It wasn't the Otis Redding version, but nurses who work at Chartwell Seniors housing facilities did get their own version of R-E-S-P-E-C-T this week.
The Mississauga-based company, which  over the past four years has grown to own the biggest portfolio of long-term care homes and retirement residences in Canada, handed out special pins to each of its 1,400 nurses during Nursing Week celebrations this week.
A note was included with the pin from company CEO Steve Suske setting out Chartwell's own R-E-S-P-E-C-T version of its values. The letters stand for respect, empathy, service excellence, performance, education, commitment and trust as far as the firm is concerned. 
“In our sector nurses provide much more than clinical care,” said Suske, CEO and vice-chair of Chartwell.  “Our nurses wipe away tears, comfort families and make smiles abundant while also making sure that residents receive comprehensive assessments and quality care.”
Suske added that, "in seniors' housing, we are looking after peoples’ mom’s and dad’s and I know from first-hand experience that this includes dancing, singing and holding the hands of our residents.”
Chartwell operates 272 retirement homes and long-term care homes across North America, including seven in Mississauga.
jstewart@mississauga.net