KAUKAUNA, Wis. — Taylor Karl has been helping people at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna for five years.
What You Need To Know
- St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna is seeking people to fill about 30 positions
- Positions range from certified nursing assistants to licensed nurses and food service staff
- The need for elderly caregivers isn’t expected to slow down
“I love being able to come to work and having a relationship with all the family members and the residents,” she said. “They’re like my second family here.”
Karl started working at St. Paul Elder Services when she was in high school. She has since worked her way up from a certified nursing assistant to a registered nurse.
Karl said the job is about more than just medicine.
“Ninety-five percent of it is social,” she said. “You cannot do your nursing job duties unless you know the residents and are able to care for them in the way they want to be cared for. Providing medical care is very important, but knowing who you’re caring for is even more important.”
St. Paul Elder Services provides several care levels and options, from assisted living to a nursing home, memory care, and hospice and home care services.
It’s adding positions ranging from licensed nurses and personal care assistants to food service staff.
President and CEO Sondra Norder said one of the biggest needs is certified nursing assistants.
“If anybody is interested in becoming a caregiver, even if they’ve not had any training or experience, we can provide that for those who want to become a certified nursing assistant,” she said. “We have programs onsite and we have scholarship programs to help cover the cost of those programs as well.”
Norder said there are many different takeaways from the job.
“There are such rewards that come from it beyond the paycheck,” she said. “It’s a purpose. It’s a calling. It’s a sacred calling we have here.”
That mission is reflected in personal care assistant Brittney Hietpas.
“It’s very fulfilling. It’s a rewarding job,” she said. “The residents here are always thanking us for what we do, and going above and beyond, doing the little things is what makes this place a second home for us staff here.”
The jobs they’re offering are expected to be in demand for years to come as Baby Boomers age.
“I definitely think the nursing field is picking up and people are always going to have a job in nursing,” Karl said. “This is definitely a good place to be.”