Sometimes Kendra King inspires the people in her care. Most times, they inspire her.

Speaking from Helen Henderson Retirement Lodge where she has worked for the past two years as a Registered Practical Nurse, the 28-year-old Napanee woman notes, “I love working here. I’ve enjoyed it ever since I started.”

The mother of a four-legged fur-baby named Ashyr, Kendra was nominated by a lodge resident for a workplace award.

She smiles when informed of the recognition.

“It makes me feel like I’m doing my job well,” she says gratefully. “The resident who nominated me thinks a lot of me. She has placed a lot of faith and trust in me which is the highest compliment you can pay a health care worker.”

Speaking on behalf of the home, Lodge Manager Audrey Young notes, “Kendra is professional, passionate and dedicated to nursing.  When I met her for the first time, I instantly saw her potential and knew she was exactly what I was looking for as a member of the Helen Henderson nursing team. Kendra is caring and kind. She has amazing problem-solving skills. I love to hear her conversations with the residents because they are always heartwarming.”

Clearly delighted to be named the home’s Employee of the Month for August, Kendra explains, “My main goal is the health and happiness of the people in my care. They make me very happy. The residents and staff are a close-knit family here. We have a great little team.”

Asked to describe herself, Kendra says she can be shy, although her friends may not agree. She also likes to make people laugh.

“I always enjoy bringing humour into a workplace. There needs to be some part of your job where you can find humour in it.”

When she’s not at work, Kendra prefers to be outdoors playing baseball, spending time with friends or walking her dog. She also spends a lot of time detailing her new car.

Asked about the future, Kendra sees herself working at the home.

“I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon,” she says kindly.

Questions for Kendra

If you could rule the world, what would you do on day one?

“I’d like to be a SUPER doctor so I could come-up with a cure for the coronavirus.”

If you weren’t at your current job, what would you be doing?

“I’d still want to be a nurse. I initially wanted to work in the emergency department of a hospital. If I were doing something else, it would still have to do with nursing.”

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“I want to heal people.”

Helen Henderson Care Centre is inspired by selflessness of Kendra King. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-384-4585.