For many, the decision to pursue a career in nursing can be traced to a pivotal experience early in life that confirmed a natural inclination as a caregiver. I’m told that by the age of six, it was obvious to my family that I would undoubtedly follow a path that would include taking care of others, especially seniors.
As a child, I found great joy in spending time with my grandparents. My grandpa would call me his “little nurse” as I helped my grandma take care of him during his last years convalescing at home with cancer. As I look back, it was this experience that both shaped and foreshadowed my professional future which would ultimately combine both my love of nursing with my desire to bring comfort and compassion into the life of a senior.
Almost 20 years later, I returned to school as a mature student while jointly managing the challenge of raising a young family. When I graduated, I was fortunate to secure a position as a charge nurse in a new long term care facility. Straight away, I loved it and knew I was on the right path.
When the position of Resident Services Manager was advertised at a local retirement home, I pursued it as an opportunity to build and develop my management skills. It was the perfect combination utilizing my clinical skills, while allowing me to build genuine relationships with residents and their family members.With the support of the management team at Chartwell, it was also an opportunity to grow my leadership skills. There were no limits to the position and I thrived in the diversity of the role which included creative problem solving, building community relationships, developing customer service skills and providing education and support to the nursing staff.
Throughout my time with Chartwell Retirement Residences, they have continued to recognize my abilities and support my nursing career development. My professional growth at Chartwell has included a promotion to General Manager of a retirement home, followed by a move to Regional Manager and I currently hold the position of Director, Resident Care for Ontario Retirement as part of the Corporate Office management team.
Chartwell truly values and promotes life long learning and I am proud to have completed a certificate in Long Term Care Senior Management, become a Surveyor for the Ontario Retirement Communities Association and most recently obtain a University Certificate in Leadership.
I continue to grow in my position and feel fortunate to work for a company that values nurses and recognizes their contributions. And best of all, I still continue to feel that I’m making a positive difference in the life of a senior.What an incredible reward.
Profile of Charlotte Miller
Director, Resident Care for Ontario Retirement
