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Hardworking nurse celebrated Featured
Bryan Bateman is finding personal and professional happiness in his job as a nurse at a long-term care (LTC) home.
“I like the sense of family, here,” he explains about his position at Helen Henderson Care Centre (HHCC) in Amherstview. “They treat me like a human being. I like the support. I also like the flexibility with scheduling and realistic expectations of managers. They work with what they have and make the best of it.”
Known for his positive attitude, Bryan is the home’s Employee of the Month for September 2024. He has worked at the home as a Registered Nurse (RN) for almost one-year, helping with everything from wound care, charge nurse, and day/night shifts.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I’ll do it all,” he says with a smile.
Speaking on behalf of the popular home, Assistant Director of Care Melissa Locke notes, “Bryan has played an important role in our nursing staff here at HHCC. He is a detail-oriented individual who can remain calm and focused under any type of pressure. His dedication to provide exceptional resident care has been a treat to watch, especially owing to his immense ability to handle emergencies and delicate situations with tact, sensitivity and professionalism. Bryan has been an asset to our team since day-one. “
Born in Kingston and raised in Ottawa, Bryan currently lives on a farm in Westbrook where he keeps his horse, a seven-year-old stallion named Enzo that performs in English-style show jumping as far away as Quebec. When he arrived at Helen Henderson, he loved it so much, he encouraged two of his nursing friends to join him.
“I brought two nurses with me,” he confirms with a laugh.
Prior to joining LTC, Bryan worked in an acute care setting in Kingston for two years. It wasn’t long after he arrived at Helen Henderson Care Centre that he realized he prefers LTC.
“I like the continuity of care, here,” he explains. “You get a better snapshot of someone because you get to know the residents. It’s really nice and much easier to pick-up on changes. When I worked at the hospital, I always felt like my best wasn’t good enough whereas I consistently have a real sense of fulfillment here. It’s not the same cost, it’s less drawing emotionally. I don’t dread coming into work now.”
Bryan says it’s a common misconception that LTC is not as exciting as other nursing practices.
“Assessment skills need to be accurate, and the care is more individualized. There are more opportunities to make an impact on people here and I think that is special.”
Bryan is clearly passionate about his job and his love of horse shows. Before becoming a nurse, he travelled to the 2012 Olympics in London as a professional horse groomer.
“It’s a big, important job,” he explains. “It’s kind of like being a nurse, but for horses.”
In addition to his horse, Bryan also has a three-year-old pet pig called Piggy-Piggy.
“I joke that he’s my COVID pig,” says Bryan about his 150lb pet who likes to be petted and rubs his nose on the door to go outside. Interestingly, Piggy-Piggy makes a nest from old clothes and pillows in the middle of the living room every night as a bed.
Asked to describe himself, Bryan notes thoughtfully that he has a good work ethic and healthy work/life balance. “I try to be compassionate and kind; I think I care about people,” he says with sincerity. “I prefer people to judge for themselves.”
Questions for Bryan
If you could rule the world, what would you do on day-one?
“I’d spend the first day just thinking about what I should do. I’d certainly ask people what they want.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
“I don’t think I need one. I’m my own superpower.”
If you weren’t at your current job, what would you be doing?
“I’d be showing horses.”
Helen Henderson Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Bryan Bateman. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-384-4585.