For Donald Saw, being a nurse is both a personal and professional calling.
As an immigrant from Myanmar, Donald’s connection to healthcare runs deep, inspired by his parents, both of whom were in the medical field in their home country.
This legacy has led Donald to a fulfilling career in geriatric nursing with a goal to earn his degree as a registered nurse. As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), his dedication shines at Immanuel's Newport House, a CMS 5-star-rated skilled nursing and long-term rehabilitation community in Omaha. There, Donald delivers compassionate, high-quality care to residents.
Donald’s healthcare journey began with the influence of his parents. In Myanmar, his mother was a nurse, and his father worked as a physician. Although Donald’s family moved to the United States seeking new opportunities, his parents' careers stayed with him, fostering his own passion for the medical field.
“I thought if I understood healthcare, maybe down the line, I could help them out as they got older,” he said.
After relocating to Omaha in 2011, Donald eventually pursued a college degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and graduated with a minor in gerontology — a field that naturally aligns with his love for working with the aging population.
For Donald, working in geriatric care is uniquely rewarding. In his role as an LPN, he finds a meaningful connection with his residents, which he sees as an essential part of nursing in a geriatric setting.
"People often think this work is just passing out meds and checking on residents," he said. "But it’s more than that. It’s about connecting with people on a more personal level."
Donald’s career in healthcare began as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). It was here that he first realized his aptitude and love for the field.
"A lady told me, 'You’d make a good nurse.' So I gave it a try, and I loved it."
Donald chose to work at Newport House after hearing positive things about its supportive culture.
“The recruitment process was smooth. From day one, everyone was welcoming and willing to answer my questions. The Director of Nursing went out of her way to connect with me," he said.
This welcoming environment, along with Newport House’s accommodating schedules for college students, has made the community an ideal place for Donald as he continues working toward his registered nurse (RN) degree.
In a field that often draws professionals to high-stakes environments like ERs or ICUs, Donald finds something special in working with older adults.
"There’s a misconception that geriatric nursing is boring, but every day is different,” he said. “Helping a resident with something as simple as turning on their TV or making a phone call is rewarding."
Donald’s long-term goal is to continue his work in gerontology, ideally as a nurse practitioner. He credits the Newport House team and Immanuel’s mission-driven approach for helping him grow as a healthcare provider. For him, each day begins with essential tasks like checking in on residents and administering medications, but his interactions with residents are what he values most.
"I feel like it's more than just nursing. I like to connect to people,” he said.
Donald’s story highlights the dedication and compassion of the Newport House team, providing invaluable, resident-centered care to residents. Through his work and pursuit of an RN degree, Donald is set on making a lasting impact in geriatric nursing, inspired by a legacy that began half-a-world away.
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