Meet Jason Nitz, the administrator at Brookestone Meadows (brookestonemeadows.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Brookestone Meadows is a not-for-profit skilled nursing facility that offers both long-term care and short-term rehab located in Elkhorn, NE.
How did you get started in the business? – I grew up in it! My mother was a CNA and would bring me into facilities that she worked in to do activities with residents and volunteer. Those experiences during my childhood fostered a love and passion for working with older adults.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – COVID…The impact this pandemic has had on our residents, team members, and families has been such a challenge to overcome in this industry. I don’t think I would be far off saying that it was especially challenging for those that are in the skilled nursing industry. We are fortunate to have a fantastic support system coming from our Vetter Home Office team and so many great people across all our Vetter facilities that are always willing to help to support one another.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been “going steady” with my spouse for nearly half of my life. We have two Tibetan Mastiffs (Shamus and Gwendolyn), an orange short haired tabby cat (Winston), and we are expecting our first human child in January.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I was transitioning out of the Navy, I remember asking myself what it was that I was going to do going forward? Would I continue being a jet mechanic in the civilian world? When I reflected on what jobs made me the happiest, I always came back to working with older adults.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I am an avid gardener in the summer and fall. I enjoy woodworking projects, classic trucks, and restoring/modifying antiques. I have also been known to binge watch a show or two with my wife.
Who inspires you? – The people I work with every day. Having gone through so much with COVID, watching them persevere, and continue to strive to provide the best quality care for our residents regardless the situation. Passion begets passion, and they keep me passionate and inspired everyday with what they accomplish as they continue to pursue excellence.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Take care of your people, and your people will take care of you.” A supervisor shared this with me when I put on rank for the first time in the Navy and those words ring truer every year.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Kind. It cannot be understated how important it is to always start from a point of kindness in all our interactions. If I can throw in a dash of humor and make someone smile, then even better!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Betty White! She was an incredible actress, philanthropist, and activist who was a perfect example of someone who could shed a stereotype.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 289-2696; brookestonemeadows.com.