Stanka Olah

When you enter a nursing home, you feel the pulse of warmth and compassion created by those who care for others there. Among them is Stanka Olah, a caregiver who performs her work with heartfelt dedication. For her, this is not just a job but a calling that she lives out every day. Her story is a blend of childhood dreams, perseverance, and invaluable moments she shares with the home's residents. Although the work is demanding, it gives her deep meaning—in the smiles, kind words, and small but precious moments of closeness.

I do my work with heart and dedication. Working in a nursing home is not just a job for me, it’s a mission. Many see the caregiving profession as difficult and exhausting, but I find meaning and satisfaction in it.

Since childhood, I wanted to help others. My parents encouraged me to pursue education, and I was especially marked by caring for my grandfather, who suffered from asthma. As a child, I made him tea, “examined” him with a toy doctor’s kit, and ensured he felt well. That’s when my desire for a healthcare profession was born. When enrolling in secondary school, due to a misunderstanding, I chose the caregiver-nurse program instead of nursing. At first, I didn’t like the profession much, but over the years I found deeper meaning in it. After finishing the three-year program, I continued my education, but was stopped at the graduation exam by mathematics. Nevertheless, I continued my professional journey at the nursing home in Lendava, where I had done my practical training as a 16-year-old, later my internship, and then I got a job.

In the beginning, the biggest obstacle for me was mobility, as I didn’t have a driver’s license, but my parents helped with transportation until I obtained it. Today, I happily go to work every day, which I perform with dedication.

My workday starts early. The alarm rings at four in the morning. A strong coffee wakes me up and gives me energy for the demanding day. Upon arriving at the home, I first check on the residents—some are restless, others wake up with a smile, some need additional care. I help them with morning hygiene, feeding, and ensure their well-being. Residents turn to me with requests, questions, or simply a desire to talk. My warm nature and patience allow me to give each person the time and attention they need.

The work is physically and psychologically demanding, but it also brings invaluable moments. A squeeze of the hand, a grateful look, or a story from the past means more to me than words. Some residents have no relatives, so I am the one who gives them warmth and a sense of closeness. Sometimes I simply sit next to someone and hold their hand in moments of sadness. My presence says more than a thousand words.

The relationships I build with the residents are precious to me. I see each of them as a person with a story, not just a patient. Their departures always sadden me, but memories of special moments remain—of the gentleman who gave me a candy every day, the lady who always admired my hands, or the elderly woman who cried in the evenings because she missed her family. I do not see residents as numbers but as people who need respect, warmth, and someone to listen to them. My work goes beyond care—I often become a confidante, comforter, and substitute family for those who have no one.

When I return home after a long day, I feel exhausted but also warmth in my heart. I know I made someone’s day better, that with a simple smile or kind word, I made a difference. Even on the hardest days, I never forget why I chose this path.

Employment means much more to me than just financial security. It gives me a sense of independence, personal growth, and satisfaction. My colleagues appreciate me for my dedication, and many residents say that my warmth and care brighten their days. By listening to stories or simply holding a hand, I bring moments of happiness.

I hope young people recognize the importance of education and employment. My story proves that with persistence and hard work, much can be achieved. I want to tell younger generations not to give up, even when they face obstacles. Any work done with heart brings satisfaction and pride.

For me, the greatest reward is the feeling that I can brighten someone’s day and offer the warmth they need.