As a child, one of Diana's favorite pastimes was transforming her room into a classroom for her dolls and stuffed animals. Her dream was always to become a teacher. However, those plans changed after Diana became a caregiver for a loved one. As a National Clinical Educator at Aveanna, Diana blends her passion for teaching and healthcare to equip nurses with the knowledge they need to bring incredible care to more families around the country.
How were you introduced to healthcare?
As a child, my dream was to be a teacher. It wasn't until I reached my 20s that I was inspired to pivot to healthcare. My stepfather was diagnosed with ALS in 1998, and I saw the way my mom cared for him. I decided to take a test to become a medical assistant to help my mom with his care. After I passed the test, I was recommended for an LPN to RN bridge program. I completed that program, and it solidified my love for healthcare!
When did you join Aveanna?
I was first introduced to home health in 2014, after gaining experience in a skilled nursing facility. In 2021, I transitioned to a Clinical Supervisor role at Aveanna, where I worked in one of our local offices for about 2 years. During this time, I learned all about Medicare and Medicaid and truly enjoyed getting to work with nurses and patients in our area.
At what point did you transition to the National Clinical Education team?
As a Clinical Supervisor, I tried to make the orientations and annual skills checks at our location fun and educational for our nurses and caregivers. My coworkers told me that I had a calling and talent for teaching, so when I heard about an opening on the clinical education team, I expressed my interest right away. I've been in my position for nearly 2 years, and I've loved every moment!
How do you stay inspired as a National Clinical Educator?
I'm constantly inspired when I see the "a-ha" moments of our nurses during a lesson. I love when I see them engaging and learning something they didn't know before. To know that they'll take that knowledge to help our patients and their families is so special.
What does being a National Clinical Educator mean to you?
It means that I'm able to do what I love to do. I've taken my dream of being a teacher and woven it into healthcare, which is something I never expected to do. I'm able to reach all over the country, connect with nurses, and share knowledge to create "everything nurses" who can change the lives of those we serve.