Employee Spotlight with Russell Nishimura
July 30, 2021 | Kline Galland Staff
Since the onset of COVID-19, our amazing staff has adapted and pivoted countless times to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents, volunteers, guests, and fellow staff members. We took a moment to check-in with Russell Nishimura from The Summit at First Hill to learn about how his role has evolved through the pandemic.
Russell began his role as Transportation Coordinator near the onset of the pandemic. From his first day on the job, he has continually adapted to the ever-changing needs of our residents and worked tirelessly to help them thrive through the last year and a half.
We sat down with Russell for a quick conversation about his work at The Summit at First Hill:
What is your favorite part about working at The Summit at First Hill?
Without a doubt, it is the interactions I get to have with the residents. The Summit at First Hill is a retirement community with a fun, warm and welcoming environment. Plus, every day is a little bit different. I love showing up to work and having different adventures every day.
What were some challenges that COVID-19 brought to your role?
I began my role near the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ever since, there have been new curve balls thrown my way. A big was rethinking the group activities and outings, that had to change for safety and social distancing.
How did you pivot to meet the needs of the residents?
We realized the need to put systems in place that would bring normalcy to the lives of our residents during a difficult time – and we needed to implement the changes quickly. One example was our grocery delivery service, which allowed us to bring groceries directly and safely to the doors of our residents, without them having to go to the store themselves. It brings me great joy to know that the entire staff was able to step up and meet the needs of our residents and make them feel at home.
What are you excited to have back now that everyone is vaccinated and things are getting back to “normal?”
We are extremely proud of our vaccination rates at The Summit at First Hill: 100% of our residents and 96% of our staff are fully vaccinated! This means that our residents are able to see and spend time with their families again. Activities and group outings (like trips to the zoo, museums, and sightseeing trips) are also resuming! We are all so thrilled to get back to a new sense of normal and have adventures as a community.
The Kline Galland community thanks you, Russell, for your commitment to the safety and care of the residents at the Summit at First Hill! We feel truly blessed to have you on our staff.
