Madison Kinkaid is a take-charge kind of person.
The administrator at Good Samaritan Society – Bloomfield in Nebraska always knew her path included caring for others.
“I figured I was going to be a nurse,” says Madison, who received her certified nursing assistant license at age 16 and passed her medication aide test two years later.
“COVID happened and I was still in college to be a nurse, but I knew there was a bigger plan for me in long-term care because I just loved it. Long-term care was my place,” she adds.
Madison switched her college major, shadowed a few long-term care administrators and joined Good Samaritan’s Administrator in Training program. In 2023, at the age of 21, she became the administrator in Bloomfield.
“I'm from a small town, so coming here just felt like home,” she says. “The intimacy you get with a small building – having around 30 residents – you know every staff member's name, you know every resident's name, you know their family, their story. I just love the small-town feel.”
In a small town, everyone helps everyone. This home is no different.
“Her personality is very good,” says resident Ganelle Sund, “and if you’ve got trouble with your electronics or anything, she'll help them fix it all up.”
Heart of activity
Fixing it all up, as Ganelle put it, requires a hands-on approach. To that end, finding Madison at her desk can be a roll of the dice. She’s just as likely to be walking the halls or visiting a resident’s room.
“She’s out on the floor, in your face, getting to see what's happening, how people are doing,” says clinical care leader Christina Mahoney, RN. “That's really great as a leader to know what's going on out on the floor and in the office setting. You know how things are going to run cohesively when you know what's going on with both sides.”
For Madison, being an administrator means being ready to do any job in the building, no matter how big or small. It also means having a pulse on those looking up to her.
“Just checking in on how your building's flowing, how it's running, what residents are saying, what staff are saying,” she says. “If you're sitting in your office all day, you're not going to hear that.”
Those conversations also create connection.
“She always has that smile,” Ganelle says. “She'll sit down and she'll visit with you. We talk about anything and everything.”
Joy is often a two-way street.
“I love the residents here. Learning the things that make them tick, the little quirks they have that make their day,” Madison says. “You learn so much. They're so loving and caring. They love to see you thrive. I love to see them thrive.”
‘Somebody who believes in me’
Setting the standard for long-term care in Bloomfield extends into the classroom. Anyone looking to receive new training or learn a new skill will find a champion in the administrator’s office.
Nobody knows that better than Christina, who was tapped to lead the location’s new medication aide course.
“It's something I didn't think I would be able to do, but she found the resources for me to be able to do that and expand my education and my knowledge on teaching the next generation,” Christina says. “It’s really great because it's somebody who believes in me and knows that I can do something. She does that for everybody.”
Madison’s drive to learn, and pushing others to learn, improves the quality of care residents receive.
“She's a constant learner, always looking to improve,” says senior director of operations Rex Moore. “She understands that the more education she and her team receive, the better outcomes we're going to have in her building. I can always count on the Bloomfield location.”
Madison’s team can count on her for support and positivity, whether it be educational or inspirational.
“Her positivity just radiates off of her, and it can't help but put a smile on your face when she comes in with such a big smile on hers,” Christina says. “Even in the midst of chaos, she'll come out with such a positive attitude and tell you everything will be all right. We'll make it through.”
Ever Forward Administrator Champion
Coordinating a surprise for an active administrator takes planning – and some acting.
In Madison’s case, her surprise started with a brief phone call that she was needed in the solarium.
“She said, ‘I need you,’ and hung up with no more explanation,” recalls Madison, who headed down the hallway with urgency before seeing two colleagues.
“From probably three-fourths down the hallway, I kind of holler, ‘What is wrong? What is going on?’” Madison continues. “They both looked at me and walked away.”
Minutes later, Madison found out she was being honored as the National Ever Forward Administrator Champion for the excellence she brings to Bloomfield.
“It was an out-of-body experience. I almost fell over and apparently, I looked like I was going to pass out,” Madison laughs.
“I've listened to the Ever Forward nominations every year, and they're so inspiring and they truly make you cry,” she adds. “Hearing that I was called for that, it didn't feel real.
Just the thought that someone went out of their way to nominate me for something I feel is just what you need to do every day was – I don't even have words for it still.”
Where Madison doesn’t have words, others do.
“God gave her the talent to do this role. I think she recognized that at a young age and finds value in her role. It just comes naturally to her,” Rex says.
“She really cares and truly loves her job as an administrator, which is such a challenging job to begin with,” Christina adds. “But she shows you that it's more than just a job – I'm here for a purpose and for a drive that I just want to take care of people in a different way.”
Taking charge of taking care of others.
“You have to care about the residents. This is their home. You work in their home,” Madison says. “It's not always an easy transition when someone comes into long-term care or senior care, so being that positive light or someone to offer a smile each day just makes my day.”
