Greene County celebrates National Skilled Nursing Care Week
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – On Monday morning, the Greene County community rallied to celebrate and honor skilled nurses who make an impact on the lives of local people.
National Skilled Nursing Care Week is observed from May 12-18.
“This kicks off all kinds of fun events for our residents and our staff,” said Misty Key, the senior executive director for the Life Care Center of Greeneville. “This is to celebrate and honor our residents that we care for. It has been a long-standing tradition.”
A parade and balloon send-off was held at Hardin Park in Greeneville. Key said the gathering is just one of many activities the Life Care Center will do throughout the week to honor its staff and residents.
“It’s rewarding knowing that you’ve helped someone, learning their history, their contributions to the community. It’s not just a job, it’s more than that,” said Key. “It’s just a rewarding opportunity and a blessing.”
Key told News Channel 11 that East Tennessee has been experiencing a nursing shortage, but the Life Care Center has been finding ways to bring more people into the profession.
“We have an agreement with Walter State Community College,” said Key. “We actually hire in individuals and put them through the senior class, give them an opportunity to start a career in nursing, and also support our facility.”
Miranda Mercer, a registered nurse at the Life Care Center in Greeneville, said working in the field is rewarding.
“I’m honored to be here. I think it just means a lot to the residents, and it means a lot to us,” said Mercer. “Definitely experiencing life with the residents, that’s just such a big part and just being the person that can give them the love and care that they need and they deserve that.”
During the event, Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison issued a proclamation recognizing National Skilled Nursing Care Week in the county.
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