This August is going to be a great month for Jasmyne Preston.

A Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) at Helen Henderson Care Centre, Jasmyne is celebrating a workplace award and marriage.

“It’s a great month,” says the 25-year-old Amherstview woman with a smile.

Speaking from the long-term care home where she is the   Employee of the Month, Jasmyne has delivered frontline health care at the accredited home for one-year. She has been an RPN for five years.

“I love my job,” says the friendly brunette when asked about her work. “It was something I sort of fell into. I quickly fell in love with working with seniors. I love getting to know my residents better and hearing their stories.

“I like dealing with dementia and palliative care,” she continues. “I think a lot of people live long, good lives, and it’s an honour to make someone’s end-of -life special and meaningful.”

Asked to describe herself, Jasmyne notes, “I’m usually quite shy. But once you get to know me, I can be talkative, especially about my work which I’m passionate about.”

Pausing slightly, the young woman adds, “I think I’m compassionate and kind. And in the job, I’m pretty helpful. I actually really appreciate this recognition because I want my coworkers to have someone they can trust to help when needed. I couldn’t do my job without the Personal Support Workers. They’re your eyes and ears on the floor. They notice the smallest changes in people.”

Speaking on behalf of the home, Assistant Director of Care Melissa Locke notes, “Jasmyne is focused, efficient, friendly and always has a smile on her face. She is willing to help anyone.  She has developed great relationships with residents, family and staff alike, which is key to her providing wholistic person-centred care.”

When she’s not at work, Jasmyne can be found renovating her house in Amherstview.

“We’ve been plugging away at that,” she says with a laugh about the house she is updating with her fiancée, Zach.

“We both really love it here,” she says about the friendly  community perched on the shore of Lake Ontario. “It’s beautiful by the water.”

Jasmyne’s future goals include having a family and furthering her education.

“I can see myself staying in long-term care,” she explains. “I really love it. I would like to get more education in wound care and dementia. I think there’s a lot of stuff we miss in that.”

Helen Henderson Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Jasmyne Preston. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-384-4585.