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Compiled by John Brieske, Pulse managing editor. Got a health care job that you love? Please send email to jbrieske@ajc.com.
Job: Pediatric/neonatal nurse, PSA Healthcare
What I do: "I provide high-quality, compassionate skilled pediatric and neonatal nursing care to medically fragile patients in their homes."
How I got into this: "I was inspired to become a nurse while in high school. I took a health occupations class and was fortunate to have a wonderful teacher that believed in me and encouraged me to follow and ultimately achieve my dream of becoming a licensed nurse."
Best part of my job: "Making a difference in the lives of my patients and seeing my patients and their families smile. Whether the smile is simply because I walked in the door of their home, or from a patient taking their first step or saying their first word. It is truly heart-warming."
Most challenging part: "Being away from my own family for extended periods of time, as well as the emotional reality that even with all of the advances in medicine today, unfortunately some of the bravest, smartest and kindest children I have ever met, or cared for, continue to die from cancer, congenital defects or injuries they sustained as a result of trauma. The loss of precious life never gets easier to accept."
What people don't know about my job: "PSA Healthcare is the nation's leading pedia-tric home care provider, and has been providing service to medically fragile children for over 20 years."
What keeps me going: "My faith, the support of PSA, my family, and my patients and their families."
Preparation needed: "PSA hires only the most experienced, knowledgeable nurses. Inpatient hospital experience, as well as pediatric and neonatal experience prior to providing inpatient care, is recommended and necessary."
