Meet Theresa, Registered Nurse and National Clinical Educator! Theresa's journey took her through various nursing roles, from long-term care facilities to hospital settings and eventually to home care. Each step of the way, she faced challenges and found opportunities for growth. With a little bit of glitter and a whole lot of heart, she found her way home to Aveanna and the National Clinical Education team.
How did you get started in nursing?
I always knew I wanted to be either a teacher or a nurse. When I became a mom as a teenager, I needed a stable career that worked for my family. I chose nursing because I could start working quickly and continue my education while I balanced work and family. I started out as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and immediately knew that nursing was it for me. I liked helping people every day. And there are so many teaching opportunities within nursing – teaching a patient at the bedside, nurse-to-nurse education, nurse mentorship, providing in-services, and ultimately, my current role as a nurse educator where I am molding the next generation of nurses. I'm living the dream following both of my passions.
What roles have you had as a nurse?
I started out working in a long-term care facility. I found compassion there, but it just wasn't right for me. Next, I went to the hospital and worked for many years in a subacute step-down unit caring for long-term critical care patients. It wasn't until later in my career that I found home care, and it was completely by accident. Once again, life kind of led me to where I was meant to be. I moved to Arizona to be closer to my daughter. I was just looking for a temporary position, but what I found ended up being home for me.
What has your Aveanna journey been like?
Every single role I've had at Aveanna has felt like home, like it was where I was meant to be. If you had asked me when I started working as a private duty nurse in the home if I would ever be in a leadership position, I would have told you I wanted to work at the bedside forever. I felt so welcomed by the families and patients I worked with. But eventually the office team asked me to become a Clinical Supervisor and use my skills to help even more families.
As a Clinical Supervisor, I learned that one of my strengths was teaching. I loved the Clinical Supervisor role, but when a Clinical Educator position became available, my Area Director encouraged me to apply. I was so nervous during the interview! Whenever I'm nervous, I sprinkle a little glitter – that way if I don't feel the sparkle coming from the inside I can always look down and see it on the outside! That little bit of magic helped me through the interview, and I have felt it with me throughout my time on the Clinical Education team.
What makes this role the perfect fit for you?
We touch so many lives as clinical educators. We can spark magic in each nurse who comes through our trainings, and they will go on to touch countless lives. Do you know how much glitter that is? But's it's not just magic or glitter – it is compassion mixed with expertise. We have skill and we have heart, and that's what makes a difference in our patients' lives. Instilling that expertise and compassion in our nurses is what our National Clinical Education program is all about.
What encouragement would you give a nurse interested in a career in home care?
Working in home care, you have autonomy, flexibility, and a wonderful opportunity to help not only the patient, but also the entire family, grow and thrive. There's no other setting like that. You'll see a side to your patients that you would never get a chance to see in the hospital. When you work with patients in the home, you have the opportunity to see them at their best and help them reach their full potential.
At Aveanna, you can reach your full potential as a nurse as well! I am a testament to the fact that there are paths to success no matter where you start from. I had two kids before I graduated nursing school, and today I am a national educator for a company that is leading the home care industry. There are so many opportunities for growth and development here. I'm honored to play a part in helping other nurses find their way home just like I found mine.
Find your home at Aveanna today! Join our talent network to learn more about the opportunities available here.