Across the Morning Pointe Senior Living footprint, Directors of Nursing are hard at work providing clinical oversight and leading their teams of Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants and Resident Assistants. Assisted living, personal care and memory care communities provide medical care as needed for senior residents who need a little extra help. Nurses in these settings assist with monitoring and administering medications as needed, assessing residents, monitoring changes in condition and coordinating care with other healthcare providers, such as physicians and pharmacists.
May 6-12 is Nurses Week, and Morning Pointe recognizes the vital role that our Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses play in ensuring our residents get the on-site medical oversight they need to stay as independent as they can.
At the end of Nurses Week, we will introduce some of our amazing floor Nurses. Today, meet some of our outstanding Directors of Nursing.
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Ashley Coapman, LPN – The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Knoxville, Tennessee
Ashley is the DON at the 60-apartment Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence in West Knoxville. She has been in the role almost since the building opened.
A nurse for 12 years, Ashley has a background in home health and wound care and was used to interacting with patients with memory deficits.
“When I was little, my family joked that I was going to grow up to be a doctor so I could take care of mommy and daddy,” said Ashley. “While I don’t have MD behind my name, I feel as though this was the beginning of my wanting to become a nurse. I wanted to be someone that my family and those around me could depend on.”
Since coming to The Lantern, she has earned a certification as a Dementia Care Specialist.
“No day is ever the same,” Ashley said about working with the memory care population. “We don’t have to dwell on the bad days, and we can keep the good days alive! The residents experience all kinds of emotions – happy, sad, angry, frustrated, excited, you name it. To be able to see your actions come full circle and make the difference between a good or bad day, and to be a part of their ongoing stories, is so rewarding.”
“Ashley always keeps everything resident-focused,” said Nancy Woods, Regional Director of Nursing. “She is proactive on all issues surrounding residents and associates. Ashley never hesitates to offer her assistance when needed, even if that means going back into the community after she’s off to check on a new resident or associate.”
In addition to assisting her own staff, Ashley is a resource to DONs at other Morning Pointe buildings in the Knoxville area and trains new DONs.
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Crystal Boardwine, RN – Morning Pointe of Powell, Tennessee
Crystal has been the DON at Morning Pointe of Powell for two and a half years. She has been a nurse since 1999 and came to Morning Pointe with a background in long-term care/skilled nursing, hospital, hospice and home health.
“I always wanted to help others and make a difference in people’s lives,” Crystal said about becoming a nurse. “I enjoy the positive difference I can make at this stage in seniors’ lives.”
Crystal added that she enjoys the team atmosphere at her building.
“Crystal always has a positive attitude, even during difficult times,” said Brandy Heath, Regional Director of Nursing. “She has good processes in place and keeps things running as smoothly as possible.”
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Courtney Burton, LPN – The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Lexington, Kentucky
A Licensed Practical Nurse for six years, Courtney first came to Morning Pointe Senior Living in April 2017 as a floor Nurse. It was her first job fresh out of nursing school.
“I have always enjoyed helping others, even from a young age,” Courtney shared.
Courtney left Morning Pointe for one year but then returned.
“Morning Pointe is definitely where I belong!” she said. “We are all one big family and always willing to step in when someone needs an extra hand.”
Courtney has been known to help as a Resident Assistant or a third-shift Nurse, and she has also mentored and trained other new DONs. She is a leader who loves to interact with her residents and laugh with them. And working with the memory care population doesn’t daunt her.
“They are all unique individuals from different backgrounds with their own stories to tell,” Courtney shared. “I love getting to know each resident and their families on a personal level. I’ve always felt indebted to seniors for paving the way for our future, and I am grateful every day to have the opportunity to do what I love!”
Kendall Stratton, Regional Director of Nursing, said: “Courtney has demonstrated a strong work ethic, resident-centered approach, and commitment to providing high-quality care for her residents.”
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Thank you to all of our Directors of Nursing for your dedication to our residents’ well-being!
