For Dominque Labelle, a licensed practical nurse at Villa Marie, using her skills to care for residents at the bedside is what she finds most rewarding. So when the long-term care unit opened at Villa Marie in 2018, Dominique jumped at the opportunity to work with those residents.
Soon after she transferred to the new unit, a resident she used to support moved into long-term care. They’ve known each other for six years, and Dominique says he has become like family to her.
“We have grown close, especially in the last two years. I know his routine, his likes and dislikes. I can anticipate his needs and help him out before he even needs to ask,” she says. “When caring for him, it feels more like taking care of my own grandparent.”
While Dominique spends her days administering medication, dealing with acute issues, caring for wounds and assisting the residents with their activities for daily living, it’s truly the relationships that stand out for her.
Some of the residents and their families have seen Dominique through both of her pregnancies. “They still ask about my kids, and I try to keep them updated and show them pictures,” she says.
“I love getting to know the residents on a level where you can truly be yourself. You can joke with them, be honest and have fun,” she says. “It makes the care feel less clinical and more like home.”
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