Growing up in a household where the medical field was ever-present, the sight of my mom, a nurse, coming home from her shifts at the hospital and the stories my aunt shared from her nursing career filled our family gatherings. Nursing felt like a natural path for me to follow. My older brother and I, deeply influenced by these strong women and our Nicaraguan heritage, embraced the calling to carry forward the values they instilled in us.
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the Goldfarb School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri, I began my career at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, working in the oncology unit. Starting a nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in an oncology unit with immunocompromised patients, was a test of resilience. The challenges were always present, but I was fortunate to have incredibly supportive coworkers who guided me through those tough times.
As a first-generation American, my Nicaraguan heritage profoundly influences how I care for patients, with a focus on family and community support. This background has instilled a sense of warmth and personal connection, ensuring every patient feels seen and cared for. These principles guide me daily from my early days on an oncology unit to my current role.
Two years into my time at Barnes-Jewish, I became interested in exploring the country beyond my hometown of St. Louis and growing from new experiences as a nurse. I began travel nursing contracts, first in Atlanta, Georgia, and then in Dallas, Texas. These opportunities opened my eyes to the diverse challenges and cultures within different hospitals and specialty care areas. This time was rewarding and enriching, though it came with its own set of difficulties, such as adapting to new environments. Despite these challenges, I always found support among my coworkers, and together, we managed to provide the best care possible for our patients.
After these contracts, like many nurses, I started to feel uncomfortable with the rigidity around hospital shift scheduling and wanted more control over my schedule. A year ago, I discovered ShiftMed, a platform that allows me to choose when, where, and how often I work, providing the ultimate flexibility. This approach helps manage burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. With ShiftMed, I can easily plan my schedule around personal events and travel. For instance, I can take a week off to visit Chicago or plan a two-week trip to the Philippines without any hassle or waiting to see if my request for time off was approved.
I work three 12-hour nursing shifts a week with ShiftMed at SSM Health in St. Louis. The platform’s flexibility means I can shift my workdays around my personal life, ensuring I don’t miss out on important events with family and friends. This control over my schedule has allowed me to travel more and buy my first home, which I just started moving into—a milestone I am incredibly excited about. I typically pick all my shifts a month in advance, allowing me to plan my life with certainty and ease.
Friends, family, and colleagues often ask me about working for ShiftMed, and I am curious how it all works. Many think it sounds too good to be true. They’re often surprised at the level of control and flexibility I have over my schedule. The scheduling platform lets me view available shifts well in advance and select those that best align with my life. This flexibility is a game-changer for managing the unpredictable demands of a nursing career. It also helps me prevent burnout, as I can adjust my schedule to ensure I get the breaks I need.