Meet the CareerStaff Clinicians of the Month for March 2022

CareerStaff Clinicians of the Month logo on white background with stethoscope

Meet Jillian, an LPN; Nicol, an LVN; and Alyssa, a registered nurse! They’re our CareerStaff Clinicians of the Month for March 2022! 

We’re proud of these amazing professionals, and we’re honored to have them on our team. We’re also thankful to every nurse, therapist, clinician and all the other clinical professionals working hard to provide patient care. You are so appreciated!

Meet Jillian

Jillian McMullin in green scrubs with red stethoscope smiling at the camera

For Jillian, an LPN who’s been working as a nurse for 14 years now, it’s safe to say that nursing isn’t just a job, but a lifelong passion.

“Even as a young child I was always fascinated by healthcare workers and their ability to help other people feel better and get well,” she said.

“Then as a young adult my dad was very sick, and I found myself researching his lung disease and wanting to be able to help him. I wanted to pursue my early dream of being able to help those who are sick to feel better. So, I entered nursing school to make that dream a reality.”

A part of the CareerStaff family for over a year now, Jillian tells us that the best part of her day is being able to talk with her residents.

“If you listen to what they have to say, you can learn so much from them about various aspects of life. Even on the busiest shift, you can pause and find that joy in them.”

Connecting with patients and residents is what inspires her the most, and something she believes young healthcare professionals should do as well.

“Take the time to see the patients as individual patients,” she tells us. “Talk to them, listen to them.  It takes a short moment to make them feel heard and important and you will gain happiness in the process.”

Taking care of residents and being able to do what she’s passionate about is what Jillian is most proud of.

“I’m most proud of being recognized for doing what I truly love. Whether it be from the residents giving me compliments on my work, or being nominated for the CareerStaff Clinicians of the Month, to be able to do what you love and have someone else see how hard you work is wonderful.”

Her warm demeanor and care for patients is what allows her to provide exceptional care and compassion to residents.

“My favorite memory of being a clinician is when one of the residents told me they hated to see me go home.  She told me she knew I had to go home to my family, but that I am good for the residents there because I have “the right” personality for the job.  It warmed my heart and made me smile so big!”

4 Quick Questions:

What do you find most inspirational about working in healthcare? “The most inspirational part of working in healthcare is seeing the joy you can bring to the daily lives of residents/patients.”

What’s the hardest part of your job? “The hardest part of the day is when you see a resident going downhill quickly. It truly tugs at your heart.”

What’s your favorite memory about working with CareerStaff? “My favorite memory working with CareerStaff is how they recognize your effort and treat you like family.”

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 I have seen over the last 10 years in the day-to-day life of a working clinician is the burnout rate. It seems that more and more health care workers are walking away from the job due to feeling overworked and not being appreciated. I am so thankful that I don’t feel that way working for CareerStaff.”

The most inspirational part of working in healthcare is seeing the joy you can bring to the daily lives of residents/patients.

Meet Nicol

Nicol Copeland wearing gray scrubs and CareerStaff name badge smiling at the camera

Joining CareerStaff last year, Nicol knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. “I knew when I was a child,” she tells us. “My mother cared for my grandparents and other sick family members for many years and she inspired me to care for others with love and compassion.”

After working as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 15 years, Nicol recently got her license in nursing and is now working as an LVN, an accomplishment of which she is the most proud.

Since joining CareerStaff, Nicol has made many great memories, but there is one that sticks out the most. “Meeting my current client for the first time, he has a beautiful smile and is always positive.”

Caring and compassionate, Nicol tells us that one of her favorite memories during her time as a clinician is being able to have a great laugh with her clients, especially on days that they’re not feeling their best. Her advice for newer healthcare professionals echoes the same note: “You must enter this field with your heart, lots of people depend and rely on you.”

You must enter this field with your heart, lots of people depend and rely on you.

4 Quick Questions:

What’s the hardest part of your job? “When one of my clients is not feeling well I feel bad for 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 biggest change I’ve seen is more people being interested in nursing and helping each other achieve their goals.”

What’s the best part of your day? “Talking with my clients and getting to know them.”

What do you find most inspirational about working in healthcare? “Seeing your clients grow and become strong.”

Meet Alyssa

Alyssa Chicon wearing teal scrubs with arm in the air and smiling

A registered nurse for three years now, Alyssa has been working with CareerStaff since last year. “I am so beyond grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me thanks to this company,” she tells us.

“My whole experience with my recruiter – he is so awesome. I love my contract and my placement. I get to experience new hospitals, new patients, and new nursing families.”

Alyssa tells us that she takes inspiration from the compassionate nature of her career. “I love that this career involves compassion,” she says. “I was made to help others. I love that I have the opportunity to create such positive impacts in the life of many.

“I love that I have healing hands and a big heart. Nurses are very special and to do a nurse’s job is not easy. Every other nurse and medical worker in the hospital are such an inspiration. We are all doing God’s work.”

Her passion for helping others is what made her become a clinician in the first place. “I was in high school trying to find a career path. My mom, Grandma, and uncles were all registered nurses at the time. I loved that they had the opportunity to create such a positive impact in the life of others. They all inspired me.”

Alyssa tells us that being able to follow the same career path as her family is an accomplishment of which she is the proudest.

“Just being where I am today in my nursing career. I am so proud to be a registered nurse, to have been a part of such a rewarding career, to be able to change lives in a positive way, and to contribute to healing our world.”

As an RN, Alyssa has had many opportunities for growth and memories in her career. However, she tells us of a memory during her nursing career that she is particularly grateful for – one in which she was able to advocate for her father.

“Last year, my dad was living in his last days. I was the main source of communication between my family and the hospital. I was able to understand everything that my father was going through, from his lab work to his medication, to the care that was needed. I have never been more grateful to be able to be an advocate for my dad because I was not only his daughter… but a nurse.”

4 Quick Questions:

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the day-to-day life of the working clinician over the past 10 years? “Every door has been open to me. I have so many opportunities and so many chances at new experiences and growth.”

Is there anything you’ve learned that you’d like to share with others? “I’ve learned to never take things personally. People come into the emergency room in pain or with fear, which causes them to react in a negative way sometimes. This is because of the unknown. Patients are always grateful for nurses healing hands, although they may not show it at the time. Don’t take things so personally.”

What’s the best part of your day? “The best part of my day is waking up knowing that I am alive, I have an amazing job and many opportunities ahead of me.”

What’s the hardest part of your day? “The hardest part of some days is the emotional roller coaster that we may face as nurses with our patients. The mental toll that death takes on us. And trying to wrap your head around why you couldn’t save that one patient.”

Find Your Next Nursing Career Opportunity with CareerStaff

Are you interested in joining CareerStaff clinicians and nurses like Jillian, Nicol, and Alyssa in America’s leading staffing network for nurses and clinicians? We have great opportunities across the country. Start searching for your next job now!

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