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Friday, September 20, 2024

Healthcare Superstar

How many people do you know who have never called in sick—especially working in healthcare?

Romana Jones, a Local 304 member and personal support worker (PSW) at Eagle Terrace in Newmarket, Ontario, recently retired after serving for 20 years and never taking a sick day—a remarkable record!

Originally from the Philippines, Romana is a modest woman who worked the night shift for her entire career at Eagle Terrace. Though she was trained as a midwife back home, she could not get her credentials recognized in Canada, so she spent nine years working as a nanny prior to becoming a PSW.

Her husband, Steve, credits her impeccable attendance record to her strong work ethic, developed in her youth on her family’s farm in the Philippines. When asked how she managed to stay healthy—particularly through regular flu outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic—Romana credits it to staying well-hydrated. She was also very regimented in her schedule throughout her career, ensuring she got enough rest and practicing good eating habits—something that many night-shift workers find difficult.

In her many years as a PSW, Romana found the COVID outbreak in Eagle Terrace the most challenging period.

“At one point, everyone [staff] was sick, and there were only two PSWs,” she says. “I had to help everybody.”

The chronic understaffing, in general, was challenging—particularly on the night shift, which few people are interested in working. But the residents kept Romana going. Not only did they become like family, but one resident was family—Steve’s mother.

During the height of the COVID lockdowns, Romana was the only family member who was able to see and provide comfort to Steve’s mother, whose health was rapidly declining. The other residents also relied heavily on her and the other staff for support as their families were unable to visit during the lockdowns. It was a devastating time for both staff and residents, and the already-stressed sector has still not fully recovered.

Today, Romana and Steve are enjoying retirement together. Each day starts with a walk, and they have kept busy. Romana’s been asked several times to come back because the home has had trouble finding workers to cover the night shift.

But Romana is enjoying the change of pace. She and Steve are looking into moving north to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to be closer to their daughter and her family.

Congratulations, Romana, on a well-earned retirement and an amazing run of 20 years without taking a single sick day!