Jen Giesbrecht - Resident Care Manager

For Jen Giesbrecht, Salem Home was the land of opportunity for her nursing career.  In just seven years, she moved up the ladder to Resident Care Manager of the largest unit.  She now has 60 residents experiencing her stoic and warm approach to geriatric care. 

After some experience in private home care, Jen came to Salem Home in 2002 as a Resident Care Attendant.  She learned that the Practical Nurse [LPN] training program was coming to Winkler’s Community College. 

Salem’s educational policy made it easy for Jen to take a leave of absence for the LPN program.  She did her final senior practicum at Salem Home and transitioned easily to a full time position.

Almost like déjà vu, the RN training program rolled into town not one year after her LPN position began. Jen aspired to be an even more critical player at Salem Home. With the assistance of the forgiveable loan program she pursued more education. Jen returned to Salem as a fully qualified Registered Nurse.

Today, as the Resident Care Manager of Maple , Jen plays a role in recruiting the highest quality staff to maintain Salem Home’s extremely thorough and compassionate care. “One of the things  I love the most is when a nurse displays her or his leadership ability and a servant attitude.

When asked what the best part of her job is, Jen feels it is all about the facility itself.  She said, “I just love the atmosphere, when I come on to the Unit it just seems so warm. And it seems like a home, it doesn’t seem like they’re living in an institution.  I think that’s what Salem is trying to create - this is their home.  I’m working in their home. The Residents do not live in my work place, and that’s the environment we are creating."  

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