In this episode, Victoria Arrowsmith, a Certified Nursing Assistant of Brookestone of Papillion, shares her inspiring journey from high school science teacher to health care professional. Her career transition during the COVID-19 pandemic led her to discover profound purpose through patient care and human connection in long-term care settings.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:40 Career transitions can open unexpected paths to purpose.

03:00 Global crises can catalyze meaningful personal transformations.

03:52 Genuine human connections form health care’s most powerful foundation.

04:44 Small compassionate gestures create lasting impacts on patients.

06:12 True leaders inspire others to pursue growth opportunities.

06:40 Thoughtful acts of kindness matter most during grief.

07:52 Confronting mortality reminds us to cherish loved ones.

08:40 Early exposure to compassionate care can shape vocations.

Resources Mentioned:

Brookestone of Papillion | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/papillion-manor/

Brookestone of Papillion | Website

https://www.brookestonepapillion.com

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Collette Mieres, Executive Director of Ovation Heartwood Preserve. She shares how early lessons in compassion shaped her leadership in senior living and how creativity, empathy, and everyday acts of kindness drive meaningful care for both residents and staff.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:01 Family influences can shape a lifelong commitment to care.

04:17 Love and care for patients make a lasting impact.

06:38 Creativity in daily activities enhances connection and joy.

08:44 Treating others like family builds trust and belonging.

12:44 Leadership is about being on the floor with your team.

Resources Mentioned:

Collette Mieres

https://www.linkedin.com/in/collette-mieres-ala-lpn-cdp-cmdcp-697774162/

Ovation Heartwood Preserve | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovation-heartwood-preserve/

Ovation Heartwood Preserve | Website

https://ovationheartwoodpreserve.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this episode, Madison Guthrie, Director of Safety and Environmental Services of Vetter Senior Living, shares how attentive leadership and hands-on experience across different roles can drive meaningful change in senior living environments. The discussion reveals practical strategies for building trust, improving teamwork, and inspiring personal growth within care communities.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:33 Getting to know multiple facilities provides new operational insights.​

02:09 Different team communication styles inspire process improvements.​

03:45 Listening to diverse perspectives fosters open-minded leadership.​

06:33 Interdepartmental efforts build dignity and strong teamwork daily.​

07:42 Valuing team members through unique communication truly motivates.​

09:09 Career growth opportunities exist at every level in care.

Resources Mentioned:

Madison Guthrie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-guthrie-9a368b222/

Vetter Senior Living| LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetter-senior-living/

Vetter Senior Living | Website

https://www.vetterseniorliving.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this heartfelt episode, Chris Moninger of Brookestone View shares his journey as a medication aide, his experiences living with disabilities, and how those challenges helped him build meaningful bonds with residents. Chris discusses mentorship, emotional resilience, rural community life, and receiving the NPV award for exceptional care. He offers practical advice for young caregivers starting in long-term care.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:30 Early mentorship helps shape lifelong values in care.

04:50 Personal challenges create deeper empathy for others.

06:14 Overcoming adversity can bring a renewed perspective on life.

06:53 Everyday acts of service provide lasting fulfillment.

07:50 Teamwork and recognition motivate consistent improvement.

09:01 Listening to stories helps form meaningful connections.

Resources Mentioned:

Brookestone View | Website

https://www.brookestoneview.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Greg Ernst, Vice President of Operations at Dial Senior Living and Chair of the Nebraska Healthcare Assisted Living Association. Greg shares his path from an uncertain start in healthcare to finding lasting purpose in senior living. He reflects on the daily rewards of connecting with residents, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the impact of often-overlooked frontline caregivers. His story highlights the heart of long-term care and why people matter most.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:40 Discovering senior living through an unexpected internship.

05:10 How a resident’s gratitude for housekeeping revealed a daily impact.

09:23 Residents carry wisdom, vitality, and life experience.

12:42 Senior living offers unmatched daily career satisfaction, often in simple ways.

15:41 Overnight and dining staff often go unseen.

18:15 Leadership values are shaped by the memory of a grandmother’s selflessness.

Resources Mentioned:

Greg Ernst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-ernst-46b3502b/

Dial Senior Living | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dial-senior-living/

Dial Senior Living | Website

https://dialseniorliving.com

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Maria Hudson, Senior Lead Administrative Assistant at the Good Samaritan Society. Maria shares how community involvement, frontline advocacy, and powerful resident experiences are reshaping perceptions of long-term care. From fishing trips to policy discussions in Washington, Maria highlights both the challenges and the joys of senior living today.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:52 Sitting with senators to share frontline stories of long-term care.

04:52 How COVID reshaped the workforce and made hiring in rural care difficult.

06:42 Why community and staff are equally responsible for elder care.

07:38 The joy and excitement of a 98-year-old’s first fishing trip.

09:37 How showing the docuseries changed local views of nursing homes.

10:47 Using storytelling and visuals to reassure new residents and their families.

Resources Mentioned:

Maria Hudson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-hudson-25692a12a/

Good Samaritan Society | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-samaritan-sanford-health/

Good Samaritan Society | Website

https://www.good-sam.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Host Peter Murphy Lewis is joined on this episode by Danielle Rasmussen, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Linden Court. Danielle shares her journey from librarian to life enrichment, her high-energy approach to engaging residents, and the meaningful stories that shape her work in senior living. From celebrating 104th birthdays to helping a 101-year-old find renewed purpose, she illustrates the power of connection, dignity, and joy in long-term care.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:38 Feeling grateful to get paid for making residents happy.

06:02 Giving a 101-year-old resident a sense of purpose as her “assistant.”

06:55 Discovering a resident’s hidden gift of knowing the day of the week for any date.

08:31 Realizing preconceptions can blind us to someone’s true brilliance.

10:38 Hosting a 104th birthday that left residents in tears of joy.

11:42 Encouraging young people to consider the rewards of long-term care.

Resources Mentioned:

Danielle Rasmussen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-rasmussen-314b0b132/

Linden Court | Website

https://www.lindencourt.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Brenda Van Leer, Program Director at Grandview Assisted and Independent Living, shares how she stepped into long-term care and quickly built programs that stand out statewide. In just over a year, she introduced fresh ideas that have energized residents, strengthened community partnerships, and earned national recognition. From launching a traveling balloon volleyball league to hosting Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook, Brenda shows how creativity and teamwork can shape a thriving culture. She also reflects on how daily connections with residents have reshaped her patience, perspective, and sense of purpose — insights that matter to anyone leading in senior care.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

04:12 Why assisted living is described as a feel-good job.

07:33 The value of leaning on experienced teammates.

11:10 Launching a balloon volleyball league across facilities.

14:09 Turning activities into spirited competition that residents love.

15:13 When national sports figures engage senior communities.

19:19 Why volunteering is the best entry into long-term care.

Resources Mentioned:

Grandview Assisted and Independent Living | Website

https://www.grandviewassisted.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Jenni Torres, Education Service Coordinator at Nebraska Health Care Association. Jenny shares how her first year in the role has focused on outreach, education, and supporting students from diverse communities across Nebraska. She highlights her work connecting schools and agencies, building CNA pathways, and promoting programs like their Spanish track to better serve the local Latino community.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:33 Experience working with diverse populations adds value to health care education efforts.

03:27 Community engagement is highlighted through events like the Latino Festival in Lincoln.

03:45 Students retaking certification exams show resilience when supported through challenges.

5:44 Around 20% of students enrolled in the Nebraska Health Care Association education program have English as a second language.

6:50 Patience and passion are key requirements for success in the long-term care industry.

8:20 Not all cultures are familiar with long-term health care facilities. It's important to know about the resources available in your community.

Resources Mentioned:

Nebraska Health Care Association | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nebraska-health-care-association/

Nebraska Health Care Association | Website

https://nehca.org

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Julie Masters, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Julie shares her passion for reframing how we view aging and why education, community design, and storytelling are essential to creating meaningful experiences for older adults. She reflects on shifts in gerontology programs, her own experiences navigating health care systems, and the urgent need to make communities more age-friendly.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:54 Nobody hopes to end up in long-term care.

06:07 COVID created a lasting stigma around aging.

08:09 Students find inspiration in grandparents’ active lives.

14:01 Health care systems can be difficult for older adults to navigate.

15:37 Simple design changes make environments age-friendly.

18:19 Older adults grow less alike as they age.

22:40 Safe spaces encourage storytelling and dignity.

26:40 Meaning and purpose remain possible at any age.

Resources Mentioned:

Julie Masters

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-masters-1903b69/

University of Nebraska Omaha | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/school/unomaha/

University of Nebraska Omaha | Website

https://www.unomaha.edu/

“The Book of Charlie” by David Von Drehle

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Charlie-Remarkable-American-109-Year-Old/dp/1476773920

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout