Resident assistant manager at The Springs is a true superhero
By definition, a superhero is someone with extraordinary abilities, strong morality, and great empathy. You can tell that Vlatka (Val) Slomic is a true superhero even without the fluorescent green costume with cape.
Slomic, resident assistant manager at The Springs Healthcare and Rehab Center at Monarch Landing in Naperville, consistently shows tremendous dedication, strength, and compassion.
Slomic moved to the United States from Croatia 21 years ago. She was working the night shift at Walmart when her sister-in-law became a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and encouraged Slomic to also give it a try. Slomic said that although she struggled with English, she decided to enroll in an 8-month healthcare class.
She carefully juggled that and, while caring for her young baby and working her full-time job, earned achievements including "best in the class."
After that, she said, "My journey started."
Slomic decided to pursue her new career as a CNA in senior living.
"When I was growing up, my grandmother ended up in a nursing home. It was nothing like it is here in the U.S. It was one small building with four people sharing a room and a shower down the hall. She got good care, but she was so sad there. I told my mom that I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up. But when I finished my CNA training, I knew that this was actually the work I wanted to do," she said. "Nursing is important but different. Nurses provide the clinical care, but what I love is being with my patients, sitting with them, holding their hands and listening to their stories. I give them all my attention. I love interacting with them. As a CNA, I can help them with things like personal care and making sure they're safe. I love to help them get ready for the day."
Slomic said that she lost her own parents at an early age. As a result, she said, "I treat every resident at The Springs as if they're my own mom, dad, or grandparent. I love them."
Slomic worked at The Springs as a CNA for two and a half years and was then promoted to a CNA leader, where she oversaw both wings on the first floor. In July of this year, she was again promoted, this time to resident assistant manager. In that capacity, she said, "I'm responsible for all three floors, overseeing the CNAs, checking on paperwork, charting, and helping them. I help make sure that everything is under control and that a new admission room is ready when there's someone coming in."
"I love my new position. It's more responsibility. But I love being a leader. I'm very good at communication and sharing new ideas to make things better," she said.
"We have a wonderful team and are excited that we're able to recognize great potential like we've done with Val. We're proud to have the opportunity to help her grow professionally," said Elizabeth VanDerWal, administrator of The Springs.