Edna Nyaribo, RN, Director of Health Services, Amira Choice, Champlin MN
Cultural Roots With Elders
“My culture has a lot of respect for the elderly. We always consult them for their wisdom before making major decisions.” This was Edna’s opening line to my questions about her caregiving career.
Edna went on to explain, “Growing up, I had a strong bond with my grandparents. My parents were very involved in their care. They always used herbs like cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, and rosemary to treat simple ailments. This made me fascinated to learn more about the correlation of what we eat and our health. They believed our health is our wealth. They were also very spiritual and kept a very positive attitude even as they lost their independence as they aged.”
Kenya And Caregiving
Coming from her homeland in Kenya in the late 1990s, Edna followed her older brother to the U.S. for college. However, the prospect of starting out on an assembly line, or fast food was of no interest. In fact, it helped clarify her desire to work with people rather than any business pursuits.
So, with her tradition of respecting and serving her elders, Edna completed her Certified Nursing Assistant training and began her eldercare work. It was not only the right move for her but her career as well. There was no shortage of career advancement opportunities in healthcare.
College And Career Opportunities
Edna’s first two years as a CNA went quickly at Friendship Village in Bloomington, MN. During that time, not only did career opportunities become evident, but she also found a great deal of encouragement by some strong leaders and mentors. They certainly saw her potential and helped guide her toward further advancement.
Her next stop was the result of earning her LPN degree. Edna was brought on by Ecumen in Brooklyn Center. This is where she met one of those strong mentors, Janelle Meyers who really showed confidence in Edna. Over the course of the next 10 years Edna kept applying herself adding other experience and training beyond senior living.
Progress In Her Profession
At Brookdale in Plymouth, MN Edna embraced the opportunity to learn all she could about caring for those with dementia. “I enjoyed learning and using the behavioral techniques for effectively serving those folks” Edna said.
Her next stop was at the Anoka, MN hospital specializing in mental health treatment. After which she returned to Friendship Village, after earning her RN degree, as one of the nurse managers. Then the last four years Edna further developed her leadership as nursing director at Broadwell senior living in Plymouth. Now as of this past summer Edna is the nursing director at Amira Choice in Champlin, MN and says she is very excited for the opportunity.
Paying Forth With Mentorship
As her own knowledge, experience and responsibilities have grown over the years Edna has become a leader herself. She has for some time now trained and mentored others. “I like training people to improve and also pass on what I have learned and been given.”
“I also like sharing my story and goals and reminding my staff that the first step is always the hardest and it’s worth taking.” Edna explained. Two of the CNAs Edna has managed and mentored have gone on to careers as a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner.
Her Commitment Is Personal
“As challenging as things can get at times, like staffing for instance, I always go back to my ‘Why’” Edna reflected. “I always want to develop relationships with staff, residents and families to serve them best”. She ended by saying “My mom taught me to never give up. ‘Always get up!’”
Edna went on to explain that while there are moments that are dramatic, serious and sad there are also many that are touching, funny and sweet. Through it all she said she just wants to continue doing well in her latest opportunity.
She is thrilled to work the closest to home she ever has. She loves cooking, music, gardening and parenting her three kids along with her husband. And to top it all off she occasionally travels back to Kenya to visit and always takes time to volunteer in a local clinic or two to help administer vaccinations or whatever else she can help with.