How did you first learn about Signallamp?

Two years ago, I was Assistant Director of Nursing at an assisted living facility and loved my job, but in May of 2021 I began to experience a myriad of physical issues. After many doctors I was finally diagnosed with multiple tick-borne infections which affected my health significantly and would not allow me to drive, eventually stopping me from working. After a stint on unemployment and using my saving, I was able to focus on doctor’s appts, treatment, etc. Unfortunately, the treatments were not successful, so I was not able to return to my previous nursing experiences, but in Signallamp I discovered a remote nursing opportunity. It all occurred just as my unemployment was ending, the timing was so perfect I believe it was direct move of God. At first, I wasn’t even sure if I could do the job well because of my struggles related to the infections, but this month marks the one-year anniversary of working at Signallamp and I am so grateful! Every day is a struggle physically and mentally, but God provided a job that I enjoy and can do well.

What do you like the most about your job?

I like the flexibility this job affords me because it allows me to work around my health issues. This is important to me because my symptoms are constantly changing throughout the day. I am able to take many small breaks, lay down if needed, and adjust my schedule by flexing my time if necessary.

What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?

Listening goes a LONG way! I have learned more about my patients just by taking the time to actively listen to them. Sometimes I’ve even caught things others have missed simply by paying attention to certain cues in our conversations. I am still improving my listening skills, but this job gives me lots of practice!

Compared with day one, how has Signallamp grown?

I appreciate all the options for resources we have available here. No matter what issue my patient is having, I know that I can reach out to someone and get answers. But I am also always finding new options in Salesforce which help in my conversations with my patients.

If you could select one co-worker to mentor you, who would you pick and why?

Jen Marichak would be my number one pick because she has been so helpful since day one. She has been so supportive and patient with me every step of the way, and I really appreciate her.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I am expanding my small vegetable garden by starting a squash tunnel (using an arch trellis). It may not be successful, but I’m learning and trying new things. But my favorite thing to do is to spend time with my family. We go for long walks, watch my nephews and cheer them on at their sport leagues. Sometimes we just enjoy chatting on the patio, and we have family dinners every week. My health issues have made time with them even more precious, since I now realize how fragile life can be.

What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I applied to be a caretaker for cats on a Greek island. Sadly, I did not get the job!

Tell us about the craziest experience you have had with a patient:

Personally, I always find “coincidences” to be crazy to me. Calling a patient at just the right time, even if it’s just for emotional support, always blows my mind. These encounters are definitely a “God thing” and I’m glad to play a small part in them.

Share a success story from your time in CCM:

There are so many personal and medical success stories, but besides those there are many relational success stories which really highlight the value of Signallamp’s CCM program. My favorite relational story is when a patient switched to an insurance which no longer made her eligible for our program, but she was determined to maintain access with me, so she found an insurance rep and worked with both FHMS and Signallamp to make sure she regained eligibility. This helped me realize that our monthly calls really mattered.