Testimonials
Cathy Matney
My name is Cathy Matney and I am a Licensed Practical Nurse and one of the House Supervisors on day shift at Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center. I began working at Good Shepherd as a nurse aide in 1986. After working as a nurse aide, I attended some classes and became a Certified Medication Aide. Seven years later, I decided to become an LPN and started classes to become a nurse.
I have worked at Good Shepherd for twenty one years, twenty one wonderful years. I enjoy working with the elderly and my employer treats staff like family regardless if you have been here twenty one years or if you are newly hired.
Not only do I work at Good Shepherd, I am a volunteer. I assist with whatever activities are going on in the facility, be it a fund raiser for the residents’ Christmas, or a trip for the residents to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We help our residents and their families to have fun and enjoy life.
At the end of my shift, I will not leave the building until I make sure that I have done everything I can do for each resident in my care, and I insure there is adequate staff on the floor to continue the care that has been provided to our residents. We work as a TEAM. I am blessed to be a part of this organization.
Sherri Spencer
My name is Sherri Spencer and I came to work at Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center in June, 1981, as a dietary aide. I had just graduated from high school. My dad taught me that if I was going to have a good life, that I needed to work for that good life.
The reason I have stayed so long at Good Shepherd, is because I believe this is where the good Lord wanted me to be. I want to do what God wants me to do and I believe He puts individuals where He wants them to be. This place is my mission for Him. I love being here.
I have two wonderful families, one at home and one at work. Some of my best friends are here. They are people that I can count on when I need them.
I love my job, the residents, and my co-workers. I hope that I never have to leave this place. If I ever need nursing care, I hope there is a place like Good Shepherd for me.
Thelma Sue Dotson
My name is Thelma Sue Dotson. I am currently a resident at Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center. I had knee surgery and am here for some therapy from the rehabilitation department at Good Shepherd. One of the reasons I chose Good Shepherd for my rehab is because I live in the Phelps area. Another reason is because I used to work here as a nurse aide in 1985. The final reason is because I felt that I would receive good care here. When we were told by the doctor that I would need to go to a rehab center for additional therapy, there was no question where I wanted to go, needed to go, and would be going. We all agreed that Good Shepherd was our choice.
This morning we met, staff and residents, in the facility dining room, joined hands, and prayed. This is a daily activity at Good Shepherd. Requests were taken and we prayed for all the residents, the staff, our soldiers, our families, our neighbors, and etc. The staff not only cares for the body, they care for the soul as well. My son visits the facility on a regular basis, providing prayer to the residents and staff, and providing church services in the facility dining room for anyone who wishes to attend.
I will be returning home in the near future. I will continue to pray for this place and the residents and staff. If I should need nursing care in the future, there is no doubt Good Shepherd would be my facility of choice for obvious reasons.
Meady Hardin
My name is Meady Hardin and I am one of the House Supervisor on day shift at Good Shepherd Community Nursing Center. As a young mother, I made the decision to begin to work at the facility to help out with our finances and a growing family that needed my support and care.
Initially, I worked as a nurse aide. I enjoyed the work; however, I wanted to do more for the residents. With my interest in helping others, I decided to further my education. I received additional training and became a Certified Medication Aide which allowed me to administer medications to the residents and provide services that a nurse aide was not allowed to do. As time passed, I grew restless again, wanting to get deeper in the care needs of the residents. I quit my job, went back to school, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN.
After securing my LPN license, I went to work at a facility closer to my home. I was not happy. I realized that I was missing something, and that something was Good Shepherd, the residents, and the staff. I missed my second family and I realized that “family” cannot be replaced. I felt that I was a lost sheep and I needed to find my home. I called Good Shepherd and they were happy to hear from me. They had missed me too.
My work enables me to become acquainted with people of all ages. I feel that I make a difference in their lives. I enjoy making other people happy and helping them to adjust to their environment here. This facility provides the residents with a homelike environment and a second family.
When residents become rehabilitated and leave our home, we continue to call and check on them. Some of them call and check on us. Some of them visit with us on a daily basis. What a blessing.
As I continue the work that I have grown to love, I am now satisfied. It is my plan to greet people and to help them overcome problems and situations they face. Everyday at Good Shepherd brings new challenges, challenges that I look forward to meeting and overcoming.
