After more than three decades in the nursing field, Shawn Williams continues to find joy and fulfillment in her role as a certified nursing assistant. Working primarily with elderly patients, Williams has dedicated her career to providing compassionate care, most recently at the PACE GNO, a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, located in the Greater New Orleans area.
Williams began her journey as a nursing assistant at a young age, initially uncertain about her choice. “I’d done it kicking and screaming,” she recalled, but eventually discovered a deep passion for the work. Over the years, Williams has built relationships with countless seniors from diverse backgrounds, enriching her life and theirs.
At PACE GNO, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities, Williams engages with seniors through various activities, including music sessions, field trips, and wellness programs. With only 18 months at PACE, she has already recognized that her role aligns perfectly with her passions.
Finding Reward in Daily Interactions
For Williams, the most rewarding aspect of her job is the genuine connections she forms with her patients. “I like the reward of it,” she stated. “As I got older, I realized your seniors and your elders make the best best-friends.” She emphasizes that seniors possess a unique perspective on life, often sharing humor, music, and stories that resonate with her.
This connection is not merely professional; Williams feels a deep sense of purpose in her role. “When these seniors express gratitude for the help we provide, the warm smiles and humble ‘thank yous’ fuel my passion,” she explained. Although she considered pursuing a nursing career, she ultimately decided to remain a nursing assistant, valuing the time spent with patients over the fast-paced demands of nursing.
Williams’s approach to care relies heavily on her ability to listen and learn from her patients. She employs a method she calls L.O.L. — which stands for Listen, Observe, and Learn. “It has helped me build a great rapport with my elderly friends,” she noted. Through this method, she not only assists them physically but also fosters their independence.
Lessons and Wisdom from the Elderly
In her interactions, Williams has gained invaluable insights from her patients. “They have taught me to take my time, whether at the market or in life,” she said, reflecting on the lessons learned. Conversations often revolve around cooking, a significant aspect of New Orleans culture, where recipes and family traditions are shared freely.
The wisdom imparted by her patients extends beyond cooking. Williams highlights the importance of kindness, stating, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice.” She has learned to approach disagreements with patience, recognizing that relationships built on unconditional love can weather storms.
At the end of each day, Williams leaves her workplace with not just a sense of accomplishment but a renewed purpose. “Can you imagine having a job where you’re going to work with the love of a grandmother or a grandfather?” she asked. “That’s the best job in the world.”
In reflecting on her career, Williams’s journey stands as a testament to the profound impact of elderly care. As she continues to nurture these connections, she embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication that characterizes the nursing profession.
