Introducing the October 2021 CareerStaff Clinicians of the Month! We’re offering our warmest congratulations to Steven, Becky, and Priscila, three incredible healthcare workers who are also proud members of the CareerStaff Unlimited nationwide network. Join us in appreciating and thanking these amazing clinical workers. To all the other nurses and clinicians working hard every day to keep patients safe and healthy – Thank you, you are so appreciated!
CareerStaff Clinicians of the Month for October
Meet Steven
A respiratory therapist for 10 years, Steven has been a part of the CareerStaff family for over a year now and loves it.
After a long career in residential construction, Steven made the switch to healthcare after the housing market crash of 2008.
“I first attempted to go to nursing school, and during that time, I was taking prerequisite courses and did exceptionally well in cardiopulmonary,” he told us. “So, I looked into the Respiratory program.”
“Going back to school at the age of 40 and getting my degree in Respiratory Care, is the personal accomplishment I’m most proud of,” he told us. “I’m a US Combat Veteran, but going back to school at middle age was the scariest thing I have ever done in my life. If I can do it, anyone can.”
Throughout his time in healthcare, Steve has had a lot of good memories, and he couldn’t pick just one. “I’d say the best part is actually when you can see that you have made a difference in the health and well-being of another person, or was successful in making the correct clinical decisions that helped that person’s condition improve.”
Over the last 10 years, the industry has experienced shifts and changes, though he’s a proud and dedicated clinician.
“The biggest change I’ve seen in the day-to-day life of working in healthcare so far is the workload,” he told us. “With the current state of the healthcare environment, staff can be stretched to the limit. However, we don’t complain. We continue to do our absolute best for our patients.”
A dedicated caregiver, Steven finds inspiration in his peers and those in the healthcare community.
“I’d have to say, the most inspirational part about working in healthcare is the people. The medical staff truly care about the patients,” he said. “Sometimes that isn’t always seen by the public. The public really doesn’t see what healthcare staff go through during a shift and the toll it takes sometimes on us both physically and emotionally. And yet we continue to do it shift after shift. Always with the hopes of making that patient’s life better.”
4 QUICK QUESTIONS!
What’s the best part of your day? “I’d say the best part of my day is when I see that patient or family member smile because they feel better and I know I made a difference in that person’s life.”
What’s the hardest part of your day? “The hardest part of my job in healthcare would have to be time management. Even though I feel I manage it well, I can sometimes get that overwhelmed feeling.”
What’s your favorite memory about working with CareerStaff? “I’d have to say that my absolute favorite part about working with Careerstaff is my recruiter. Maria Travis is absolutely amazing and is always there whenever I need her and lots of time even when I don’t. She is the best.”
Is there anything you’ve learned over the course of your career that you think young healthcare professionals should know? “The only thing I can feel that young healthcare professionals should know, and learn to practice, is patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Patience is the key. Be confident in your role. Know your specialty well and you will succeed. On a side note to this question, my daughter is currently following in my footsteps as a Respiratory Therapist and that is one thing that I preach to her is patience and confidence in her specialty is what will help her to be successful.”
Meet Becky
Becky, a CLPN, has been a clinician for 13 years and has always known that she wanted to be a nurse.
“I always wanted to be a nurse,” she told us “Life happened and I put that dream on hold. My grandfather was undergoing chemotherapy and I was his primary caregiver. It was during his care that I knew I was destined to be a nurse.”
Graduating nursing school and becoming a nurse is the personal accomplishment of which she is most proud. “I went back to school, was raising 4 boys, and worked full time as a CNA. Life was hectic, but I still graduated.”
Hard-working and caring, Becky finds the most inspirational part of healthcare is being able to help people. “I get to be the voice of those who sometimes don’t have a voice,” she tells us.
As a part of the CareerStaff family for three years, Becky says her favorite CareerStaff memory was one that took place in a shift during the pandemic.
“The night of my first shift, the news that the facility had COVID positive residents and staff had hit social media,” she told us. “There was so much chaos and confusion going on. I introduced myself to the nurses and CNAs at the nurse’s station. One of the CNAs said, ‘It’s Becky with the good hair’, which is a lyric in a song. We all busted out laughing. In that one moment, we as nurses, CNAs, but more importantly human beings, all bonded over something so silly in the midst of a heartbreaking time in the world. My heart will never forget those moments of laughter and the people involved in it.”
4 Quick Questions:
What’s the best part of your day? “The best part of my day is when I get to work and my residents tell me that they are glad I’m here today. That they missed me.”
What’s the hardest part of your job? “The hardest part of my day would have to be leaving my residents at the end of a shift. In my mind, I know that they will be cared for but sometimes my heart forgets that they will be.”
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the day-to-day life of the working clinician over the past 10 years? “The biggest change that I have seen has been the overall mindset of healthcare professionals. I’m old school. I learned paper charting, counting drops for IVs etc. There are way more technological advancements today.”
What’s your favorite memory about being a clinician? “My favorite memory would have to be when I received my first travel assignment. I had told my sons all through nursing school that after the youngest graduated from high school that I was going to travel.”
Meet Priscila
Like Becky, Priscila always knew that she was destined for a career in healthcare.
“I studied physical therapy in Brazil and that is when I realized I was destined for it,” she tells us.
Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she recently joined the CareerStaff network this year and has really enjoyed her time working with her recruiter. “I have a very nice relationship and availability with my recruiter, Nick.”
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Priscila cites that she’s seen changes in the healthcare industry, but that doesn’t stop her from remaining positive. She tells us that the best part of her day is “when I can interact with patients and learn about the impact I’ve had on their lives.”
The compassion and empathy she has for her patients are also shared with her feelings about the healthcare industry. Priscila tells us that her “ability to help people going through difficult moments with my skills and compassion” is what she finds most inspirational about healthcare.
4 QUICK QUESTIONS!
What’s your favorite memory about being a clinician? “The faces of those who are grateful for my work. I love to be able to help my patients.”
Is there anything you’ve learned over the course of your career that you think young healthcare professionals should know? “To have respect, patience, and compassion for the patient. And never give up on them.”
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the day-to-day life of the working clinician over the past 10 years? “The changes because of the pandemic.”
What’s the personal accomplishment of which you’re most proud? “Raising my two kids to be passionate and dedicated adults.”
Interested in joining professionals like Steven, Becky, and Priscila in America’s leading recruitment network for nurses and clinicians? We always have amazing job opportunities across the country! Learn more about the benefits of working with CareerStaff, or start searching for a new job now.