National Nurses Week: An Interview with Grace McDonald

In honor of National Nurses Week, Bethesda celebrates those nurses and certified nurse assistants (CNAs) who bring quality care and service to our residents and their families.

We spoke with Grace McDonald who works at Bethesda Meadow as a Nurse Manager in the memory care neighborhood, which specializes in caring for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Always Looking to Help Others

Always looking for a way to help others, Grace decided early on that nursing was the path for her. She had always been interested in nursing, and admitted that it was scary at first. Nevertheless, she “took the dive” and embraced the challenge of nursing.

“It Feels Like Home”

When she first stepped foot in Bethesda, Grace knew it was the place for her. With the sight of residents and staff socializing and getting to know each other personally, she said “it felt like home” and was immediately smitten.

Originally from Poplar Bluff, Grace chose to come to Bethesda because she had heard that it was named one of the Best Places to Work in St. Louis. She was not disappointed. Beginning as a graduate nurse, Grace worked her way up to be the Nurse Manager of the memory care neighborhood in 2 years.

“The supervisors really give you the sense that they want you to succeed,” she says. She went on to say that the environment is very supportive to residents and staff alike. “Everyone encourages each other to succeed and everyone has different strengths to complement each other,” she adds.

Getting to Know the Residents Personally

Grace takes her job to heart. “Nursing is a special job, and the residents deserve our care,” she says. She notes that long-term care provides many opportunities to get to know the residents personally. “What are their preferences and routines? You can learn a lot about a person that can help you manage their care in a way that is unique to them,” Grace says.

While there is really no “normal” day in her job, music is always a constant. Grace says that everyone likes to sing and dance. Grace and her co-workers will put on some music and dance for the residents, who enjoy the show.

Each nurse at Bethesda strives for consistent care so residents have continuity and a friendly face in their lives.

Put Others Before Yourself

Grace points out that there are times when nurses can get a little overwhelmed by their duties. They want to complete all of their responsibilities, but they cannot forget to take the time to look at the people they are serving. “Not the patient, but the person, Grace says. “Nursing is giving the care people deserve and being a person that is kind and caring and putting the resident’s wants and needs before your own.”

Grace thrives in being able to bring joy to the residents and their families. “We hear a lot of good things from the families.”

“Don’t Forget to Smile!”

When asked what advice she would give to those who want to go into nursing, Grace said that while nursing school and nursing itself is hard, it is a very rewarding career. She says that when serving others, “never underestimate the power of sitting down to focus on the residents and to rest yourself! Ask yourself why you’re going into nursing, and last, but not least, don’t forget to smile!”