Meet Nwaego Ukanwa: A Passionate Nursing Leader Making a Difference at PSL

At Presbyterian Senior Living, our team members are the heart of our mission, providing compassionate care and creating meaningful connections with residents. One such inspiring leader is Nwaego Ukanwa, the Director of Nursing (DON) of Skilled Nursing and Personal Care at Westminster Village at Dover. With over 14 years of dedicated service, Nwaego’s journey through PSL is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to holistic resident care.

A Journey of Growth and Dedication

Nwaego began her career in senior living and healthcare because PSL’s mission and vision aligned with her personal values. She saw the opportunity to provide compassionate, body-and-soul care to residents and knew she had found her calling.

Starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Nwaego dedicated herself to continuous learning and professional development. Through hard work and education, she advanced to her current leadership position as Director of Nursing. Along the way, she has implemented innovative systems to improve nursing operations, such as a structured checklist that helps team members transition into night shifts seamlessly, even without prior training.

Leadership and Philosophy

As a clinical leader, Nwaego embraces a holistic approach to resident care. She believes that from the moment she steps into a resident’s room, she must assess not just their physical needs but also their emotional and psychological well-being. Her leadership philosophy centers on proactive observation—ensuring that residents are comfortable, pain-free, and happy.

Nwaego credits her growth to mentors who have significantly influenced her journey. She fondly remembers a mentor from school who encouraged her never to shy away from asking questions, and she expresses deep gratitude for her husband, who has been her unwavering support system, reminding her that persistence and practice lead to success.

A Day in the Life of a Director of Nursing

Nwaego describes her daily routine as dynamic and ever-changing. While she may have a plan for the day, the unpredictable nature of healthcare often requires her to adapt quickly. Her key responsibilities include overseeing the nursing department's operations in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and personal care. She ensures that residents receive the highest quality of care, family concerns are addressed, staffing levels are adequate, and meetings are attended—all while maintaining a positive and supportive work environment.

The Westminster Village Dover Community

For Nwaego, Westminster Village Dover is more than just a workplace—it is a family. She proudly tells new team members, “If this wasn’t a great place to work, I wouldn’t still be here after 14 years!” She credits PSL for fostering a supportive environment that encourages academic and professional growth.

She describes the health center as her home, where both residents and team members are like family. The camaraderie among team members is strong, and even post-COVID, the team has remained resilient and committed to its purpose. Recognizing the challenges of the healthcare industry, Nwaego and her management team strive to support their team members, advocate for their needs, and ensure they feel valued. Team member appreciation initiatives, such as shoutouts and gift certificates, help recognize and celebrate hard work and dedication.

The Future of Senior Living

Reflecting on the senior living industry post-COVID, Nwaego acknowledges the widespread challenges, including burnout and workforce shortages. However, she remains optimistic about the resilience of PSL’s community. She actively follows industry trends and continually seeks opportunities to enhance resident care and team member well-being.

Professional Development and Benefits

PSL has played a crucial role in Nwaego’s personal and professional growth. She has taken advantage of PSL’s Nightingale Scholarship program twice, which has helped her advance in her career. She also appreciates PSL’s internal promotion culture, ensuring that dedicated team members have opportunities to grow within the organization.

In addition to educational benefits, she finds PSL’s retirement program particularly valuable. She recognizes the importance of long-term financial planning and appreciates PSL’s commitment to providing comprehensive benefits that support team members' well-being.

Final Thoughts

Nwaego’s journey at PSL is a powerful example of dedication, leadership, and a passion for senior care. Her commitment to holistic resident care, her innovative contributions to nursing operations, and her unwavering support for her team make her an invaluable asset to Westminster Village Dover.

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self and others in the field, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuous self-improvement. “Never give up. Keep learning, keep growing, and always strive to be better.”

With leaders like Nwaego Ukanwa, PSL continues to uphold its mission of providing compassionate, comprehensive care that nurtures the body, mind, and soul.