Heart of Health: Katie Shirley channels grandmother’s desire for excellence in care

Inspired by her “nan’s” career in nursing, Katie Shirley continues the family tradition of caring for others in her work as continuing care assistant (CCA) at South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro. 

“Nan” is Katie’s now-departed grandmother whose experiences and years of service remain an inspiration to her work at the long-term care site in the Northern Zone. 

Katie successfully completed CCA studies and thought about pursuing nursing, but she says she found her passion as a care assistant, entering healthcare like her “nan” did. 

“It worked out really well,” she says of the job she’s enjoyed since 2021, which includes tenure at a long-term care facility in Amherst. “I wasn't quite sure if I was going to like it or how it was going to go, and it's turned out to be my greatest passion.” 

Katie was a waitress but put down her order notebook in favour of lending a hand to a healthcare crisis in flux due to economic challenges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I realized (at the time) healthcare was in crisis,” she recalls, “so, I decided to go back to school” for CCA studies. “I decided that I wanted to be in healthcare and do what I could to help and it turned out to be something I loved.” 

In retrospect, it was a calling. 

“Everything was shut down (during the height of the pandemic) and I just had some time to think and I was thinking: well, what can I do to help?  Can I, you know, do my part? That is what I decided to do.” 

At South Cumberland Community Care Centre, Katie says her shifts are filled with valued opportunities “to take care of those who once took care of us.” 

“I help them with daily activities like getting dressed, eating if they need assistance with that, bathing; those kinds of quality-of-life things,” Katie explains. 

“I like being there for them; for their mental health and physical health needs.” 

Located off Jenks Avenue, South Cumberland Community Care Centre offers long-term care services as well as assistance for individuals with urgent, non-life-threatening health issues that need treatment on the same day or the following day through its Urgent Treatment Centre. 

Being present in the moment for those requiring care “is like having endless amounts of grandparents,” Katie says with a laugh. 

“I'm so comfortable and so happy with what I do,” she adds. 

She admits it’s a “cheesy” reply, but she says she gets the greatest joy and professional rewards from seeing residents smile and being happy. 

“It’s great being able to connect with them – sit and chat – about their lives,” she adds. 

“Most people want to be at home with their loved ones but when they’re living in long-term care it’s meaningful when you make them feel at home with you. It’s such a great feeling.” 

Katie’s motivation is about trying to make each day a good one for those for whom she cares. 

“I keep going back to this: it’s my greatest passion. I’ve done lots of jobs, from selling cars to waitressing, and nothing has made me feel more useful in my life than this job,” she says. 

“It’s a great career.” 

Photo of Katie Shirley.