Mary "Libby" Dotta , RN
Skilled Nursing Center

"This is a part of nursing where you can make a real difference in people's lives."


"I’ve always been a people person. I’m kind of a nurturing type. I’m the oldest of the girls in my family, and I was always taking care of my younger brothers and sisters.

I started my career in Med-Surg in the hospital, and about 65 percent of the patients were elderly at the time. I found I gravitated toward the elderly. You could make a real difference with them, and I liked that aspect.

I love the people who come and stay here as their home.

You have to have a lot of patience. You have to have a lot of compassion. I love the job. I love coming to work.

I see the residents as my mother and father, my grandmother, my grandfather. I have relationships with residents that last years.

They all like smiles and therapeutic touch and hugs. You get to learn every little nuance of every patient you have. That’s the rewards of long-term care nursing.

I interviewed at several places, and this place felt like I could come and feel at home. This facility was the most home-like and the friendliest. The patients were happy. I liked the interactions of the staff. Everything about this facility was bright and cheerful, and I knew I could fit in here.

It’s the warmth I get back from the residents that keeps me going. Even if you have a stressful day, it just takes a smile and a thank you. They even go beyond thank you. They say, ‘What could I ever do to repay you?’ I always tell them, ‘Your smile is all I need.’

I get my rewards from seeing them smile. You make such a difference in their lives.

I’ve had the time of my life for the last two years. I can’t even imagine changing jobs."

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