It’s National Nursing Assistants Week! June 13 to 19 is a time to celebrate the amazing professional caregivers in our midst. Each nursing assistant is a vital member of our health care team, performing essential person-centered care under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.
Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) is grateful to more than 2,900 resident assistants, home health aides, trained medication aides and certified nursing assistants! These professionals make a difference every day by enriching the lives of residents and their families.
Today, we highlight three dedicated nursing assistants: Monica, Florame and Aminga. They share their stories and what inspired them to choose a path of enriching lives and touching the hearts of older adults.
Monica Osunlana, bonding meaningfully with residents
Monica Osunlana exudes passion and love. A certified nursing assistant for 25-plus years, she serves at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, Minn.
In her work, she says, “I just want to explode the love of God!”
A close relationship with her grandmother led Monica to choose a career in health care after moving from Nigeria. “It was so sad because just a couple of years later, my grandma passed away,” she reflects. “So, I felt I lost that contact and that gave me the drive to choose this field. I want to care for older adults and to feel my grandma around me as well.”
Monica is committed to bringing smiles to the eyes of residents. She appreciates the bonds she’s formed with residents and knows she’s in a career that loves her back.
Florame Mapada, finding renewed purpose
It was not an easy journey for Florame Mapada to discover a new career with PHS, but it was worth it.
Originally from The Philippines, Florame led a 13-year banking career before hearing about the PHS – International Nurse Recruitment Program (INR). After moving to Chicago and then Minneapolis with her husband and two kids, she was called back to The Philippines to care for ailing family members in 2021.
She cared for her father-in-law with stage 4 cancer and her own father, who suffered from a stroke. Florame reunited with her family in the U.S. a year later and began her ministry at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington in Minnesota. Florame has served as a resident assistant there since 2023.
“I found renewed purpose in serving residents as a resident assistant,” she said.
Florame is also motivated to advance her career at PHS, something that is strongly supported and encouraged. As a nonprofit where people make lifelong careers, PHS is committed to helping each employee grow into his or her optimum role.
Aminga Keago, living out his faith
Aminga Keago, a nursing assistant at Folkestone in Wayzata, Minn., grew up in Kenya and says he’s proud to be a Christian. “The primary reason why I chose PHS,” he says, “is the core values, the Christian ministry.”
Amiga excels at making residents feel welcomed, comfortable and respected.
“God [helps] you appreciate, understand and value others for who they are. If I can see residents in their own uniqueness, I will be able to serve them with dignity and satisfaction,” Aminga says.
Aminga enjoys forming family-like bonds with residents and coworkers and building up the Christian culture. In senior living, he realizes that when he puts others first, and they put him first, “we will have a society that values life.”
Thankful for our team
We are grateful to have such dedicated nursing assistants at PHS! These individuals embody our mission, our compassion and our commitment to person-centered care. Whether you have been with us for one day or three decades, thank you for your love, your skill and your knowledge of all the things that truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Want to join our amazing team?
Like Monica, Florame and Aminga, you could also help enrich the lives of older adults, working at a PHS community near you. We always have a wide range of positions open in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Whether you’re starting out, at mid-career level or looking for a post-retirement career, we encourage you to apply to join our team and follow our blog.
