

Video chatting has become an invaluable tool for staying connected with loved ones who are far away. Set up a time on Mother’s Day to video chat and enjoy a meal together like breakfast or lunch. By being in the same virtual space, even if it’s not in person, you’ll both feel more connected and create a special shared experience. Depending on where each of you are located, try matching up local dishes from each region that you both can enjoy during your conversation. This way she’ll get to experience something new and exciting while connecting with you!

GREETING CARD AND A PHONE CALL

This might be just what mom asked for. Greeting cards and a phone call are simple but meaningful gifts to give your Mom this Mother’s Day, even if you are far away. A phone call is a great way to connect with her, especially if you don’t get the chance to catch up as much as you’d like. For an extra special touch, send her a beautiful Love Pop greeting card that is sure to make your mom feel loved and appreciated from afar. There’s a card design for every kind of Mom out there, you can even send one that opens into a bouquet of flowers! This way she’ll have something tangible that she can keep and treasure forever – no matter how far away she may be.

From subscription boxes to video calls, you can find something that will make your mother feel special and loved even when you’re not in the same town. Do you already have a gift for your mom? How are you planning on showing your appreciation for her? Let us know in the comments!

Self-Care Strategies (Part 1)

Self-Care is important, but lack of time, energy, and money can make it feel impossible. Two predictors of how we weather storms are if we feel we are able to take action on our own behalf and if we feel we have support from others. The tips below include practices that can help with both:

Do what you can and let go of the rest: It feels far easier, and even more fun in the short term, to spend my energy complaining about things I cannot control. But doing this gives my power away and leaves my wellbeing in the hands of others. When I focus on the actions I can take, I keep a far better perspective on most things in my life and work.

Access support: Strong social connections can help with anxiety and depression, healthier heart rates, and a more balanced perspective on all of life’s events. Those connections can be made during a phone call with a loved one on our way to work, by sharing funny memes with friends, using a video-call app to visit with a family member while cooking dinner, or talking with a colleague on a 15-minute break from work.

More to follow…

Resource: 10 Self-Care Strategies for Professional Caregivers, Dr. Carla Cheatham, MA, MDiv, PhD, TRT

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, there’s no better time to enjoy the bounty of spring produce grown in Florida. From avocados to zucchini (both fruits!), there are countless delicious and nutritious fruits to choose. In this blog post, we’ll explore three spring fruits and the health benefits they offer. Read on to learn more about the antioxidant-rich blueberries, Vitamin C-filled mangos, and the hydrating watermelon.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants

Blueberries are a delicious, antioxidant-rich fruit that are locally grown in parts of Florida. Also full of Vitamin C and dietary fiber, blueberries support healthy digestion, help reduce inflammation and protect our cells from damage by free radicals.

Studies have shown that consuming blueberries regularly can help reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, including cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants found in blueberries have been linked to improved cognitive function and memory, as well as better vision health. Blueberries are also high in manganese, which helps with bone health, metabolism and energy production.

The sweet taste of blueberries makes them a perfect addition to a variety of dishes or snacks throughout the day. Adding them to salads or yogurt gives an extra boost of flavor without adding any unnecessary calories or fat. For a simple yet tasty snack, try making your own homemade trail mix with dried blueberries or adding fresh berries to your favorite smoothie recipe for an extra nutritional punch!

Mangos are a great source of Vitamin C

Mangos are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is widely grown in Florida during the spring season. Not only do mangos taste great, but they are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for overall health. A single mango contains approximately 43 milligrams of Vitamin C, which meets almost 75% of the daily recommended intake for adults.

When choosing a mango, look for one that is slightly soft on the outside but not mushy or wrinkled. You should also make sure it’s fragrant — if it doesn’t smell sweet then it likely isn’t ripe yet!

Mangos can be tricky to prepare if you’re unfamiliar, because of their large central pit and thick skin. To cut the flesh from around the large seed in the center, use a sharp knife to slice two equal lengthwise slices from either side of the pit. You can then cut the slices off the peel with a spoon.

You can enjoy your mango fresh or add it to salads, smoothies or other recipes for added flavor and nutrition!

Watermelon is delicious and hydrating

Watermelon is one of the best fruits to enjoy during the spring season in Florida, not only because of its delicious taste but also due to its high water content. Eating watermelon can be hydrating and a great way to beat the heat. Watermelons are composed of 92% water and contain electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, which help keep you hydrated, especially on hot summer days. Additionally, they are an excellent source of Vitamin A and C – two essential vitamins needed for healthy skin and eyes.

To make sure you get the most out of your watermelon, chop it into slices or cubes for quick and easy snacking. If you’re looking for a more creative option, use a melon baller to scoop it out and get creative with fun and quirky salads. You can also use a blender to make a delicious, healthy smoothie and enjoy a refreshing snack.

How can you enjoy these 3 delicious, seasonal fruits and much more? Westminster Communities of Florida has dedicated chefs who develop a new seasonal menu every few months, featuring local produce at its peak. Find a community near you today and discover delectable chef-prepared dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Spring has sprung – and you may be thinking about how you can spend more time in the garden, enjoying the great outdoors. Besides making our world more beautiful, did you know that gardening can make you healthier?

It’s true! Read more to learn all about how you can start your own garden in Florida, whether you live in St. Petersburg or Tallahassee, and how it can make you healthier as well as happier.

The mental health benefits of gardening

Gardening can provide older adults with a variety of mental health benefits. For example, a flourishing garden can offer a sense of accomplishment and purpose. It give seniors an opportunity to express their creativity and can help them stay in touch with the natural world. Seniors who don’t want to tackle their own home gardens can start by joining a community garden, where there is a sense of community and gardeners can enjoy chatting with each other and sharing knowledge of the natural world.

Gardening is also an incredibly therapeutic activity. Not only does it help reduce stress levels and improve physical activity, but it also has been linked to improved mental well-being and cognition. Studies have shown that gardening can reduce symptoms of depression, help manage stress, and improve overall mental health in seniors.

Creating a garden in your backyard or joining a community garden is a great way to stay active and engaged. Plus, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor with the fresh produce or beautiful flowers you will be able to harvest!

How gardening can help your physical health

Gardening can help improve strength and balance, which can certainly be diminished due to aging. Additionally, gardening is a low-impact form of aerobic exercise, which is beneficial for those with joint or muscle pain. Regular exercise can help to prevent or delay the onset of certain diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The activity of gardening allows seniors to be outdoors and enjoy the natural environment. With the right precautions and assistance when needed, gardening can be a safe and rewarding activity for seniors. They should be sure to wear safe and comfortable clothes, and that they’re going to be working outside for a long time, they should have a way to contact someone if they need assistance. 

Plants to try adding to your garden in summer in Florida

The spring and summer months in Florida bring an abundance of blooms, so it’s a great time to add some new plants to your garden. A few of the best options include hibiscus, canna lilies, and angel’s trumpet. Hibiscus is a tropical flower that produces large, colorful blooms and is ideal for adding vibrant color to any garden space. Canna lilies are also a great addition, as they produce long-lasting flowers in a variety of bright hues. Angel’s trumpet is a shrub with trumpet-shaped blooms that come in shades of white, pink, and yellow. All of these plants will add a bright and cheerful touch to any garden.

Gardening can be a great way to stay active, interact with others, and reduce stress, making it an excellent activity for seniors.

A Westminster community can be a home for your garden

Did you know that many Westminster Life Plan Communities have a resident garden? These intimate spaces allow residents a place to enjoy the great outdoors, whether they garden or just appreciate beautiful natural life. Some gardens, like at Westminster Suncoast in St. Petersburg, are so bountiful that they even supply fresh herbs and vegetables for the Dining Services team to enjoy with dinner!

You can find the Westminster community that is perfect for you or a senior family member or friend today. Learn more with our community locator!