Dedicated career spans four decades

Posted: 09/01/2022

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A close relationship with her grandparents led Jo Planting to pursue a career in long-term care. Right out of high school, she decided to take a job as a nurse aide at Good Samaritan Society – Estherville in Estherville, Iowa. The feeling she got serving seniors confirmed that it was the right choice.

“I always thought it was so inspiring to hear peoples’ life stories and adventures,” says Jo. “I liked to get to know them on a personal level.”

After a few years in her first role, Jo left for a while and decided to take some post-secondary classes. She was happy to return to the Estherville location as the activity director.

The role included a lot of one-on-one time with residents, and she liked having time to sit and visit with them. “It seemed too good to be true to do what I enjoyed doing,” Jo states.