Nurses are known as caring individuals, and at Morning Pointe Senior Living, our Nurses are no exception. During Nurses Week, May 6-12, we are celebrating our Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses for the essential role they play in our residents’ lives.
Each Nurse has a different story, though each ultimately involves a caring heart.
Meet some of our outstanding Nurses!
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Valery “Val” Dagermandzhyan, LPN at Morning Pointe of Lenoir City, Tennessee
Val has been a nurse for 12 years and has worked at Morning Pointe of Lenoir City Assisted Living for that whole time!
“He is not only an amazing Nurse – he also leads our staff morning devotions,” said Lindsay Williams, Executive Director at the assisted living community. “Val and his family also come on the weekends for worship, singing, and prayer with our residents.”
Val and his wife, Marina, both worked at servers at a local restaurant for many years. When the recession hit, they decided to get their Certified Nursing Assistant certifications, and then they pursued their LPN licenses.
“I love interacting with the residents and learning life experiences from them,” said Val. “I love how faithful their generation is to our God.”
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Marie Laws, Lead LPN at Morning Pointe of Richmond, Kentucky
Marie has worked as a Nurse at Morning Pointe of Richmond Senior Living for about 11 years. She has been a nurse since 1984. She was inspired to pursue nursing after she helped take care of her grandmother, who was sick.
Before coming to Morning Pointe, Marie worked as an LPN in long-term care (nursing homes) and internal medicine.
“My residents are why I enjoy being a nurse,” said Marie. “I love them, and I want them to have the best care and life possible.”
Marie has been known to pick up items for residents using her own money, including snacks. “Marie goes above and beyond in every single way,” said Chase Williams, Director of Nursing at the community. “She knows all the residents and their families. If anything is off from the norm, she notices it immediately, and she helps our Aides with resident care and dining services. She can get the toughest resident to shower when the Aides have tried with no luck. Marie manages her shift near perfection, and I could not ask for someone any better.”
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Kathy Tate, LPN at Morning Pointe of Tullahoma, Tennessee
Kathy’s clinical journey began at age 36, after a career as a Cosmetologist. She even owned her own salon before she became a Nurse. But she always had the heart for the profession.
“I was a born nurse from a very young age, taking care of my granddaddy’s elderly sisters during summer garden season,” Kathy shared. “I always loved geriatric patients, and I worked on a geriatric psych unit for 10 years.”
In addition, Kathy came to Morning Pointe of Tullahoma Assisted Living and Memory Care in December 2022 with further experience in doctor’s offices. She considers her current job the best one she’s ever had.
“I truly love Morning Pointe – the residents and staff are great,” Kathy said. “I know God sent me here.”
Christie Steverson, Director of Nursing at the community, shared: “Kathy’s experience and enthusiasm have truly been a blessing to me as well as the whole facility. The residents love her friendly and caring personality.”
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Thank you to all of Morning Pointe Senior Living’s floor Nurses! We appreciate your compassion and the difference you make each day!
Check out our other Nurses Week blog honoring Morning Pointe Senior Living’s Directors of Nursing!
