Meet Stephen Wagner, RN, BSN
Director of Nursing at JGS Lifecare’s Nursing Home
For Stephen Wagner, RN, BSN, caring for others has always come naturally. But his path to nursing leadership took a few unexpected turns—including a career in construction and a lifelong passion for making a difference in people’s lives.
Steve grew up in central Massachusetts before moving to the Springfield area after graduating from Syracuse University in 1996. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology with an initial goal of becoming a school psychologist. Instead, he discovered nursing and quickly realized it was the perfect fit.
“I became a nurse because I was naturally drawn to helping others,” Steve says.
He earned his BSN from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and became a registered nurse that same year. Early in his nursing career, Stephen worked as an oncology nurse at Baystate Medical Center and also gained experience in mental health nursing. As his career progressed, he moved into nursing leadership, taking on increasingly senior roles and developing a passion for supporting both clinical teams and the people they serve.
Although many of his nursing roles involved long-term care and caring for adults over age 65, Wagner says it wasn’t until 2023 that he decided to focus specifically on leadership in geriatric care.
That decision eventually brought him to JGS Lifecare, where he has now been serving as Director of Nursing.
Making JGS Feel Like Home
Ask Stephen about the best part of his job, and his answer goes beyond clinical care.
“I truly enjoy helping to make JNH a home,” he says. “It is a fundamental philosophy of our organization, and we get complete support from the leadership team.”
Steve believes a home should be more than a place to live– it should be safe, welcoming and filled with opportunities for connection. He sees that philosophy come to life every day through interactions among residents, families and staff.
He particularly enjoys seeing residents take part in the many social and recreational activities offered throughout the community. From cookouts and musical performances to art projects and other gatherings, these everyday moments create opportunities for residents and staff to share smiles, laughter and meaningful connections.
“JNH has so many wonderful residents, families and staff,” Stephen says. “I really like coming to work and look forward to spending time with the residents and families.”
A Culture That Values Family
One of the things Stephen appreciates most about JGS Lifecare is its emphasis on work-family balance.
When he interviewed for the Director of Nursing position with Robert Whitten and Carol Mortensen, they made it clear that his family life mattered to the organization.
That balance is especially meaningful to Stephen, who lives in Ludlow with his fiancée, Ashley, and their four children: Chase, 16; Dylan, 14; Tyler, 10; and Avery, 5.
Outside of work, Stephen enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing in the pool, playing sports with his children and cooking — although, with a laugh, he admits he is “not the best cook.”
From Building Houses to Building Better Lives
Perhaps the most surprising chapter in Stephen’s story is one that has nothing to do with nursing.
Until 2020, he owned a construction business that specialized in rehabilitating homes. During that time, the company helped restore more than 30 houses in the local area that had been abandoned or fallen into severe disrepair.
The work was personal for Steve. His father was an exceptional carpenter, and he learned much of what he knows about construction from him. But as time went on, Steve made the decision to step away from construction and focus entirely on nursing. The choice reflected something deeper than a career decision.
“I chose nursing over construction because I felt like my nursing leadership qualities had more of a direct effect on people’s quality of life,” he says.
Today, Stephen is an integral part of JGS Lifecare. He loves working alongside staff, residents and families to help create a community where people feel safe, supported and at home.
And this seems the perfect role for the former builder: to help build a home—not just a building—for people he cares about.
