Vickie is a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and her journey at Aveanna is no exception. After she experienced the power of private duty nursing in her own family, she was inspired to go back to school to get her respiratory therapy degree. She now works as a National Clinical Educator at Aveanna and helps inspire nurses to provide life-changing care, just like her own family received.
How were you first introduced to home care?
I knew little to nothing about the home care industry before I had a special needs child of my own. When I saw firsthand the impact my child's care team had on my family, I was inspired to help make a difference in the lives of others in my work as well. No one knows the value of in-home nursing until they experience it themselves, like I did. I'm so grateful that my role helps bring that level of clinical excellence to more families.
What inspired you to become a respiratory therapist?
Home care was not on my mind as a career until I had a special needs child. Seeing the impact our private duty nurses had on our family was something that truly impacted me, and it was the reason I was able to go back to school to get my degree. Knowing that my child was being cared for while I was away gave me the confidence and peace of mind to pursue my own education. I attended Greenville Technical College and graduated with my degree in respiratory therapy largely because of the nursing care my family could have at home.
When did your path cross with Aveanna?
Years before I worked at Aveanna, I was honored to be a respiratory therapist and was able to provide in-home services to oncoming trach and vent nurses. Then I had the opportunity to apply to an Executive Director position. I worked as an Executive Director at Aveanna starting in 2015. When the pandemic began, I left my role to work in the hospital and doctors' office when they were in dire need of respiratory therapists. After four years, I was encouraged to apply to the role of National Clinical Educator in 2024. I've been here ever since and don't see myself leaving!
What keeps you inspired in your role at Aveanna?
I really feel like with every class I teach, I make a difference that trickles down to the family. In my role as a National Clinical Educator, I'm touching not only the nurses, but the families they support. I love when I see a nurse have an "a-ha" moment of knowing how to do something because I know that training will positively impact the patients.
How does our National Clinical Education team set Aveanna apart?
The time we spend training our nurses is crucial. Aveanna is devoted to the idea of teamwork and supporting our nurses in everything they do, which all goes back to our mission of care and support. Through our training, we don't miss any steps. That makes me stronger in what I do. I know we make a difference and see that every day.
What does being a National Clinical Educator mean to you?
It means being part of a revolutionary opportunity -- teaching nurses in an innovative way. It means teamwork, purpose, collaboration, learning, and everlasting results.