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Nursing grad excels during pandemic
Sarah Delonghi picked a good time to be a nurse.
Five months after starting her first nursing job in the fall of 2019, the friendly woman faced the first global health crisis of the 21st century.
A world-wide pandemic was declared in March 2020 for COVID-19, making health care workers the front line against a highly contagious virus with a global death rate of 3.4 per cent.
As an essential worker, Sarah was unfazed by the strict infection control measures implemented at work and around the world. She continued to work as a Registered Practical Nurse at Helen Henderson Retirement Lodge, earning the respect of the residents & staff and title of Employee of the Month for September.
“I love the residents and staff here,” Sarah comments from the home in late August 2020. “I love my job.”
Sarah, 22, is a proud graduate of the RPN program at St. Lawrence College.
“I’m so glad I went there. I was thinking of going to Ottawa,” she confirms.
Pleased with her decisions, Sarah pauses when asked about her goals.
“I’m still deciding where to end-up,” she explains. “I love working with the residents here because they are like family to me and I care deeply about their health and happiness. I am also interested in re-hab.”
Speaking on behalf of the home, Lodge Manager Audrey Young says, “Sarah is a bright young nurse who brings dedication, determination and joy to the retirement home team. She accepts challenges and obstacles head-on and will remain steadfast until she has achieved the desired outcome. Sarah is a pleasure to be around, always eager to lend a helping hand and has built an amazing rapport with the residents and co-workers.”
Asked to describe herself, Sara uses words such as bubbly, friendly and upbeat.
Residential Aide Amanda Campbell, Sara’s co-worker, notes, “Sarah is considerate, thoughtful and genuine about it. She wears her heart on her sleeve.”
When she’s not at work, Sarah can be found walking her wiener dog named Winston or spending time with friends.
“I’m pretty boring,” Sarah says with a laugh.
Questions for Sarah
If you could rule the world, what would you do on day one?
“I would find someone really smart who could find a safe way for families to hug their loved ones (who live in retirement/long-term care homes) and not contract COVID-19.”
If you weren’t at your current job, what would you be doing?
“I can’t see myself doing anything else but nursing. If I wasn’t working as a nurse, I’d be a vet tech. I love animals.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
“I would like to teleport myself and a friend; anywhere, anytime.”
Helen Henderson Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Sarah Delonghi. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-384-4585.