🌟 Personal Growth & Experience

What has been the most impactful professional development experience in your clinical career so far?

When I worked bedside, I took my first travel assignment, and I was honestly scared to leave my comfort zone. I shared my concerns with a colleague, and she gave me advice that completely shifted my perspective: ‘Every hospital is the same.’ She was right—once I realized that the core of patient care doesn’t change, I felt more confident stepping into new environments. That moment of professional growth gave me the courage to take on more challenges, and it ultimately opened doors in my career that I may not have pursued otherwise.

Share a moment when professional development helped you overcome a challenge in your role?

Nursing has a reputation for “nurses eat their young.”  I vividly remember the time I was a recipient of this treatment, and how defeated I felt.  I even questioned if nursing was the right career for me.  I stuck with nursing, and a few years later, I was working with a new grad in the ER.  A trauma came in, and the new grad froze.  It made the situation much more stressful.  I want to change the “nurses eat their young” reputation, so I was able to have a conversation with patience, respect, and mentorship to help both of us be better prepared for the next time. 

How has your role evolved thanks to ongoing learning or training opportunities?

My first job in a hospital was as a phlebotomist.  Then I obtained my LPN license, and shortly after became an RN.  I started working bedside in my local ER.  My ER director encouraged all the staff to get the CEN certification.  This led me to take a travel nurse contract.  Then, in return, it led me to a drive to work in the cardiac cath lab.  Then, my patient care career led me to work in home care as a hospice case manager.  I have had such a colorful and rewarding patient care career, all because I wanted to obtain a specialty certification. As a nurse, I see myself as the advocate of the patient, and in my current role with Ascom, I’m able to be the advocate for the nurse.  My career has evolved from bedside nursing to using my nursing knowledge to improve the patient care experience through continuing education in nursing informatics. 

🚀 Learning & Aspirations

What skills are you currently working on, and why are they important in today’s clinical environment?

I graduated in June 2025 with my Master’s in Nursing Informatics from Western Governors University following receiving my BSN from them in 2021. These experiences have given me insight into the impact of professional development.  I want to continue to advance my career to help improve the patient experience. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in a clinical role, what would it be?

Be open to any opportunity, and don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.  This will allow you to see your passion on a greater scale.

What’s one professional goal you’re excited to achieve in the next year?

I want to continue developing my skills as a leader, serving our wonderful Ascom customers and coworkers as a resource with my clinical knowledge.