Barbara Emerling has been an integral part of Pilgrim Haven for 30 years. She began as a “temporary,” filling in for a vacationing nurse. Her love of nursing, respect for the elderly and great team spirit was so apparent that she was asked to extend her “temporary” status.

As a charge nurse she raised the standards of care to higher levels by great example, mentoring, and using an engaging sense of humor. Fifteen years ago, when a chronic condition deteriorated her eyesight, she could no longer work as a nurse. She took this painful situation in stride and moved her talents out of The Health Center and onto the greater Pilgrim Haven campus. Her new title became program services coordinator.

She brings interesting lectures and entertainers to the campus and organizes unique field trips. She has taken her disability and turned it into a wonderful example for everyone – particularly those residents with vision problems. The “nurse” in her still thrives, as she listens, assesses and advises residents who trust her implicitly.
 
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