Meet our newest National Clinical Educator: Nurse Megan! Megan's passion for pediatric care brought her to Aveanna. Her compassionate heart and teaching skill empowered her continued growth, eventually leading her to our National Clinical Education team. We sat down with Megan to learn more about her nursing career, how she has evolved at Aveanna, and what she does as a National Clinical Educator!
Why did you become a nurse?
My mom is an LPN, and my aunt is an RN. I have lots of nurses in my family, so it felt natural to go into this field. I have been a nurse since 2020. I graduated right after the COVID-19 pandemic began. It was a challenging time for all of us, but especially for nurses. That experience was really a jump start to my nursing career.
What brought you to Aveanna?
I began my nursing career in the NICU and worked in NICU triage for a little over two years. When I decided I wanted to explore something outside of a hospital facility, I found Aveanna. I loved everything I heard about Aveanna, and the recruiter told me I would be a perfect fit for a Private Duty Nursing Clinical Supervisor position with my pediatric background.
What roles have you held here at Aveanna?
I've been with the company for about 3 years, and I've had a lot of experiences and different roles during that time. The great thing about Aveanna is the variety of avenues you can take to grow within the company.
I started as a Clinical Supervisor in August of 2022 and was in that role for about a year and a half. I loved interacting with patients and families and training field staff. I learned a lot about how to communicate with and support families who were going through extremely stressful times. When an opportunity for a Clinical Director position became available at my branch, my Area Clinical Director told me I would be perfect for the role, which I started in April of 2024.
I loved working at the location, but when I saw the National Clinical Education team was hiring, I knew that's where I wanted to be with Aveanna. The way we provide education for our clinicians here is truly exceptional. I wanted to be part of that. I became a National Clinical Educator in November of 2024, and this job has exceeded all my expectations ever since.
What has helped you grow in your nursing career?
The support system and mentorship at Aveanna has made such a difference for me. At every step of my journey here, I have been empowered by leaders who are willing to help without hesitation, who believe in me, and who encourage me to take the next step.
What would you say to other nurses considering a career in home care?
If you're looking for a rewarding career and flexibility, home care is the way to go. You'll be able to schedule your work around whatever you have going on in your life. You'll see the difference you make in patients' lives long term. And you'll build unforgettable bonds with your patients and their families.
What have you found at Aveanna?
I have found flexibility. That's huge for me because I have a family at home, and I'm able to be there for them.
I've found a team. It's awesome knowing I have people who have my back. The teamwork here is extraordinary.
I have found my purpose here on the Clinical Education team, ensuring our nurses across the country are equipped with the best training. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
And I've found fun! I know that's one of our Core Values, but I have truly had fun every step of the way. Work doesn't feel like work if you're having a good time, enjoying what you're doing and who you're doing it with.
What does being a National Clinical Educator mean to you?
I have a huge responsibility of providing education to nurses across the country. How cool is that?! I am empowering clinicians, so they have the confidence to excel, and teaching them the skills they need to provide the best possible care. I take such pride in my role, knowing that I help shape our nurses and contribute to making Aveanna the best in home care.
What does being on the National Clinical Education team mean to you?
This team is everything! The way that we all jump in to help each other with a moment's notice, the way we all lift each other up – this team truly is more like a family. I am blessed to be a part of it. I feel like #1TEam1Dream is our mission on the National Clinical Education team, and everyone brings that to the table every single day. We all bring it in different ways to make the dream a reality. I truly feel like I have found my people and a sense of belonging.
How have you grown since being a member of the National Clinical Education team?
I have grown not just as a nurse, but as a person. I am more confident in my abilities. I've become a better speaker, a better educator, a better listener, and a better teammate. I never imagined that my career in nursing would have brought me here as a National Clinical Educator, but I am so glad it did. I didn't even know I could dream up this kind of career. Being on this team has taught me I can dream bigger and keep aiming higher.
We are proud to have a team of driven, experienced, and compassionate clinicians like Megan providing industry-leading education to our nurses in the field. If you are interested in joining the Aveanna team and benefiting from our National Clinical Education team, join our talent network today!