Key Takeaways
- Sunrise nurses blend clinical expertise with compassion to support residents daily.
- Care at Sunrise goes beyond tasks, focusing on presence, trust, and human connection.
- Small moments—listening, reassuring, advocating—shape residents’ sense of home.
- Behind the scenes, nursing teams coordinate care while supporting families, too.
The Nurse Whose Impact Extends Beyond One Community
Karen Chaffin’s career in nursing has always centered on one thing: caring for seniors with consistency, compassion, and leadership. A registered nurse (RN) who has spent nearly her entire career in senior care, Karen joined Sunrise in 2004 and has since supported residents, families, and teams across multiple communities in Washington.
Over the years, she has served in leadership and clinical roles across Sunrise. Most recently, after retiring from her role as resident care director at Sunrise of Edmonds in 2025, Karen stepped back into leadership as interim executive director—helping guide the community through a period of transition and ensuring continuity of care for residents and families.
This year, Karen is being awarded the Assisted Living Nurse of the Year honor as part of Washington Health Care Association’s (WHCA) Excellence in Service Awards, honoring her decades of service and the lasting impact she has made across Sunrise communities. Colleagues say the recognition reflects the depth of her leadership and the trust she has built over time.
“She kept our community afloat and cohesive,” said Victoria Bell, business office coordinator at Sunrise of Edmonds, who nominated Karen for the award. “Our team, families, and residents seek her out for advice even now.”
Today, Karen continues her work as a part‑time wellness nurse, offering guidance and mentorship not only at Sunrise of Edmonds, but at sister communities throughout the region. She supports nurse training, medication care management, and nurse delegation across multiple Sunrise locations, helping strengthen care teams wherever she is needed.
“She is an excellent nurse and is loved and respected by residents, families, and staff,” shared Pilar Jimenez, a resident care director at Sunrise of Issaquah, who also nominated Karen. “She mentors nurses and helps teams grow stronger.”
“I feel I have become a more effective leader and better provider of service to seniors with her guidance,” Victoria said.
Karen’s story is one of steady leadership, deep commitment, and a belief that caring for seniors means supporting the people—and teams—around them as well.
The Nurse Who Remembers the Small Things
Adriana Sais didn't choose nursing at first—her mom did. But it didn't take long for the career to choose her back.
"I had an incredible instructor who pushed me to face my weaknesses and grow in ways I didn't think I could," Adriana said. "She showed me the kind of nurse I wanted to be—not just skilled, but compassionate and present for others."
Today, Adriana is a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) who serves as a resident care director at Sunrise of Westlake Village, where her days are anything but routine. From morning stand-up meetings to unexpected emergencies, she moves fluidly between clinical responsibilities and the quieter, more personal moments that define her work.
One of those moments happened around Easter, when a resident mentioned she hadn't had Peeps candy in years—a small joy from childhood she'd nearly forgotten. Adriana brought her some.
"The smile on her face, along with a small tear in her eye, meant everything," she said. "It reminded me that nursing isn't just about meeting clinical needs—it's about connection."
That philosophy extends to how she sees the people in her care. For Adriana, residents aren't defined by their age or limitations—they're teachers.
"Especially with dementia residents, they continue to teach us patience, compassion, and how important it is to meet people where they are," she said.
And on the harder days? Her team carries each other through.
"We greet one another, check in during shift crossover, and build real connections before moving into care updates," Adriana shared. "Even small things—like saying good morning, thank you, or have a good day—help create a positive and meaningful environment, and that carries into how we care for our residents."
The Team Behind the Care
The sense of connection Adriana describes is reflected throughout her team at the senior living community in Westlake Village, California. When asked why they chose nursing, their answers were simple—and deeply aligned.
“I wanted to become a nurse to provide compassionate care, and to help people recover and feel safe when they are vulnerable.”
— Mehrnoush “Mimi” Ghorbankhani, LPN med care manager
“My decision to become a nurse stems from a strong desire to care for individuals who are unable to fully advocate for themselves and to contribute positively to their well-being.”
— Tara Tjulander, wellness nurse
“I always liked the idea of helping others, [while also having] a rewarding career to be able to take care of my family.”
— Rofigul Khan, wellness nurse
The Nurse Who Leads with a Hug
Raised by a single mother of four, Polly Gonzalez, a registered nurse (RN) at Sunrise of Metairie, grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other—and cared for one another. From Sunday dinners with her grandparents to building relationships with their older neighbors, she grew close with seniors at an early age and that closeness never left.
By high school, she was already volunteering her time with the local ambulance. After graduation, nursing was the next natural step. She started in critical care and worked her way to a cardiology clinic. Throughout her career, she noticed a pattern—she found herself drawn to the elderly patients. That pull led her to home health, where she saw firsthand how much seniors rely on nursing support and guidance.
When a resident care director role opened at Sunrise of Metairie during the COVID-19 pandemic, she took it—describing it as a “new venture during unpredictable times.” Her biggest challenge? The social distancing.
“I am a hugger and believe it helps alleviate stress and boost serotonin levels. And we all needed that back then.”
Today, Polly oversees all residents and wellness programs at her senior living community in Metairie, Louisiana, but what she enjoys most is the one-on-one time. Especially during the evening shifts when the conversations go a little deeper.
“Reminiscing with them about how they grew up is fascinating,” she said. “They provide me with the opportunity to approach aging with positivity rather than dread.”
One relationship that resonates with her is with a resident who struggled deeply after the loss of her husband. Polly asked if she could give her a hug. The resident smiled. So, Polly kept doing it and does so every time she sees her.
“I can’t determine if it does more for me or for her,” Polly said.
For Polly, it comes down to something simple: residents want to feel safe. And being the person who provides that—whether through clinical care or just showing up with open arms—is exactly where she’s meant to be.
The Nurse Who Stays
Jessica Barrera, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Sunrise of Boulder, was drawn to nursing for a simple reason: she wanted to make a meaningful difference. What she didn't expect was how deeply the relationships would shape her.
As a resident care director at the senior living community in Boulder, her days move between medication management, health monitoring, and coordinating care—but it's the quieter moments she holds closest. A conversation. A smile. Simply being present.
"Sometimes it's the small things that make the biggest difference," she said.
One night, that presence meant everything. A resident nearing the end of her life was experiencing significant discomfort, and hospice was unable to provide continuous bedside support. Jessica stayed late into the night to ensure she remained comfortable and received her medications on time. The resident's two daughters were there holding her hand and singing to her.
"Being present for both the resident and her family during that time reminded me that nursing goes beyond clinical care—it's about compassion, presence, and providing comfort and dignity when it matters most."
That commitment doesn't stop with residents. Jessica's team leans on each other too. They communicate openly and step in when needed, building the kind of trust that carries everyone through the harder days.
"We rely on each other not just professionally, but personally as well," Jessica said.
For Jessica, that's what senior living nursing is at its core: showing up fully, staying when it's hard, and treating every person—resident, family member, and team member alike—like they matter.
The Nurse Who Helps It Feel Like Home
For Kimari Pinkney, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and resident care director at Sunrise of Danville, nursing has always been rooted in purpose.
“What drew me to nursing was the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives during some of their most vulnerable moments,” she said. That sense of meaning—and the ability to support residents and their families each day—is what continues to ground her in the work.
That support extends well beyond the clinical side of care for Kimari. She focuses on presence—listening closely, advocating when needed, and helping residents and families feel acknowledged during moments of uncertainty.
That presence was especially meaningful during a recent move‑in. A new resident arrived at Sunrise of Danville feeling nervous and unsure about what lay ahead. As Kimari escorted her and her daughter into the apartment, the resident was moved to tears after seeing how thoughtfully her daughter had arranged her new space to feel like home. The moment marked a turning point. Since then, the resident has adjusted well—attending activities and building friendships within the community.
For Kimari, experiences like this reflect what makes caring for seniors different from other nursing environments. The work is gentler, more personal, and grounded in trust built over time.
“It’s not just about care in the clinical sense, but about offering reassurance, kindness, and making sure [they] feel safe.”
While families may not always see everything happening behind the scenes, Kimari knows how much time, attention, and intention her team puts into ensuring each resident feels prioritized, supported, and secure.
Together, through consistency, communication, and compassion, Kimari and her team help ensure every resident feels not just cared for—but truly at home.
What Nurses Do at Sunrise Senior Living
At Sunrise, nurses play a central role in supporting residents’ health, safety, and overall well-being. Their work blends clinical expertise with empathy, coordination, and advocacy—meeting residents and families where they are, especially during times of transition or uncertainty.
Depending on each state’s or province’s regulations, day-to-day responsibilities vary, and nurses at Sunrise may:
- Oversee and support individualized care services for residents
- Ensure medications are administered safely and accurately, as ordered by medical providers
- Obtain, review, and follow orders from medical providers, ensuring care plans are individualized to each resident’s needs
- Evaluate and observe changes in residents’ health and well-being
- Coordinate care with outside providers, specialists, and families
- Serve as a calming, steady presence during stressful situations
- Advocate for residents, helping ensure their voices and preferences are heard
- Take time to listen—building trust with residents and offering reassurance to families
Research underscores just how critical nursing is in senior living and care settings. Nurses help manage residents’ varying health conditions, promote independence and self-care, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and support collaboration among health care professionals. Together, these efforts strengthen continuity of care and improve quality of life for older adults.
At Sunrise, much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day. The goal is always the same: to help residents feel safe, respected, and supported—not just clinically, but personally.
If you are considering senior living for yourself or a loved one, find a Sunrise community near you. Our team members are ready to help answer your questions about care and life at Sunrise. And if you feel called to care for others, we invite you to explore nursing and caregiving careers at Sunrise.