A Decade of Compassion: Angie Smith's Journey from Medication Aide to LPN at Green Ridge Village

For over a decade, Angie Smith has been a cornerstone of compassionate care at Green Ridge Village. As an LPN who works in both home services and personal care, Angie embodies the heart of our mission through her dedication to residents and her remarkable professional journey.

Finding Her Calling

Though Angie dreamed of becoming a nurse in high school, her path initially took a different direction. After trying various roles, including working in a school district when her children were young, she discovered her passion for senior healthcare.

"I thought I'd give working in healthcare with the elderly a try and I absolutely loved it," Angie shares. "This is definitely where I belong."

Her journey at Green Ridge Village began in December 2014 as a medication aide in personal care. To increase her hours, she picked up shifts in housekeeping and independent living, eventually allowing her to focus solely on her PSL career.

It's Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams

When Angie's youngest child was approaching high school graduation, her husband asked what her next steps would be. Her answer was clear – she had always wanted to pursue nursing. With her husband's full support, Angie achieved her lifelong dream at age 45, becoming an LPN. "If you're thinking about it, go for it," Angie advises those considering a career change. "It's been the best decision I've ever made for my own life personally." Since becoming an LPN, Angie's responsibilities have continued to expand. She's received training in phlebotomy and recently became a Red Cross CPR instructor for the community – stepping out of her comfort zone as a self-described introvert.

A Day in the Life

Angie's typical day showcases the variety and importance of her role:

• Providing medication reminders to independent living residents
• Drawing and delivering labs to the local hospital
• Conducting weekly blood pressure clinics
• Transporting residents to medical appointments
• Responding to emergency pendants
• Assisting with pet care (including walking dogs – a highlight of her week!)
• Uploading medical documents
• Shopping for groceries

Perhaps most importantly, Angie serves as a comforting presence for residents transitioning from independent living to personal care. "It helps them when I remind them that I also work over there. So you'll see a familiar face," she explains.

The Green Ridge Family

When asked what makes PSL different from other employers, Angie points to supportive management that encourages career growth. Her manager regularly brings new opportunities to her attention and gives her the courage to pursue them.

The tight-knit team at Green Ridge Village has been equally supportive. During nursing school, Angie's colleagues worked around her schedule and offered advice during challenging courses. "Our team is more like a family, and that's the part I love," Angie says. "If there's a problem, I can call any one of my co-workers and usually one of them is willing to help or lend a hand."

This family extends to the residents, many of whom have been at Green Ridge as long as Angie. During her nursing studies, residents would check on her progress and grades, offering encouragement throughout her education.

A Legacy of Compassion

Angie hopes to be remembered for providing compassionate care and bringing positivity to those around her. "I try to be on their level where if they're in pain, I try to empathize with them... I just hope they remember me as always smiling and trying to cheer people up."

When she needs a quiet moment, Angie retreats to her favorite spot on campus – the chapel in the woods – though she's quick to note that personal care is her favorite wing: "That's my place."

Through her journey from medication aide to LPN and CPR instructor, Angie Smith exemplifies how dedication, lifelong learning, and genuine care for others create an exceptional team member and a brighter community for all at Green Ridge Village.