Welcome, Brooke Donald

Donald Named New Director of Nursing at LeConte Health and Rehabilitation Center

Brooke Donald, BSN, RN, joined LeConte Health and Rehabilitation Center in January 2021 as the director of nursing. Hailing from southern Mississippi, her passion for her work is evident, both through supporting her nursing staff and serving the residents of LeConte’s skilled care facility. Donald and her husband have two daughters, one attending college in Nashville, and one who attends Sevierville Middle School. They have two dogs and now call the Smoky Mountains home.

“We prayed about it,” she says. “I feel the Lord opened the doors to my coming here, and it was a matter of us taking the leap of faith.”

Values Aligned

Upon learning more about the director of nursing position, Donald immediately knew her values aligned with LeConte Medical Center and the Health and Rehabilitation Center.

“Patient care has to be a top priority,” she says. “My goal is to make this a safe and loving place for the residents as well as a place where people want to work, and where employees enjoy their job.”

From a young age, Donald felt drawn to the medical field. She received an LPN certification and an associate’s degree in nursing at colleges in Mississippi, and earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. While working full-time, she also taught nursing at a local junior college and enjoyed educating others in her field. She continued skilled nursing work while teaching and helped place her students in nursing homes as part of their clinical training.

Leading by Example

While working in long-term care facilities, Donald learned that she is energized by the opportunity to lead by example. She enjoys explaining the “why” behind certain tasks, and showing others that anything is possible – and that you can always brighten someone’s day with a smile or a kind word.

“I want to inspire my staff that we are all capable of learning new things no matter our stage in life — I’m still asking questions!” she says. “That, and proving as a leader not to let the little things get in the way of doing a good job.”

She appreciates and is supportive of all her nursing team members. “There is no nursing job that is greater than another. Especially the aides – they are the eyes, ears and hands of our residents. The best part of my job here is the residents and seeing the smiles on their faces,” says Donald. “Here, you are able to get personal with people, and it really lifts your day.”

Overcoming Challenges

Donald understands the toll that limited visitation has taken on the residents and their mental health. “We have definitely seen the impact of not having family members visit; however, with the decline of COVID-19 cases in our community, we know that hope is around the corner. We have been able to open up more dining areas for our residents. We hope the community can understand we are doing our best with the guidelines we are given. It’s a difficult task, but we are getting there. We have hope for a bright future.”

About

The friendly staff at LeConte Health and Rehabilitation Center is committed to providing the excellent long-term care your loved one deserves.  Our 54-bed facility also offers short-stay care for those needing additional rehabilitation or recuperation after a hospital stay.

Learn more at LeConteMedicalCenter.com/Health-and-Rehabilitation-Center