For the people who spend their lives showing up for others, that part never really goes away. It shows up in how they listen, how they notice, and how they respond when someone else needs help.
At Edgewood, we have the privilege of seeing that every day. Many of the residents who call our communities home come from careers rooted in healthcare. And that matters more than people realize. Because when someone has spent their life in healthcare, they do not just receive care.
They evaluate it. They notice the details. They know when something feels rushed. They know the difference between being treated and being truly cared for.
“There were three things a woman could be at that time. A nurse, a nun, or a teacher… so I chose nurse!”
Wanda Chernenko is a resident at our Edgewood Village community in Bismarck, North Dakota.
She was a Registered Nurse for over 45 years. Surgery. Obstetrics. Emergency Medicine. Infection Control. Quality Assurance. Nursing Supervisor. She saw it all. She was educated at Trinity College and originally found her way into nursing in a way that feels almost unbelievable now.
“There were three things a woman could be at that time. A nurse, a nun, or a teacher… so I chose nurse!”
What started as a simple decision turned into a lifetime of caring for others across multiple states, from Idaho to Georgia.
And like most great nurses, it was never just about the job. It was about the people.
One moment has stayed with Wanda her entire life.
A young man came in after a serious car accident. She cared for him for over a month. She got to know him. His family. His story. She was rooting for him. He was eventually transferred to another hospital, and sadly, he did not make it.
Not long after, Wanda received a card from his family thanking her for being “his favorite nurse.” She has never forgotten that.
Because that is what care really looks like. Not just treatment or clinical skill, but connection.
When asked what makes a great nurse, Wanda did not hesitate. “Caring about other people.”
It sounds simple, but anyone who has experienced healthcare knows it is not always guaranteed.
Wanda also shared a moment from her time in a Catholic hospital in Nevada. When patients could not afford a ride home or a meal after discharge, the nuns would step in. They would drive them home, buy them food, and make sure they were okay.
That kind of care stays with you. And it shapes what you expect when you are on the receiving end.
During Nurses Appreciation Month, we take a moment to recognize the heart behind the profession. The long shifts. The hard moments. The quiet acts of compassion that often go unseen.
At Edgewood, that recognition runs deeper. We see it in residents like Wanda, who spent decades caring for others and still carry that same heart today. And we see it in the care that continues around them every single day.
Because being a nurse was never just a job. It is who they are.
At Edgewood, care feels like home. It grows in the everyday moments, the familiar faces, the unhurried conversations and the relationships that deepen over time.
Because here, you’re not just another face in the room. You’re known.
Ready to see what your career could look like?
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Many of our residents are teachers and they still bring the same patience and understanding they used in the classroom into everyday life here. They may not have lesson plans anymore, but they’re still shaping the room, building connections, and making people feel seen. They didn’t stop teaching they just changed classrooms.
Many families start the Medicaid conversation when they’re already in crisis, but the process takes time. Understanding the basics and planning ahead can make all the difference when care is needed.
Volunteering has no age limit at Edgewood. Teens, families, and residents all make our community stronger. Join us this National Volunteer Month.
It starts early, moves quickly, and rarely slows down. A caregiver’s day is filled with compassion, patience, and moments that matter. Here’s a closer look at the life of a caregiver.
