Step into the office of Virginia Oliver, Staff Coordinator at McGregor, and you’re immediately struck by the contrast between her calm, kind demeanor and a phone that rarely stops ringing. It quickly becomes clear that Virginia plays a vital role in keeping the wheels of care turning, skillfully coordinating staffing for nurses and State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNA) who care for McGregor residents.
“I really love this job because all the pieces keep moving, and there is never a day that isn’t interesting,” Oliver said. “My favorite part is watching young people walk through the door as brand-new nursing aides – often nervous about how they’ll perform and whether they’ll be supported.” She finds deep satisfaction in seeing nurses step in to mentor and encourage them, offering both patience and guidance.
“I’ve heard nurses say many times to an aide, ‘Never forget the why,’” Oliver shared. “It means staying connected to your purpose – caring for people, helping them during vulnerable moments, and making a difference, even when the job feels exhausting. It truly fills my heart to see that cascade of caring flow from nurses to aides and ultimately to the residents, and I feel I’m part of making that happen.”
According to Oliver, McGregor genuinely supports and encourages staff members who want to advance professionally. One of her favorite examples is Taryn Walcott, Unit Manager, who began her journey at McGregor as a dedicated and compassionate aide before earning her nursing degree.
“When Taryn started, she was eager to learn and a little nervous,” Oliver recalled. “I watched her work closely as an aid with her nursing mentors, and over time she was inspired to enroll in a nursing program. Today, she’s a McGregor nurse. It took determination and perseverance, and I’m incredibly proud of her. Tara is now a highly valued member of the team, just like so many other STNA and nurses who provide heartfelt care to McGregor residents.
That commitment to promoting from within is one of McGregor’s greatest strengths, Oliver said. Team members are encouraged to grow professionally, and if that means adjusting work hours or schedules so someone can attend classes or earn a certification, it’s viewed not as a burden – but as a positive investment in their future.
Oliver also cherishes the strong sense of collaboration she sees throughout the organization. “I love seeing teams of women working together here at McGregor – some of them for decades,” she said. “From Human Resources to Wound Care nurses, Unit Managers, the Minimal Data Set team, social workers and therapists, strong women are supporting this organization and each other every day.”
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