Innovation and care in skilled nursing at SKLD Point Place
It takes a special person to work in a skilled nursing facility, devoting time, energy and care for patients who need it the most. We are blessed at SKLD to have so many of this industry’s most dedicated leaders and employees.
Christine Smith, LNHA is the administrator at SKLD Point Place where she has worked for the last seven years. Christine started in the industry as a young girl, volunteering and helping her mother, who worked in nursing leadership. Christine says, “I would often help with activities and volunteered her time to sit with patients as well as have fun with the staff.”
From very early on, Christine saw firsthand how important skilled nursing centers are and knew she wanted to be a part of the industry.
Getting her start in the industry
The early experience Christine had in skilled nursing gave her the momentum to find her own path. She attended the University of Toledo and simultaneously worked in a long term care center in housekeeping, laundry, dietary and nursing assistant departments. She went on to complete an administrator in training program in Ohio and has worked in a leadership and operator role ever since.
Christine’s positions throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana have varied from administrator, senior administrator and traveling administrator. She also pursued a masters in public health.
As of today, Christine has worked in the industry for approximately 16 years.
Individual care makes skilled nursing rewarding
One aspect Christine loves about skilled nursing is that she gets to see all aspects of care and life. Christine says,
“We take care of individuals who are here for short periods of time to build strength back to return to the community, individuals with complex nursing care that require innovation and specialized treatment, individuals who are here as their home due to needing additional services, and also individuals who are with us for end of life care.”
The fact that every day is different contributes to the dynamic nature of working in a skilled nursing facility. Christine says, “This industry is never boring. It’s very rewarding to see all the impact we have on individual lives.”
Constantly striving for success at SKLD
Each staff member brings a little something special to the team to help each SKLD facility make a positive difference in residents’ lives. Christine says, “I believe I contribute knowledge about regulatory components, organization, structure and guidance to help our team achieve great things and to continue to grow.”
Key to success is having a growth-oriented mindset. Christine says,
“One of our unit’s strengths is our ability to look constructively at ourselves and never settle. There are always things to work on and ways to grow. We are on the forefront of healthcare and want to continue to change and modify how we can operate to the best of our ability.”
The ability to adapt and thrive despite great challenges is a strength that’s proved to be essential for success this year.
Sharing interests and hobbies to connect with patients
Another way to succeed in relating to her patients is to share meaningful aspects of her life with them. Christine enjoys sharing with her patients the fact that she lives in the country on a farm next to her parents and is a family person. Her patients especially enjoy hearing about her love of animals, especially her fondness for dogs and horses. Christine used to ride horses and has owned several horses at home.
When Christine is off the clock, she can be found playing all kinds of sports, singing and loves both music trivia and any live music concert. She is then eager to share some of these experiences with her residents as soon as she gets back to work to brighten their days.