For LPN Tenetha Collins, working at Newport House is simple: it’s not about a paycheck, but about heart. “You’ve got to love what you’re doing. And I love what I’m doing. That’s why I’m still here.”
Her 25 years in senior living, agency work across Omaha during the pandemic, and experience at Douglas County Corrections shaped her approach. Through these roles, she learned what matters and what doesn’t, in a workplace.
Tenetha’s story appears in My Story, Our Mission, a video series hosted by Chrissie McDaniel, Manager of Talent Acquisition, and Jameon Rush, Director of Marketing. Each episode features team members who demonstrate Immanuel’s mission at work.
A welcoming difference
When Tenetha first stepped into Newport House, she quickly sensed something distinct. “This is the best facility that I have ever worked at. The staff, the residents, and it's very clean and welcoming.”
After working in various organizations across Nebraska and Iowa, she found Newport House’s environment and its people to be a meaningful shift. The strong staff-to-resident ratios, supportive team culture, and attention to cleanliness stood out immediately.
What sealed her decision to join Immanuel was the support she received before starting. She needed a schedule to care for a family member. Many employers hesitated. Immanuel didn’t.
“When I was telling them about my situation, they immediately told me that I can have the position, and they'll work with me, so I'm stuck with them,” she said.
Beyond a job title
Tenetha’s official role is as a licensed practical nurse, but she is known for her adaptability. She rejects the idea that senior living limits nursing. Her work, from medication to comfort care, covers all aspects of nursing, and she values every part.
“I am a nurse, but I am flexible,” she said. "I can be a CNA. I can be a med aide. I can be housekeeping, whatever I need to do for my residents, I'll do it.”
A personal calling
Tenetha’s dedication to senior care began long before she earned her LPN. She spent weekends traveling to Kansas City to help care for her grandfather during his cancer treatment. That experience shaped her direction.
After 23 years as a CNA, she became a nurse, inspired in part by caring for her daughter through serious health challenges. Throughout her career, whether helping family or residents, her focus has always been on supporting others.
At the core of her current work are the relationships she builds each day: “My residents, I love them. I love them.”
A team that stands out
Tenetha credits her positive experience to her team. She describes Newport House’s team as helpful, welcoming, and collaborative since her first day.
She can’t point to a single defining moment at Immanuel because, for her, the daily interactions, teamwork, and shared commitment to residents matter most.
“It's just the job in general, the people in general,” she said. “That's why I love being there.”
Looking toward the future
Tenetha hopes to continue her education and has even considered pursuing an RN degree. But no matter what comes next, her commitment remains clear: “I'm not leaving this field for nothing. I will retire in this field.”
Her journey, rooted in compassion, shaped by experience, and grounded in community, reflects the spirit of senior care at Newport House and Immanuel.
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