The Springs Welcomes New Director of Nursing
As the newly appointed director of nursing for The Springs at Monarch Landing, Dan Fazekas said that he is responsible for the "health, safety and welfare of every guest and all of the staff. I work to make The Springs even better than it is."
Dan recalled that he was very excited entering The Springs for the first time last fall. "It was exciting walking in and experiencing the dream that everyone in skilled nursing has always had. It's just beautiful and dignified and homelike here. Everyone has a private room and bathroom. And there are real households where everyone feels like they're in a home rather than in a big institutional nursing home. It's so different than anything any of us have ever seen before," he said.
Dan first came to The Springs in October, as MDS coordinator, managing resident data for Medicare. He has more than 28 years of experience in what is his second career: nursing. His first career was carpentry. Nursing he said, is a better fit. "I love helping people and I was tired of falling off roofs."
Prior to The Springs, Dan worked in various settings, including 20 years at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing. "I worked primarily with older adults. I love working with this population," he said. "I love getting to know people, hearing their stories and helping out where they need help. I'm a people person and a nurse." He added that the growing number of younger guests choosing The Springs for rehabilitation and respite, provides a mix that he truly enjoys.
The Springs, Dan said, is a "place where residents and guests can feel like they're at home. They have a room to themselves that they can return and retreat to. This setting empowers them. Furthermore, I love the staff. We have very good people at every level and in every department. They're excellent. I haven't found anyone who doesn't want to be here, working with our guests. We have a lot of smart and compassionate people here."
Dan concluded, "This is the first job in a long time, that I really enjoy coming to. I can't wait to come in and see everybody. And it's past the official honeymoon stage, so I know it's really good!"
Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named "one of America's best places to live and retire" by Modern Maturity, and "the best city for early retirement" by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant life style for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers assisted living memory support, enriched living, respite, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.