A part of our Family - Pam Wiebe’s story of changing careers and family culture at Schlegel Village

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Episode #34 - The seeds for Pam Wiebe's work in nursing and quality improvement in long-term care were planted at her grandfather's feet. She shares her story of changing careers, the joy of being a great-grandparent, and the feeling of family as a team member at Schlegel Villages.

"There's nothing like being a grandparent" - Doug Robinson

"I try not to think about getting old and I certainly don't think old." - Pam Wiebe

Formerly an accountant, at the age of 46 changed lanes to focus on nursing. This came from a tragic situation with her mom passing away. She made the decision, worked and studied hard, and became a nurse in 1999.

Pam supports 10 of the Schlegel Villages as a Quality Improvement Specialist. In her role, she supports the variety of programs to meet the ministry's regulations. How do we mitigate risk and still honour resident choice giving residents a quality of life they deserve?

Prior to nursing at Schlegel Villages she worked with Toronto Rehab and talks about a Preceptorship program she was involved in: ASK ME (Attributes Skills & Knowledge for Maximizing Excellence)

Hear about Pam's early influences that pointed her down this path as she shares memories of her grandfather and the #ElderWisdom he and his friends offered her as a young girl.

A message to those looking at a career in long-term care, "Be brave to take that step to work in long-term care and don't give in to ridicule." - Pam Wiebe

"It's never too late to find your passion" - Erin Davis

Pope Francis was a bouncer and janitor for a nightclub
Julia Child didn't write her first cook book until she was 50
Grandma Moses started her painting career at 78

"It's never too late to re-write your ending." - Erin Davis

Working or living in a Schlegel Village is being part of a family. Bill, Pam's husband also feels as part of the Schlegel Family and she talks about the strong connections that are made within the organization.

Schlegel Villages Team Member Aspiration

CULTIVATE THE ULTIMATE TEAM MEMBER EXPERIENCE

At Schlegel Villages, we have an amazing culture that stellar team members want to be a part of. We care about our team members as much as we care about our residents. As one family, we learn, grow, and move forward together. We are passionate and find fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. Our caring community honours and encourages well-being, and team members are appreciated in personally meaningful ways. Through mentorship, ongoing support, and education we are empowered to go beyond the status quo, and unleash our full potential.

“You can be you while being a part of our family.”

Learn more about joining our team

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Episode Published on International Women's Day #IWD2022