Employee Spotlight: Vickie Mathis, CNA
From Atlanta, Ga.
In September of 1971, at just 19-years-old, Vickie Mathis started what would become a 46-year—and counting—tenure at A.G. Rhodes.
“I was so tiny,” recalls Mathis. “I was too short, but I could do the work, and the residents took me under their wing. I felt like I was at home, and I still feel like that.”
Mathis is A.G. Rhodes’ longest serving employee, and to hear her talk about her career, you wouldn’t know she was describing work at all. She speaks with fondness and gratitude about her experiences.
“I love what I do,” says Mathis, who works at A.G. Rhodes’ flagship location near Grant Park. “The best part of my job is the residents that I’m taking care of. I listen to them and I learn from them.”
In her nearly half-century of service at A.G. Rhodes, Mathis has seen many changes throughout the organization. Among them, Mathis started when A.G. Rhodes only operated one nursing home and there wasn’t a rehabilitation department. But one thing has remained constant; Mathis’ love and admiration for the people who stay at A.G. Rhodes.
“When I come to work, I come with love,” says Mathis. “If the residents want something, I try my best to get it for them.”
Mathis says it’s important to get to know the residents, be patient with them and don’t rush through the job.
“Go read to them, water their flowers and keep them company,” says Mathis. “Pay special attention to what makes them feel at home. Give them a smile.”
Mathis also says that residents have unique histories and upbringings, and that it’s important to honor that part of their lives.
“You’d be surprised at their backgrounds,” says Mathis. “Some were doctors, some were school teachers—they all have a past.”
When she’s not working, Mathis enjoys relaxing and spending time with her husband of 27 years, and she has three grown step-children. As for any retirement plans, Mathis says she loves what she does and she’s just taking it day by day.
“This place has been my life,” says Mathis, “I’ve been blessed.”
January 30, 2018