Heather's nursing journey wasn't always straightforward, but her path is now clearer than ever. After she became a caregiver for her father, she gained confidence and was inspired to pursue a career in nursing. Now as a National Clinical Educator at Aveanna, she sees herself as a "bridge between best practice knowledge and the hands providing that care to others."
Where did your journey in healthcare begin?
I worked in healthcare in many facets before beginning my nursing journey. I worked as an assistant in an orthopedic center and their MRI and eventually worked as a hospice volunteer coordinator. I knew it took a special kind of person to work as a nurse, and I didn't think I had what it took. I was able to travel to Greece to be with my father when he was completing his lung cancer battle. I realized then that I might have what it takes. So, I went to LPN school and worked at skilled nursing facilities, temp agencies, and with a plastic surgeon/aesthetic practice to gain experience.
How were you introduced to Aveanna?
Working with a surgeon and in skilled nursing facilities gave me a great foundation for learning clinical skills, but it wasn't the right fit for me. When I came to Aveanna, it was like a whole different world. I started as a Quality Assurance Nurse and later got my RN while being here thanks to the flexibility and the support of my team. I moved up to being a Clinical Supervisor working with patients of all acuities and developmental levels. I then transitioned to the National Clinical Education team nearly 3 years ago. Aveanna has been amazing over the years, allowing me to work and grow and giving me the ability to care for my parents during the pandemic and continually supporting me in my endeavors.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a National Clinical Educator?
My motivation truly comes from my team and their support, innovation, and excitement. It's nothing like I've ever experienced. This team is home, and it is a family. I strongly identify with any position I take; this team has allowed me to be seen and grow. In my day-to-day role, I love getting to see nurses from all walks of life coming together to learn new skills during my classes. Knowing you're touching the lives of patients from coast to coast really puts it into perspective the importance of what we do.
What does being an NCE mean to you?
Being an NCE means I'm a bridge between the best practice knowledge and the hands providing the care to our patients. I'm able to share those best practices with the most caring and gifted nurses out there so they can change the lives of our patients and their families. I have the opportunity to elevate and improve processes. I have the ability to affect change in a meaningful way, even with the small tasks. I have a team that supports me and makes me better every day. I have the honor to do the same for our locations and field staff.