Estelle Douglas, Director of Nursing at Springtree Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center makes a difference in residents’ lives and will continue to do so for years to come.
Estelle Douglas was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare after hearing stories of her uncle, who was a surgeon in England. Estelle began her nursing career in Liverpool, England, first as a midwife before heading to Canada to become a charge nurse. Estelle then changed her path to focus on long term care nursing. She was recruited to Florida and ultimately became the Director of Nursing at Springtree Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Sunrise.
Estelle still imparts lessons she learned during those early years in nursing, ensuring her team understands the importance of work-life balance. To this day, Estelle takes part in a monthly luncheon with her fellow nurses, which provides an opportunity to share best practices and maintain a support system among like-minded friends.
Estelle has spent many years working hard to enhance the quality of life for residents. She recognizes that staff are the cornerstone of that commitment to quality, and the positive work culture she fosters as a leader, together with the centers’ administrator, is key to their success. Ongoing engagement between residents, family members, staff and the entire interdisciplinary team is also important to improve resident outcomes, and Estelle makes sure that approach to how they deliver care never changes.
For those considering a career in long term care, Estelle shares that it is not for the faint of heart. “It requires commitment and dedication, but I find the more I invest in my residents’ wellness, the more fulfilled I feel,” Estelle says. “I can confidently say I make a difference in my residents’ lives, and I will continue to do so for years to come.”
