Making a career change is never easy, especially when it means stepping away from a role you’ve trained for and built your identity around. For Angie, a registered nurse, the decision to leave the health authorities was about more than just finding a new job—it was about finding a healthier, more fulfilling work environment. Today, as a personal support worker at a href=”https://greentreeprograms.ca/”>GreenTree Community and Inclusion Programs, Angie has discovered a workplace that values compassion, teamwork, and the well-being of both employees and the children they support.
From Burnout to Fulfillment
Angie My name is Angie, and I’m both a registered nurse and a personal support worker with GreenTree. I left the health authorities about three years ago in the midst of the COVID pandemic when people were fearful, angry, and overworked. They were understaffed and burnt out—it was a very toxic environment, and I knew it was weighing on my emotional well-being. I needed a change.
That change came in the form of stepping back from my RN role and seeking a healthier work environment. I started exploring other options and found GreenTree through a friend who recommended them. She told me, ‘If you want to leave, it’s not an RN role, but you can still be a part of these children’s journey.’
I love this job in so many ways. Coming from a toxic, unhealthy environment into a workplace where people love their jobs, love each other, and love these kids—it’s been life-changing. The environment we work in is beautiful, the homes are really nice, and the kids are well taken care of.
As a mom myself, I know how important it is for children to receive the love and care they need. If my own kids ever required medical or extra support, I would want them to be in a place like GreenTree, where they are loved and cared for as if they were family. Here, these kids receive fantastic care and amazing experiences, and I get to be a part of their journey growing up. What a privilege!
A Supportive Work Culture
Angie: When it comes to the management team, they are phenomenal. They expect a lot, but that’s because they give a lot. This company works hard to provide fantastic care for these kids, and it shows—from the leadership down to every team member.
There’s a strong culture of verbal affirmation here. It’s common to hear program managers reaching out to say, ‘Thank you for doing that,’ or ‘You’re doing awesome,’ or ‘I appreciate you.’ That kind of encouragement makes a huge difference. Honestly, I wish my family life had that much affirmation! I leave work feeling like I’m making a difference, and that doesn’t always happen in the real world—but at GreenTree, it happens all the time.
A Workplace That Recognizes Dedication
Mieke Krus (Director of Operations, GreenTree): (Directed to Angie) You are always so prepared, and every time we meet, you have a list of questions. I love it! It shows me how important this work is to you and how much you value these meetings. We really appreciate you. You are a role model for our company, and I hope we have more Angies within our agency.
Making a Lasting Impact<
Angie: If someone asked me why they should work at GreenTree, I would say because you have an opportunity every single day to make a difference in these kids’ lives. You get to be a parent when their parent can’t be, and you get to create memories that will last them a lifetime.
Angie’s story is a testament to the power of finding meaningful work in a supportive environment. At GreenTree, she has not only found a fulfilling career but also a place where compassion, teamwork, and making a difference are at the heart of everything they do.
If you’re looking for a career where you can truly make an impact—whether you’re an experienced support worker or new to the field—GreenTree is hiring! Join a team that values you, supports you, and gives you the opportunity to change lives every day.
