People decide to start a second career for many reasons. For some, pursing their passion in retirement has always been part of their dream, and for others they have been inspired along the way to switch paths based on personal experiences. And sometimes, it’s just time for change. The latter is the case for Franchise Partner, Imelda Wright of Nurse Next Door Vernon and Kelowna.
Imelda recently joined the Nurse Next Door family. She retired from her job as a Patient Care Coordinator for the Rehabilitation Unit at Fraser Health Authority after working as a Registered Nurse for over 27 years. She knew she still wanted to care for others, but wanted to do so in a different capacity. Imelda was ready for change.
Kayla Wright and Imelda Wright
In becoming a Nurse Next Door franchise owner, Imelda says, “I get the chance to follow clients in the community. I get to experience connecting with families as well as with hospital staff. This role of interconnection between hospital and community is valuable for clients and the business, which can only lead to better care services.”
Check out Imelda’s interview below to learn more about her caring journey:
What is your professional background?
I came from a family of caregivers, such as Nurses, Doctors, and Care Aides. I have relatives that previously owned nursing homes, and so I was introduced to the idea of caring for others at a young age. I started my career as a Care Aide when I first came to Canada. I loved caring for others and knew that I wanted to further my career. So, I continued to study and received by BSN at the University of Victoria. I have always believed in continuing studies, so when I started working in rehabilitation nursing I decided to specialize in it.
As someone who has professionally cared for others for over 27 years, what has been your biggest learning regarding senior care?
Taking care of the elderly takes compassion, respect, patience and the ability to connect to where they are coming from. It is important that we recognize their wisdom.
Why a home health care franchise?
Being a franchise owner allows me to have direct say in my business, and also to have a direct relationships with clients and my team. I get a chance to make a difference in people’s lives in a totally new spectrum; this is not only very exciting but rewarding for me.
Why Nurse Next Door?
What has been your biggest learning so far, and what do you think your biggest area of opportunity will be?
In the short time I have been in the home health care business, my biggest learning so far is that building relationships is key. Creating that trust with my team, hospital staff, clients and families makes a difference. I believe that there’s great opportunity in expanding our services to provide more specialized nursing care, such as Aspen Collar management, Peritoneal Dialysis, Palliative care, wound care and other nursing care specialties.
What advice do you have for someone else who is interested in starting a home care business?
I think the best advice I can give to someone who is looking to join the Nurse Next Door team is the same advice I got: be prepared to work from the ground up. Develop the relationships well and everything else will follow.
Nurse Next Door lets parents keep living their lives. The lives they chose. We’re ready to help you build your business. To learn more about how we set up new Franchise Partners for success, download our free home care franchise report.
