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Retirement lodge nurse recognized for excellent work Featured
Joe Classen is a young man with a big heart.
After working all day caring for residents at Carveth Retirement Lodge, Joe goes home and cares for a yard full of chickens, ducks, dogs and a cat. His love for others is visible in everything he does as evident by a trip to Africa 10 years ago to see elephants in the wild.
“It was my dream to go on a safari,” he confirms. “It was a beautiful place.”
A member of the health care team at the popular home for the past eight years, Joe joined Carveth as a Personal Support Worker and retrained to become a Registered Practical Nurse. His favourite part of the job is interacting with residents, staff, doctors, and families.
“I love it,” he says about his job in mid-July 2022. “Some days are better than others, but I love it.”
Asked to describe himself, the 29-year-old from Leeds and Thousand Islands says he is a hard worker with a good sense of humour.
“I try to see the best in everyone,” he explains. “And I work as hard as I can.”
Speaking on behalf of the home, Administrator Brett Gibson notes, “I have watched Joe from his beginning at Carveth, to the leader he has become in the retirement home. His passion for our residents and knowledge of both positions are a real asset to our home. Joe is very deserving of this recognition.”
“Joe has advanced his career here from his original position of PSW to an RPN,” adds Lodge Manager Phyllis Lorbetskie. “He is a kind, dedicated nurse who shows both nursing skills and compassion to the residents. Joe is eager to learn new tasks and always greets the residents and fellow staff with a smile and upbeat personality. Joe has been a great asset to our team and a willing employee who goes that extra mile when required.”
Clearly pleased with this feedback, Joe explains, “I became an RPN because of my love for my residents and fellow staff members. I went back to school to help residents have a better quality-of-life. I made the right choice to stay here.”
When he’s not at work, Joe can be found with his dog that enjoys walks and swims. He is excited to watch the construction of his new house that sits on 12 acres. The house’s new floor was to be built the day of this interview.
Joe’s dream is to continue nursing and farming.
“Hopefully one-day, I can retire from nursing and become a full-time farmer,” he says with a smile.
Questions for Joe
If you could rule the world, what would you do on day-one?
“Everyone would have to have chickens.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
“I’d love to control the weather. I’d make it warm year-round without the humidity.”
If you weren’t at your current job, what would you be doing?
“I’d be doing more farming.”
Carveth Retirement Lodge is grateful for the good work of Joe Classen, RPN. To learn more about living or working here, please call 613-382-4752.