Careers in Aging
Michele Whetstone, Social Worker at Palm Garden Jacksonville
I started as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the 1990s. I truly enjoyed meeting so many residents, interacting with them and having fun while providing them care. Now, being a social worker, that experience helps me better understand what the CNAs do for our residents and appreciate their role. I later finished my Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and have worked as a Social Worker for over 20 years.
I was inspired to enter a career in long-term care when I stayed with my grandparents in Buffalo, NY. It was supposed to be a three-week stay that ended up being three months. My grandfather and I were very close, and I still get emotional when I think about him. He inspired me to be a better person and to give back to my community. I love hearing the residents’ stories, getting to know them better, and what makes them unique. My passion is to listen to the residents in their time of need – especially those residents that do not have families or people in their lives to support them. My service to long-term care has provided me with more than I expected. It’s not a job for me – it’s a calling.
