Showing support: Cedar Haven team members surprise fellow coworker
Last summer, Delaine Carleton found out she needed to have a surgery that would take her out of work for at least four weeks.
She was a bit worried about having the surgery and her recovery. But she was also nervous about telling her employer, The Lutheran Home: Cedar Haven. Delaine works as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), and is one of only two nurses at Cedar Haven.
“Being that there are only two nurses here, a lot of stuff would fall on the other nurse, Robin,” Delaine explained. “But I did go in and talk with Elli (Fuller), an administrator. She was so understanding and supportive.”
Delaine was able to schedule her surgery and the four-week recovery period for a time that worked well for everyone, especially Robin. With Delaine’s absence, Robin had taken over having the on-call phone full time.
“Normally, they switch who has it on a weekly basis,” Elli explained, “I am not a licensed nurse, so while I tried to help where I could, there’re just certain things I could not handle. The rest of the staff stepped up.”
Before Delaine’s surgery, Robin gave her coloring books and a gift card for a local restaurant. But while at home recovering, Delaine received a surprise gift from her fellow Cedar Haven team members.
“It was very sweet of them,” Delaine said. “I got a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure, flowers, and a card signed by everyone.”
To organize the gift, members of the direct care and support-staff teams pulled their money together to be able to surprise Delaine. They were hoping to be able to purchase a small gift card, but ended up receiving more funds than expected and were able to purchase several items. While recovering at home, Delaine missed going to work and being able to interact with coworkers and residents.
“One thing that I loved about coming back to Cedar Haven is that everyone is so supportive. They said, ‘We missed you.’ It’s a good feeling to know that you’re needed and you’re valued. The work you are doing really helps others and people recognize that,” Delanie said.
Delaine, who received the all-clear from her doctor, has been able to keep her work schedule fairly flexible.
“I’m glad to provide flexibility to our staff, because I think it’s valuable,” Elli said. “But it has been wonderful to have Delaine back. She is such a positive force at Cedar Haven. She is a really great example of a team player, and having her in the building is great.”
Make a difference. You have the opportunity to share eternal hope, provide hope and inspire hope through working at Cedar Haven.Visit info.tlha.org/careers today to start a career with compassion.