Whatever it takes

Karen Rector is embarking on her 25th anniversary with Summit Villa Care Center in Tallmadge, OH. After many years with the company, her energy and passion has not dwindled. She brings more life to the care center now than ever, and doesn’t plan to stop. She began as a housekeeper, but decided to further her career by becoming an STNA and absolutely fell in love with healthcare. She has now diversified her role to include medical records, as well as central supply, filling several roles at once. Because of her well-rounded experience, Karen is able to provide the most compassionate and empathetic care to her residents.

Although Karen was not always a caregiver, that career path ran in her family. Her mother is an RN and so Karen has always been around the medical field in some capacity. Karen’s background has allowed her to grow as an STNA and really do so much for patients and residents because of her experience. But, it is not only her experience and skills that have allowed her to become such a wonderful caregiver; it is also her passion for the people she cares for.

We asked Karen why she has stayed at Summit Villa for so long and she said “This is my second home…I work a lot of hours, but I love taking care of these folks. This was my destiny years ago, and I didn’t even know it”. Karen really loves what she does and she also loves whom she works with. Part of her motivation to come to work each day is the team and the atmosphere she works in. She has had other jobs, but never have they given her the same feeling that she has at Summit Villa, or the same relationships that she shares with the residents.

Karen has had several residents who have impacted her life, but most recently she had one very special person who has touched her heart. This one resident spends most of her time in Karen’s office and even calls her “Mom”.  During her daily visits, Karen curls her hair, and does her makeup. She has become family to Karen and the interactions they share are simply special.

Karen has relationships with many of her other residents as well, and this is where Karen differentiates herself from others in this line of work. Karen takes it upon herself to get to know each and every resident or patient that sets foot in the care center. Even if she doesn’t directly care for them, she gets to know them. It is common practice for Karen to introduce herself to any new patient or resident on their first night in the building. She greets them, makes sure they are comfortable, and lets them know that they can call her for anything that they need. This level of care makes a huge difference in these individuals’ lives and it is appreciated beyond measure.

Karen comes to work each day because it’s her calling, not because it is her job. She just wants to do what she can to better the lives of people in need and her compassion radiates from her so effortlessly. Karen was given a pin by a nurse that said, “Whatever it takes” and it’s the motto that she lives by. She feels that phrase fits her and her drive to help and heal no matter what. We asked her how she would like to be remembered for her work and she said, “I would like employees and residents here to know that I did whatever it took to do my best here.” It’s powerful and yet, so true. Thank you Karen for changing the lives of our residents and patients and putting your heart into your work!