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January 1, 2024 | Blog
Benedictine Living Community-Dickinson

Celebrating 50 Years of Compassionate Care: Sharon Privratsky’s Milestone at Benedictine Living Community-Dickinson

Sharon Privratsky has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating 50 years of dedicated service at Benedictine Living Community-Dickinson. Her lifelong commitment to respecting and caring for the elderly began in childhood, helping her neighbors and grandparents with basic household tasks like cleaning and laundry. Inspired by her mother, who worked at the original nursing home on the south side of Dickinson, Privratsky’s journey in elder care was destined from a young age.

Privratsky began as a volunteer (known as a ‘candy striper’ in those days because of the striped dress uniform) around age 15 at the new Dickinson Nursing Center back then, where Benedictine Dickinson is still located today. She assisted residents with opening their mail, reading letters and providing companionship. By age 16, Privratsky started working in the laundry department, moved to dietary, and ultimately achieved her goal of becoming a nurse’s aide. Later, when certification became mandatory, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Privratsky’s dedication and leadership were recognized when she was selected as a CNA Team Leader, a position she has held since. She was also honored to become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), which she maintains today.

When interviewing Sharon, a common theme was how much things have changed over the years. The stories she could share are countless, making it difficult to summarize five decades of memories, coworkers and residents.

What has kept you motivated and passionate about your work for so many years?
“I love the history of St. Benedict’s, visiting with the residents and listening to their stories. It’s all about the residents: taking care of them and meeting their needs, being here for them no matter what. I have never had a reason to not come back to work.”

What changes over the years have had the most impact on your work?
“Getting new products like mechanical lifts, gait belts and electric beds. Disposable products like gloves and incontinent supplies have really made our work easier. It’s a different environment now.”

What advice would you give to a new CNA starting today?
“I always say, you have to want to do this job. You have to be a compassionate and caring person.”

Outside of work, Privratsky enjoys crafts and crocheting, a skill she learned from a resident. Her family has always been supportive of her career, understanding the long hours and shift changes without complaint. The family tradition of service runs deep; Privratsky’s sister also worked at Benedictine Dickinson for 50 years before retiring, and now Privratsky’s daughter and four of her grandchildren are employed there as well. Privratsky plans to work for a few more years and then become a volunteer once again. Her legacy of compassionate care continues to inspire those around her and she says she hopes to be remembered for her kindness. 

To start your rewarding career in senior healthcare, see open positions at BenedictineDickinson.org/careers or call 701-456-7242 for more information.