One of the founding members of Aveanna's National Clinical Education team, Stacey is on a mission to equip our nurses with the best training and to ensure they always feel supported and prepared. With nearly 25 years of nursing experience in the hospital and home settings, Stacey uses her expertise to help create Aveanna's industry-leading clinical education content. The impact of her work is felt by thousands of patients across the country every single day.
How did you get started in home care?
My goal was always to help sick children. I started my nursing career in the pediatric intermediate care unit, a step down from the pediatric intensive care unit. I got to know the patients and their families and noticed so many of them struggled to get home or stay home from the hospital because they didn't have the private duty nursing care they needed.
For several years, while working full time at the hospital, I picked up a couple of shifts a month in home care because I wanted to be part of the solution and help these patients avoid readmissions. I got to meet families in the hospital and then really bond with them at home as well!
In 2012, I left the hospital and transitioned into a nurse educator position with a different home care company that later was part of an acquisition. I worked as a clinical educator for a little over a year before moving into a regional nursing director role. I was in that role for about 3 years. When I heard that there was an opening on the clinical education team, I jumped back into education. That was my first love! When the company was later acquired by Aveanna, I was fortunate enough to remain in education, and it's where I've been ever since.
What do you love about clinical education?
I remember being a new grad nurse. I remember how much my teachers, preceptors, and mentors meant to me and the difference they made in my career. Their guidance and encouragement meant the world to me. I love knowing I'm doing the same for other nurses. We provide help, resources, and education. We give that instruction before it's even asked for, so that we know our nurses are confident going in. I know I am exactly where I'm meant to be, offering the support that our nurses need.
What does being on the National Clinical Education team mean to you?
This team is unlike any other I have ever been a part of. Since transitioning to home care 13 years ago, I have been part of several different teams across three companies. The level of teamwork, standardization, and collaboration is by far the best I have ever experienced. I really enjoy knowing the impact we have on the organization, seeing the growth of others on the team, and taking pride in knowing that I contribute to that.
What sets Aveanna's clinical education program apart?
We have an incredible National Clinical Education team whose sole purpose is providing the best training possible to our clinicians. Our materials and resources are industry-leading and evidence-based with best practice across the board.
How does your nursing background influence your work now?
I've had the privilege of working in so many roles as a nurse – from critical care in the hospital, to home care nursing, to instructing nurses and leading a location. I know what it's like to be in the field, to work one-on-one with patients and families. I've been by myself caring for a patient with a trach, vent, feeding tube, and seizure disorder. That experience makes a huge difference in my work today because I understand the training and assistance the nurses and aides in the home need.
What would you say to a nurse considering a career in home care?
If you're thinking about home care but you're not sure, I would say come to Aveanna! Try it out, come meet us, and see what we have to offer. We have top-notch education and 24/7 support. We have what you need to feel comfortable working with patients in the home, and we have opportunities for advancement and professional growth. You'll find so much here if you decide to give home care a shot.