Careers in Aging

Lauren Branon is a Certified Nurse Assistant at Aviata at Brooksville. Recently, she began a new leadership role in Central Supply where she has gone above and beyond expectations and taken ownership of the department. 

Her healthcare journey began in 2006 as a dietary aide in Brooksville, where she quickly discovered her passion for caring for others. In 2007, Lauren earned her CNA certification, officially stepping into the hands-on caregiving role she had always envisioned.

Lauren’s dedication, organization, and commitment to excellence are valued by her team. Vendors and staff have recognized her professionalism, responsiveness, and willingness to help wherever needed.

Lauren has truly taken charge of the department and raised the bar through her tireless effort and attention to detail. She has made a meaningful impact on daily operations at Aviata and has contributed to a more supportive work environment.

With outstanding service, strong work ethic, and continued commitment to excellence, everyone at Aviata at Brooksville is appreciative of Lauren’s service.

Lauren encourages others to explore long term care as a career path: “It’s one of the most meaningful fields in healthcare. It challenges you emotionally and professionally, but if you are compassionate, adaptable, and value teamwork, it can be incredibly fulfilling.”

For nearly 30 years, Lugen Aikens has provided compassionate care to the elderly. She does this because she loves the relationships and the continuity that comes with caring for patients and residents in long term care.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse at Orange City Nursing & Rehab, Lugen ensures that residents’ medications are administered safely. She monitors her residents for changes in condition and ensures consistent and comforting care to her residents while also maintaining infection prevention protocols to keep them safe and healthy.

Lugen enjoys the teamwork and professionalism she experiences in her environment. She shares that communication is the key to supporting each other and providing the best care possible, and that having patience and treating residents with dignity and respect is what makes her career meaningful.

Lugen ultimately wants to become a Registered Nurse and is currently enrolled in the RN program to work toward that goal. When asked why she chose this career, Lugen shared that long term care is deeply rewarding. “It allows you to build relationships while developing strong clinical and leadership skills,” she said.

Lugen wants others who are considering this career path to know that if you are compassionate, dependable and want to make a difference in the lives of others, long term care is an excellent career choice. “Supporting residents daily, advocating for their dignity, and watching small acts of compassion is incredibly rewarding,” she says.