The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence, Collegedale
Taking Time to Care
Lori Pierce has always been driven by her passion for caring for other people. Even in high school, Pierce knew that she wanted to be a caregiver. “I love that I get to help people and that I continue to learn about my career every day,” Pierce says. As a certified nursing assistant at Morning Pointe, Pierce has a variety of responsibilities including serving meals, taking care of residents’ hygienic needs, and guiding them through activities. Pierce adds, “But most importantly, I take the time to know my residents and what keeps them happy and comfortable.” Having recently passed Morning Pointe’s new medication aide training program, Lori will soon take the state exam to become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
What I love most about working in memory care facilities is preserving the humanity and storied lives that my residents have lived. I love being there for them and seeing them happy.”
My Credentials
High School Diploma:
Towns County High School – Hiawassee, GA
Certifications:
Certified Nursing Assistant, Georgia Department of Community Health
1. What is one of your happiest professional moments?
My happiest professional moment happens when the family of a resident tells me I’m crucial to their resident’s care. When a family member tells me that their mom or dad is looking clean and happy, I know I had a part to play in that.
2. What influenced you to pursue your career?
I have always loved helping and caring for other people, and the CNA program in my hometown drew me in even when I was in high school. When I graduated, I went right into the CNA program at my town’s nursing home.
3. What is your philosophy when it comes to the care of your residents?
I believe all residents should be treated with kindness, respect, and patience. When you work in memory care, your residents don’t always know what they’re doing, so you need to be collected and calm when caring for them, but at the same time you need to speak to them as an adult and not in a gentle, unassuming voice, out of respect for them.
4. What is your best advice for residents?
I would advise residents and their families to research their conditions and any potential facility that could be good for them going forward. I believe having a more in-depth understanding of your condition can be vital to getting great care.
5. What would you consider to be your main strengths?
I would consider my strengths to be honesty, loyalty, willpower, and respect of all people. I believe everyone deserves respect.
- 423.396.4700
- 9300 Messinger Ln., Collegedale, TN 37363
- morningpointe.com
