Being named the “Mother Teresa of Nursing” is a pretty high form of praise. Nurse Mary Schaaf’s former coworker, Mary Spangler, gave her the title and many others agree it fits her perfectly.
“I’ve always tried to treat the residents like I would a family member and to be patient with them if they had concerns or anything,” Schaaf said. “I was always willing to sit down with them and listen to them.”
Good Samaritan Society’s Vice President of Operations Aimee Middleton said Schaaf is a “dream team member.” For 50 years, Schaaf has treated every coworker, patient and visitor like they are family, Middleton said. She helps new employees “learn the ropes,” residents settle in and families relax during the transition to assisted living.