A Mother’s Legacy
Julianna Carmean - STNA at Golden YearsJanuary 3, 2021
NOTE: This was taken from the blog of Foundations Health Solutions leader Bob Speelman. Bob works closely and frequently communicates with our Foundations Health facilities. It is so inspiring to see how each care team embodies the vision of our founder and nursing home developer, Brian Colleran, to be "A Culture of Care."
As I get older, I find myself wondering if the younger generation has the same morals and work ethic as the older generation. My question was put to rest last week during my visit to Golden Years, our 70-bed facility located in Hamilton, Ohio. I had the honor of working alongside Julianna Carmean, a truly remarkable and inspiring young lady.
Julianna started her healthcare career as a Patient Care Assistant at the hospital but soon found it was exactly as fulfilling as she had hoped. She spoke to her mom, who is an STNA, and who encouraged Julianna to try long-term care out and become an STNA. Julianna followed her mother’s advice and hasn’t looked back. Julianna told me that after beginning to work in long-term care, she realized that what was missing in the hospital were the relationships with her residents. In the hospital, people were there for only a few days and went home. Julianna is a people person and longed to develop relationships with those she takes care of. Julianna told me,
“I love taking care of people, it really makes me happy.”
I have to say that Julianna found her calling! Her love and attention to her residents were evident. The residents all said that she is the BEST! They told me that the reason she is so good is that everything she does comes from her heart.
Julianna told me that all her siblings are in or are going into healthcare. She said her older brother Dante, who’s 25, is in Medical School. Her other brother, Dawson, who’s 22, is in Veterinarian school and also works nights as an STNA at Golden Years. Julianna is 20 and wants to go to nursing school to become an RN or Nurse Practioner. Drake, who’s 19, is at Miami of Ohio and wants to become a Surgeon and also works nights at Golden Years as an STNA. And Julianna's youngest sibling, Joselyn, who’s 17, wants to do something in the medical field as well!
I asked Julianna how does this happen, that her entire family ends up doing something in healthcare? Then she told me about her mom, Michelle, who is an STNA, a single mom, and Julianna’s best friend. She told me about how her mom would work three jobs in order to provide for her and her siblings growing up. Her love and example are undoubtedly the reason they all wanted to make a difference and leave the world better than they found it.
L to R: Julianna and Michelle
L to R: Michelle and Julianna
Bob Speelman, STNA