Administrator, Doug Hawkins, RN
In the busy world we live in today, finding skilled nursing and assisted living that genuinely cares for its residents can be challenging. However, situated in the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Placerville is Gold Country Health Center, and in the heart of Gold Country is Administrator, Doug Hawkins, RN. Doug fosters a vibrant and nurturing environment that gives our residents a sense of belonging.
Doug’s passion for working in the skilled nursing field was evident from a young age, and he never looked back. He began his career at 18 years old working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while in college. The Director of Nurses at the nursing home he worked in asked about his plans for the future, and he confidently responded that he would like to become a Director and run nursing homes. He did just that!
Doug Hawkins has been a nurse for 35 years, with over 30 years of experience in Nursing Administration, all in skilled nursing. He has served as an administrator for nearly 20 years and has a background as a previous Director of Nursing (DON) and charge nurse.
Serving with Love
According to Doug, the most rewarding aspect of being an administrator is the opportunity to care for many individuals, not just the patients and residents but also his staff. He views it as his personal responsibility to ensure that everyone in their care has the best experience possible. To do this, he makes sure people are receiving the best employment experience they can. This includes treating people well, valuing their voices, holding them accountable, and facilitating their growth and development as caregivers and human beings. Doug notes that the most challenging aspect of being an administrator is trying to help, reassure, and guide people who struggle in life in general. While most respond and grow, for some it’s time for them to move on and find another career path. This is hard for them, and it hurts his heart, as well.
Doug’s driving force each day is providing others with a positive experience and helping them feel great. He sees every person as someone with their own unique struggles, goals, joys, and challenges in life. He commented, “… no one ever truly knows what other people have in their storybook of life. So for me, if I can help others feel great and have a positive experience, then I had MY GREAT ONE!!”
Doug’s Passion
For those considering a career in skilled nursing care, Doug advises that if you are passionate about caring for people and working closely with them in a family-like environment, then this career path would be suitable for you. All of Doug’s children have followed him in suit, working in skilled nursing with two becoming hospital administrators like their father.
Doug shares a somewhat humorous but thought-provoking piece of advice for young adults seeking a career path. They often say, “There are two careers you are always guaranteed a paycheck: becoming a mortician or working in healthcare.” Healthcare is a reliable field with a helping people role.
Come and Visit!
Gold Country Health Center stands as a testament to what a skilled nursing and assisted living community can achieve when passion, compassion, and excellence are at their core. With Administrator Doug Hawkins at the helm, the center continues to be a harbor of warmth and care for its residents and employees. Come visit us at Gold Country Health Center today!