Connie Cordeiro is celebrating 44 years with Providence Manor, but the RPN started working with the elderly when she was only 5-years-old.
When Connie Cordeiro was 5-years-old she began feeding residents at Providence Manor.
It was 1961, and her family lived a few doors down on Montreal Street.
Her mother worked as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) at the long-term care home, and Cordeiro was a curious child who didn’t like staying at home.
“I’d just walk up the street and say I’d like to feed somebody,” Cordeiro, now 62, chuckled.
Back then the home was run by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, the Founders of Providence Care.
“When they wanted to get rid of me, they would send me to the patio to help the Sisters roll socks,” laughed Cordeiro.
“So I’d sit out there and match the socks.”
It was Cordeiro’s first time working with the elderly, but it wouldn’t be her last.
When she was 15, she got a job with the home as a PSW.
The hands-on care experience changed her life.
“I was so passionate about it. I thought this is what I’m meant to do,” recalled Cordeiro.
She wanted to quit high school and work at the home full time, but Sister Margaret Haughin forbade it.
The Sister saw something special in the teen and offered her a different job.
Cordeiro credits the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, the Founders of Providence Care, for putting her on the path to nursing.
“She said ‘absolutely not! You will not quit school! I will get you a job with Meals on Wheels,” explained Cordeiro.
“That was with the home’s kitchen. So I had a cart and I delivered meals to the Resident Home Areas. I did that afterschool and on weekends until I got married.”
Cordeiro’s graduation picture, taken in 1987.
Cordeiro took a year off after her wedding.
But Providence Manor was on her mind, and in her heart.
In 1975, she returned to the home to work as a PSW full time.
Her supervisor saw that same sparkle Sister Margaret picked up on years before and encouraged her to become a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN).
“Every time I had my performance review, she would say ‘you’re over-qualified, you should get your RPN’. Finally when I was 29, I did it, and I’m happy I did it because it’s been very rewarding for me.”
Over the years Cordeiro would prove herself to be a valuable member of the team.
Soon she was being asked to help with staff scheduling and care planning.
The new roles meant less face time with residents, which was something she struggled with.
“I always had a connection with the residents, but the Administrator at the time told me there are many ways of serving our residents, and staffing correctly impacts care too.”
44 years later, Cordeiro is still with Providence Manor and she’s cared for thousands of residents.
“Connie is just the most incredible, meticulous and organized person. She really is the gold standard of nurses here,” said Vicki Kilpatrick, Quality Improvement Facilitator.
“She has an incredible sense of professional practice that she learned from the Sisters back in the day. They had very high standards for their nursing staff. Connie is devoted and she lives Providence Care’s Mission, Vision and Values every day.”
Cordeiro making her rounds at Providence Manor in the 1990’s.
Cordeiro is now the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Coordinator.
Her role includes managing full head-to-toe assessments for every resident at Providence Manor, and making sure they’re up to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s standards.
The information documented in the assessments helps with care planning.
Cordeiro and her team also introduced care conferences for resident’s families, to have more in depth conversations about their loved ones.
Cordeiro’s latest role includes managing assessments for every resident at Providence Manor.
It’s been more than five decades since Cordeiro first strutted into Providence Manor as a child, but her desire to serve others has never wavered.
“I just wanted to make it the best place possible for residents, and give them the best quality of life, and it’s a privilege to be a part of their lives.”
She credits the Sisters, especially Sister Margaret, for putting her on the path to nursing.
“She was like a second mother and holds a special place in my heart,” Cordeiro said holding back tears.
“She was powerful, but very empathetic and she took care of her staff.”
And whether she knows it or not, Cordeiro is now inspiring the next generation of nurses the same way the Sisters did for her, more than 55-years ago.
Congratulations Connie.
We all had a lot of fun those many years ago
As she did with you, Sister Margaret saw something in me too, showing me that although blind, there was a place for me in the group of volunteers, which began my love and study of gerontology.
I’ll never forget those days and the staff who supported me during that time.
Wishing you all the best..
Well done Connie. Keep up the good work!
So proud to know and work with Connie. Her passion and dedication is truly inspirational. She is an angel on earth.
Thanks for a Job Well Done-Connie.
We are all so blessed to have you part of the Providence Care Team and we are all so Proud of you and what you have accomplished over your years of service. You are an Angel in disguise!!!!!!!!
Keep up the good work!!!!!!
I am privileged to work with Connie in the RAI department. I first met Connie in 1991 when I was a PSW student on Sydenham 3. I then began work at Providence Manor and have always looked up to her, she is so compassionate and always puts the residents needs first. She goes above and beyond her duties, often on her time off. Not long ago she took all the curtains from the auditorium home and cleaned and repaired them before returning to put them back up. She is a wonderful role model and is willing to help anyone. In October 2016 I was blessed to become Assistant RAI Coordinator and work hand in hand with Connie. I am thankful everyday.
Absolutely Love this story. Congratulations on being honored for your dedication, compassion, and hard work to Providence Manor. Well deserved!!
Connie you are an amazing lady!
Congratulations Connie!
CONGRATULATIONS Connie. I’ve had the honor of working with you on the units over the years. You always had a calmness & approachable attitude towards the staff & Residents. You’ve always taken pride in your work & it shows. Again CONGRATULATIONS