Before she worked at Highview, Simran Waraich was their curious neighbour
As Simran Waraich was starting her family, she watched Highview Residences being built neart to her home in Kitchener.
At first, she said she had no idea what was being built, so she decided to find out: while on maternity leave from her job as a community nurse in 2017 – awaiting the birth of her second child – she rang Highview’s front doorbell.
She asked if they would allow her to work as a volunteer.
“I could tell by the way they greeted me that day that, yes, this was the place.”
She began volunteering once a week, taking residents on walks in the garden area and reading them stories. And because of her nursing background, she was also able to assist at mealtime with some of the residents.
During her two months as a volunteer, Simran got a good sense of what Highview was really like, and she was impressed by how different it was from the GTA retirement home where she had previously worked.
“Highview is like a little family,” she said. “Everyone is working as a team, trying their best to support each other every day.”
And before long, she working as part-time as a registered practical nurse at Highview.
Simran works with her heart
“Simran works with her heart,” said Care Coordinator, Amy Clarkson. “She’s a great advocate for the residents. And she’s so willing to jump in and go above and beyond what a nurse might typically do.”
“She’s someone that I rely on a lot,” Amy added, “because she’s smart, she’s so kind with the residents, and she knows the home very well.”
…And she’s a natural educator
Simran also works with Conestoga College, supporting internationally-educated nurses when they’re on placement at Highview.
Mandeep Kaur Randhawa is one of the internationally-educated nurses Simran has supported.
“I’ve known Simran for more than ten years,” Mandeep says. “From India.”
When Mandeep arrived in Canada in 2020, she was confused about what steps to take in order to work as a nurse here. Simran helped her navigate the whole complicated process and encouraged her to start by getting training as a personal support worker (PSW).
Mandeep began working as a PSW at Highview in 2021 while continuing to pursue her nursing licence.
“I think without Simran, it would have been very hard for me to survive,” Mandeep says.
And now Mandeep, like Simran, is working as an RN at Highview.
“Simran’s a good teacher,” Amy says. “She listens to the students and understands where their strengths and weaknesses are. Then she provides education that sets them up for success.”
For her part, Simran enjoys the opportunity to show Highview to students.
“I really feel proud when we walk in and I introduce them to everyone,” she says.
“Explaining Highview’s promise and teaching them about dementia. I feel so grateful to God for that opportunity every single time.”
When Joy Birch, COO of Highview Residences heard what Simran said, she smiled and said, “And you you know what we’re grateful for? Simran!”
Every Moment. By Design. With Love.
That’s Highview’s motto.
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